Mike Mazzalongo

#6 – 8 Universal Principlesfor Natural Church Growth

Copying “systems” from growing churches rarely works

Growing Churches(regardless of type or location)

all share 8 specific qualities at a high level.

Models vs. principles

Model:Based on “systems” used in various churches

Principle:Something that applies to every church

We should apply the principles and develop the characteristics of successful churches, not copy the models.

The point…

Quality characteristics

Not simply a characteristic but a “Qualified” characteristic.

IE. Not just a skater…

a figure skater.

Quality Characteristic #1

Empowering Leadership

Example

• A leader visits members…

• An empowering leader brings a member along to train them in visitation.

Research also showed…

More formal Theological training had a negative effect on church growth.

A positive relationship exists between the willingness of leaders to receive training from outside their congregation.

Research also showed…

Gift Oriented Ministry

Quality Characteristic #2

Helping Christians identify and use their gifts contributes to church growth more than any other ministry.

Passionate Spirituality

Quality Characteristic #3

True spirituality requires that we not only get the “forms” right - we also have to get our “lives” right with Christ.

Functional Structures

Quality Characteristic #4

Biblical Structure (Organization)

for ministry works best.

Acts 2:1-47 - N.T. Structure for Ministry

Evangelism - Acts 2:1-41

Education - Acts 2:42

Fellowship - Acts 2:42

Worship - Acts 2:42

Service - Acts 2:43-46

When all ministries are working properly and simultaneously the

Lord adds to the church.

Acts 2:47

Inspiring Worship Services

Quality Characteristic #5

Changing your “style” of worship will not impact your growth in one way or another.

The Holy Spirit draws (inspires) worshippers to God on the Lord’s Day, when worshippers

draw closer to God throughout the week.

Holistic Small Groups

Quality Characteristic #6

“Holistic” small groups are designed to help members use their gifts; share their lives; minister to one another; pray and support each other – not just eat together

“…There is an enormous difference between church leaders discussing evangelism, loving relationships, or gift oriented ministry in its staff meetings, and having Christians integrated into a small group…

“…and go through a process in which he or she actually experiences the meaning of these things in real terms within the confines of the group.”

- C. Schwartz Natural Church Development, Page 33

Need Oriented Evangelism

Quality Characteristic #7

Not everyone has a gift for evangelism but each person has 8-9 natural contacts.

Key to Successful Evangelism

•Identify & Equip the Gifted

•Concentrate on Natural Contacts

Loving Relationships

Quality Characteristic #8

A God of Love is worshipped by a church of Love

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

- I Timothy 1:5

People enter the church by the gospel.

People stay in the church because of love.

ALL GROWING CHURCHES HAVE:

1.Empowering Leadership

2.Gift oriented ministry

3.Passionate Spirituality

4.Fundamental Structures

5.Inspiring Worship

6.Holistic Small Groups

7.Need Oriented Evangelism

8.Loving Relationships