Natural Church Development

A Guide to Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy Churches

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Schwarz does an extensive scientific study on what makes churches grow. The research shows 8 quality characteristics of a healthy (and therefore a growing) church: Loving Relationships, Empowering Leadership, Need-Oriented Evangelism, Functional Structures, Holistic Small Groups, Inspiring Worship Service, Passionate Spirituality and Gift Oriented Ministry. As a Pastor I found the information contained in this book to be extremely helpful as it caused me to concentrate on the minimum factor in our church. There is a corresponding survey that must be taken to get full use out of the research and help you identify what your strengths and weaknesses are in your church. If you don't think scientific research can be effective at measuring intangible things like spirituality, or spiritual gifts then this book is not for you. Otherwise it will be an excellent investment.