Sustainability: Applying NCD growth forces to church planting

It seems to me that the six Natural Church Development growth forces can be applied to church planting as well as to church health. Today we’ll tackle sustainability.

One of the six NCD growth forces is known as sustainability. That means that any resources used should increase the capacity for ongoing growth and development, as well as serve multiple purposes. Actions we take now should contribute to future ministry cycles.

  • What are some ways individual team members can use their giftedness both to bless the team and to serve outside the team?
  • How can receptive people within the target group contribute to future cycles of ministry and outreach?
  • How can you create outreach strategies that will in turn create new opportunities for serving and reaching out?

If you’re a church planter, consider these questions as you plan to ensure that your church becomes as healthy as possible.