Coaching Process

It takes about 18 months for the pastors to complete phase one of NCD(Natural Church Development) and the other facets of LoveServes International training. NCD is an effective tool used by LoveServes International Coaches to teach healthy church development. It has software and an outcomes/performance assessment along with recommendations and guidance on deficiencies, etc. (learn more about NCD).

The Coaching covers 8 essential qualities needed for a healthy church:
Empowering leadership – Leaders empower others for ministry. Leaders let go of responsibility and let God’s energy be seen in other members. Pastors need to be both goal and relationship oriented.
Gift-based ministry – People are able to recognize and use their God-given talents and Spiritual gifts for ministry both inside the church and in the local community.
Passionate spirituality – Christians in these congregations are “on fire” (Spirit filled). They have a genuine relationship with God. People’s lives are committed to their faith. They are enthusiastic and joyful.
Effective structures – The structure in a healthy church promotes growth rather than hinders it. This book suggests that department heads may work best, recommending that a co-leader (or a person in training) also be an automatic part of the structure. The right person for each job is one who has the appropriate Spiritual gift.
Inspiring worship service – Spirit-filled worship with the people thoroughly involved in the services.
Holistic small groups – Groups are to go beyond study and discussion to applying God’s message to daily life. Small groups are the place where Christianity can really be practiced. Groups multiply by having the co-leaders form two separate groups after a time. Each new group invites new participants and selects an additional co-leader.
Need-oriented evangelism – The pastor knows which 10% of the congregation have the gift of evangelism and encourage them to make use of it. She/he also encourages all members to individually share Christ with those they do know. Evangelism efforts should be focused on the person’s questions and needs. Congregation wide efforts would take the energy of the people’s interests and the community’s needs and redirect them to God’s ways.
Loving relationships – This is the experience of Christian love, not just talking about it. Examples include spending time together, compliments, being aware of personal problems, and laughter.
Based on Christian A. Schwarz’s book: Natural Church Development: A Guide to Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy Churches, 4th ed. St. Charles, IL: ChurchSmart Resources, 2000.