What is NCD?
Natural Church Development (NCD) was founded by Christian Schwarz, in conjunction with Christoph Schalk, who under the auspices of the University of Würzburg, Germany, began research focused on church health. The original research focused on 1000 churches, in 32 different countries, in six languages. Presently, data spans 90,000+ churches in over 70 countries and 40 languages.
What does NCD offer?
From the original research, Schwarz and Schalk developed diagnostic instruments to accurately measure the health of congregations. Verified and expanded, these tools examine eight universal characteristics of healthy churches. A congregation may use the tools to determine where they can leverage their focus and efforts to make the most significant progress in both quality (health) and quantity (attendance) of the church.
What would be the expected results of working with NCD tools and coaching?
There are many factors that determine church progress and health, and no one can guarantee attendance growth in every circumstance. But at a time when studies report that 85% of all churches are stagnant or declining, 85% of churches that have worked through an NCD cycle of evaluation and focused activity have shown both a qualitative (health) and quantitative (attendance) growth.
What is considered an NCD cycle?
In its simplest outline, a cycle consists of a church evaluation resulting in targeted steps by the congregation to address the results of the evaluation, followed by a second evaluation to measure results and evaluate outcomes.
How long does a cycle take?
Usually, 12 to 18 months.
What is the difference between a 'model' based verses a 'principle' based approach to church health and growth?
Many ministers, congregations, and organizations get enamored with a successful leader or church and try to model their ministry after another's success. But every congregation and circumstance is different. Many ministers and congregations have come to blows over the latest model for growth. Often like the clothes in an advertisement, the fit on the model was simply not cut right for you. A principle based approach to health and growth focuses upon universal characteristics that have been shown active in every healthy church no matter the size, culture, or language. How these principles are worked out and implemented in a congregation may (really must) be different for each congregation. But when these characteristics are applied growth takes place.
How can I get more information?
Contact Randy Adkisson at HCM. Use radkisson@healthyministry.com or call at 931-261-0142.
What is DISC?
DISC is a measure of personality styles. Used alone or combined with other instruments, like conflict style patterns or spiritual gift profiles, DISC can help individual teams understand the nature of their interaction with others. DISC profiles are used to facilitate team building, direction finding, conflict negotiation, interpersonal relationships, and personnel management.
What is IIM?
Intentional Interim Ministry (IIM) recognizes that churches and organizations have an singular opportunity to develop health, vision, and mission during a leadership vacuum. Instead of seeing the loss of a pastor as merely a 'loss', IIM see the opportunity for a congregation to find its own personality and mission during the interim period. With a clear process of healing, celebration, discernment, and vision, IIM is designed to facilitate the best future for a congregation and its leadership.
What is the cost involved in bringing the skills of HCM to my team, my organization, or my church?
It is the goal of HCM to make available to organizations, individuals, and churches its tools and resources regardless of their size or financial capabilities. Yes, there is a cost both in time, commitment, and finances to a healthy vibrant ministry. Each of these costs needs to be discussed on an individual basis with you and/or your leadership team. HCM does seek to develop ministry partners to help finance the ministry and as funds are available seeks to work with any Great Commission church or ministry regardless of size or financial ability.
How can I partner with HCM?
Thanks for asking. HCM is a non-profit organization registered with the Texas Secretary of State. Partners are pivotal and make possible the work of undergirding the work of the Great Commission by aiding the ministry of the many churches and organization impacted by HCM. You can become a partner by following the links on most web pages or by clicking Partner With Us. If you would rather partner through a check or bank draft, simply contact us or send your check to Healthy Christian Ministries, 4804 Crossvine, Denton TX 76208.