Home Journal - The Jericho Road

You may be hearing more from me on Natural Church Development in the future. I’m still planning some posts on the nature and work of the Holy Spirit, but these will fit well with NCD’s emphasis on gift-oriented ministry, with all of it really, since Passionate Spirituality is the theological core, the biotic principle of growth within NCD.

So…here is a good general link from the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist, who are thankfully promoting NCD to their churches. The eight principles of NCD are briefly articulated, a separate page for each category. I highly recommend taking the time to wet your appetite with this good introduction to Christ-like principles for a healthy, growing, fellowship in Christ.

I have a few books to buy and some research to do. There are good things to come.

Update on Saturday, June 6, 2009 by

Jan McKenzie

I thought I’d save you some time and provide the page intro, with links, here. This is from the site I mention above.

NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT:
Eight Characteristics of a Healthy Church

As described in the book, Natural Church Development, by Christian Schwarz, through scientific research in Christian churches of various denominations in over 100 countries, it has been discovered that every healthy, growing church has eight characteristics in common. These characteristics are:

Empowering Leadership
Functional Structures
Gift-Oriented Ministry
Holistic Small Groups
Inspiring Worship
Loving Relationships
Need-Oriented Evangelism
Passionate Spirituality