How we grow a healthy church
Every so often our church family takes an honest look at eight qualities found in thriving churches. Then we choose one to strengthen, together.
A simple rhythm
We use Natural Church Development (NCD), a simple, biblical way to keep a church healthy. It works in four steps, and then we start again.
Assess
We take an honest look, together. Our church family fills out a short survey. It shows where Jesus is already growing good fruit, and where we can lean in next.
Focus
We strengthen the lowest stave. Like a barrel, the lowest stave sets the limit. We put our energy there for a season, and as it improves, the whole church benefits.
Practice
We change rhythms, not just numbers. We try small, concrete steps, like training, new rhythms and clearer pathways, so people are equipped and ministries flourish in everyday life.
Celebrate
We celebrate what God does. We share what’s changed on Sundays and in groups. Then we take another honest look and start again.
Eight qualities of a healthy church
You’ll hear these in sermons, groups and team huddles. They’re our shared language for health.
Empowering Leadership
Leaders who equip people. Our leaders don’t do everything: they develop people. Expect clear invitations, training and shared ownership.
Gift-based Ministry
Serving from your God-given wiring. We help you discover your spiritual gifts and where you fit, so serving is joyful and sustainable.
Passionate Spirituality
Whole-hearted devotion to Jesus. Prayer, Scripture and worship are everyday rhythms. We expect God to move, and we respond with faith and obedience.
Effective Structures
Simple systems that serve people. We keep next steps clear and prune complexity. Structures exist to support ministry, not the other way around.
Inspiring Worship Service
Encountering God together. Our gatherings help people meet Jesus through Scripture, song, prayer and stories of God at work among us.
Holistic Small Groups
Communities that practice the Way. Our groups pray, learn, care and serve. They’re our main place for growth, care and mission together.
Need-oriented Evangelism
Good news in word and deed. We share Jesus in ways that meet real needs: listening, serving, praying, and inviting people to follow Him.
Loving Relationships
Love that looks like Jesus. We practice hospitality, encouragement, forgiveness and unity. Our love is our witness (John 13:35).
How we’ve grown
Every survey we’ve taken since 2015. Pick a year to see where each quality stood.
In 2024, our average was 79, up from 43 in 2015. Inspiring Worship Service was our lowest stave at 69, so it became our next focus.
- Empowering Leadership81
- Gift-based Ministry86
- Passionate Spirituality76
- Effective Structures80
- Inspiring Worship ServiceNext focus69
- Holistic Small Groups80
- Need-oriented Evangelism76
- Loving Relationships84
Scores compare us with churches around the world: 50 is average, 65 and up is high. Like water in a barrel, health only rises as high as the lowest stave; the short line on each stave marks 2019.
Questions people ask
How will I hear about our current focus?
We announce it on Sundays, include it in emails, and talk about it in groups and teams, with simple next steps for everyone.
Is this just for staff and leaders?
It’s for our whole church family. NCD helps all of us grow, and every member has a meaningful part to play.
Will the eight qualities ever change?
No. They’re stable, biblical qualities. Our scores change over time as Jesus grows us, and we keep focusing where it helps most.
Your part: pray, participate, practice
Join a group, serve from your gifts, and lean into the current focus. Small steps together create real change.