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Natural Church Development (NCD)

Church growth is about health, not numbers. The Natural Church Development program assists churches grow as living organisms.

• What is NCD?
• What is the process?
• What NCD is not.
• Why church leaders find NCD helpful.
• How can I learn more?

What is Natural Church Development?

NCD is a different way of thinking about church growth. It’s a paradigm of growth that focuses on quality (or health), not just quantity (or numbers). In fact, NCD suggests quality should take priority in our thinking.

The NCD paradigm is based on the biblical picture of the church as a living organism, not just an organization. The growth of organisms focuses on their health, their capacity to reproduce, and how individual body parts interact. If a church can become increasingly healthy over time, it is better able and more likely to reproduce disciples, ministries, and eventually itself.

What is the NCD process?

The heart of the process is the Natural Church Development survey, which offers an accurate and up-to-date “snapshot” of the local church’s health. Each survey enables the church leadership to see the current state of health, how the church’s health has changed over the previous year, and what areas need greatest attention over the coming year.

What NCD is not.

• NCD is not a prescriptive “silver bullet” guaranteeing church growth.
• NCD is not a substitute for the unique vision God has for each church. Every church’s leader(s) must seek the Lord for that vision.
• NCD does not bring unity where there is division.
• NCD is not a short-term solution.

Why church leaders find NCD helpful.

Natural Church Development liberates leaders wrestling with growth issues.

• It reminds them that God brings the growth and that their role is to partner with God, not try to generate the growth themselves.
• It offers universal growth principles, not programs.
• It provides regular and accurate “snapshots” of a church’s health, which keeps the leadership focused on the most important issues for long-term, sustainable growth.

How can I learn more?

For further information or to explore the use of NCD in your church, please contact Dave Jackson, Healthy Churches, Canadian Conference of MB Churches (phone 1-888-653-9933).

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