HEALTHY CONGREGATIONSDr. Paul D. Borden

Three Assumptions

(These Assumptions Form a Theology of the Church)

The First Assumption

That which is Healthy Grows and Reproduces

The Second Assumption

God Created the Church Primarily to Accomplish the Mission of Making Disciples

The Third Assumption

The Gospel Message Never Changes but the Church MUST

Change Constantly

Life Cycle Of A Church

Adulthood

Birth

Infancy

Childhood

Adolescence

Maturity

Empty Nest

Retirement

Old Age

DeathVrms s

vrmS

vRMS

VRMs

VRMs

VRms

vrMS

vRMS

VRMS

VVision…………Where are we going?

RRelationship…Who is going with us?

MMinistry………How do we get there?

SStructure……..What do we control?

Lifecycle Upside

R

V

m

s

S

M

r

v

Lifecycle Downside

Vision

Mission (Purpose)

Vision

(How the Community will be Changed if we do the Mission)

Relationships

Connecting People (Legos)

Finding Acceptance (Third Places)

Groups/Meetings (Their Different Purposes)

Ministries

Staff Led Congregations (Responsibility, Authority, Accountability)

8 – 10 Basic Ministries People Expect

Structure

Board/Council Governs

Pastor Leads

Staff Equips

Congregation Does Ministry