Saint Andrew’s Net | September 2005 | Vol. XX No. 7 | Page 2

Natural Church Development is a process developed by Christian Schwarz and Christoph Schalk after analyzing thousands of churches of different denominations in over 60 countries in an effort to determine the characteristics of a healthy, developing church. They found that growth is a natural outcome when eight traits are present, just as plants grow with nutrient-rich soil, water, and sunlight. Thriving churches have the following eight characteristics in common: empowering leadership, gift-oriented ministry, passionate spirituality, functional structures, inspiring worship services, holistic small groups, need-oriented evangelism, and loving relationships.

The health of a church is determined by analyzing the results of a survey of thirty members. Each criteria is evaluated and a profile is used to determine areas of strengths and weaknesses. The minimum factor, or lowest-scoring area, can target efforts for improving health, even in a healthy church.

It is clear that Saint Andrew’s has been growing and improving. We are participating in this process and have over two-thirds of the surveys completed and returned. A huge thank you goes to all of you who have given of your time to help in this endeavor! This information can help us to focus our energies on improving our weaker areas so that we continue to grow into an even healthier and more mature community.