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DNA of a Healthy Church

DNA of a Healthy Church. ----------------------- Basic Building Blocks of a Healthy Church. Bryan Nowak Research Services Georgia Baptist Convention. The Survey. Data was compiled from a Healthy Kingdom Church diagnostic survey of 2,926 Georgia Baptists.

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DNA of a Healthy Church

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  1. DNA of a Healthy Church ----------------------- Basic Building Blocks of a Healthy Church Bryan Nowak Research Services Georgia Baptist Convention

  2. The Survey Data was compiled from a Healthy Kingdom Church diagnostic survey of 2,926 Georgia Baptists. The results are based on church member perceptions. It represents the greatest distinctions between healthy (growing) and unhealthy (declining) congregations.

  3. What is DNA? DNA is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. The Church is an organism and not an organization(Body of Christ – 1 Cor. 12:27). Hereditary material is passed naturally from parent to offspring. What traits has your congregation inherited from God; and from others? What are you passing down to the next generation of believers?

  4. Unity of DNA: Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Rogue DNA is not the norm. Each molecule does not have its own agenda for the body. Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells which tends to proliferate in an uncontrolled way. What could your congregation accomplish for the Kingdom if all members were working together for a common purpose?

  5. Model for DNA: Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus. The church staff and leadership team (the nucleus) model what is important (values). More is caught than is taught. What biblical and operational values are observed as important? If the church body is unhealthy, then maybe we ought to more closely examine the nucleus!

  6. Replication of DNA: An important property of DNA is that it can replicate or make copies of itself. Healthy organisms grow by replication. In our case, reproducing believers through conversion and discipleship! What would a replication of “you” look like? What characteristics would you like to see passed on to others? What would a “replica” of Jesus look like in your culture (incarnational living)?

  7. 1. Commitment to follow God’s vision and Spirit-directed leadership. 2. Commitment to build the body of Christ “inside” the church. 3. Commitment to reaching people “outside” the church. Building Blocks Three foundational building blocks separate churches that are growing and thriving from those that are spiritually unhealthy. 1. Commitment to follow God’s vision and Spirit-directed leadership. 2. Commitment to build the body of Christ “inside” the church. 3. Commitment to reach the lost “outside” of the church.

  8. Commitment

  9. Commitment • 72% of Americans say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today. • 29% of Americans say they attend a church service, pray to God and read the Bible during the week. • 16% of Americans say the highest priority in their life is their faith. Barna Update, November 8, 2005

  10. Commitment George Barna reveals insights about America’s faith: "For starters, it appears that most Americans like the security and the identity of the label ‘Christian’ but resist the biblical responsibilities that are associated with that identification. For most Americans, being a Christian is more about image than action. (“Cultural Christians”) “Add to that the widespread complacency toward Christianity among people under 40 and we have what amounts to a crisis of commitment facing the Church of the future." Barna Update, November 8, 2005

  11. 1 Commitment to God’s Vision and Spirit-directed Leadership “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”(Jeremiah 29:11) In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.(Proverbs 3:6) Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.(Proverbs 29:18)

  12. 1 Commitment to God’s Vision and Spirit-directed Leadership Implications? Characteristics of a Healthy Church • They have a clear and compelling vision. • Leaders make decisions that are in the best interest of the church. • Members understand the decision-making process. • Important decisions are made only after an adequate time for prayer. • A few people do not dominate or control the church.

  13. 2 Commitment to Building the Body of Christ on the Inside Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.(Psalm 133:1) Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.(Ephesians 4:16) Encourage one another and build each other up.(1 (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

  14. 2 Commitment to Building the Body of Christ on the Inside Implications? Characteristics of a Healthy Church • There is gladness and joy when members are together. • Gossip and conflict are not prevalent. • There is an ongoing commitment to unity within the congregation. • There is prompt resolution to disagreements. • The church has a reputation in the community for having a spirit of harmony.

  15. 3 Commitment to Reaching People on the Outside “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”(Luke 19:10) “Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”(Matthew 28:19-20) “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”(Matthew 9:37-38)

  16. 3 Commitment to Reaching People on the Outside Implications? Characteristics of a Healthy Church • An effective, evangelistic event is conducted at least once a year. • They express compassion for the physical and spiritual needs of the unreached, unchurched and disconnected. • They understand and practice “birthing” new Sunday School classes. • It is easy for new members to get involved in a small group. • There is a process for getting new members involved.

  17. Stages of Commitment An educational connection in one’s mind. An emotional ambition in one’s heart. An operational transition to one’s hand. Late Adopters34% Early Adopters13% Critical Mass is the “willing” Innovators 3% Middle Adopters34% Laggards 16%

  18. Signs of a Healthy Church Thom Rainer & Daniel Akin; Vibrant Church: Becoming a Healthy Church in the 21st Century Spiritual Vitality • The church seeks to know and to follow God’s will. • Christian growth is emphasized and facilitated. • Church members have an attitude of servanthood. • Church members are faithful in stewardship of time, talents and treasures. • The church is a place of vibrant, engaging worship. • Members model purity and integrity and do not ignore sin in the body.

  19. Signs of a Healthy Church Thom Rainer & Daniel Akin; Vibrant Church: Becoming a Healthy Church in the 21st Century Personal Vitality • The church is adaptable and flexible – willing to change. • The church emphasizes the positive and never dwells on the negative. • The church practices accountability and maintains high expectations for themselves and for others. • They don’t try to do everything, but what they do they do well. • The church has focus and purpose. • The church is proactive, not reactive. Healthy churches help create their future.

  20. Signs of a Healthy Church Thom Rainer & Daniel Akin; Vibrant Church: Becoming a Healthy Church in the 21st Century Relational Vitality • People feel accepted, encouraged and included. • The church builds families (including singles). There are appropriate ministries for every age group and life circumstance. • Conflict is handled positively and redemptively. • The church is forgiving, but not compromising on sin. • The church trusts, respects and supports the pastor. • The church has effective, ongoing communication.

  21. Signs of a Healthy Church Thom Rainer & Daniel Akin; Vibrant Church: Becoming a Healthy Church in the 21st Century Missional Vitality • The church knows where they’re going and how to get there. • The church trains and empowers people for ministry according to their giftedness. • The church constantly develops leaders. • The church is outwardly focused. • The church finds or creates connecting points with the community. • Church members are intentionally evangelistic. • The church is producing or birthing new congregations.

  22. Group Brainstorming Time Group A. How can you collectively understand and follow God’s unique vision for your congregation? Group B. How can you create an environment of love and learning within the church? Group C. How can you connect with “outsiders” in relevant, life-changing ways to demonstrate and communicate Jesus’ love effectively?

  23. Bryan Nowak Research Services Georgia Baptist Convention bnowak@gabaptist.org 770-936-5245 The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.Galatians 5:6 (NIV)

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