The NCD by Christian Schwarz.
Christian Schwarz.
Schwarz was concerned with the technocrats approach in doing ministry in the church. Such human success programs have been permeating many churches. But now, he wanted to present a God-given design for growth based on nature or natural process called “biotic alternative.” He believes that learning from God’s creation is also a way of learning from God the creator (8). Church growth is not manufactured; it is learned from God. The biotic potential of the congregation must be cultivated based upon empirical and biblical foundations (13).
Schwarz reminds the reader that not all growing church have a quality growth. Both the quality and quantity must be balanced. He presented the eight quality characteristics for biotic growth of the church. They are: 1) Empowered Leadership which is people, relationship, and team-oriented; 2) Gift-oriented Ministry where members minister in accordance to the Spirit’s gifts and empowerment; 3) Passionate Spirituality which cultivates prayer life and enthusiasm—not legalism; 4) Functional Structures which promotes life and structure—not enslavery to traditionalism; 5) Inspiring Worship Services that draws people to the presence of God—not bored them away; 6) Holistic Small Groups which caters to the need of the family; 7) Need-Oriented Evangelisms where those gifted evangelists in the church were actively involved in reaching out the lost; and 8) Loving Relationships where laughter and hospitality is well evidenced among members. All of these must be present for if one is missing, imbalance creep in the church (16-38).
2 Comments:
At 11:40 AM,
Joey said…
Hi Glenn,
You are posting but your blog is not being updated. The date is still January 9. Why?
Joey
At 10:54 PM,
GlenPlas said…
I'm not sure, bro. medyo hindi ko na-asikaso blog ngayon. sobra busy. I 'm still praying I'll have internet sa haus para maka update lagi. I'm just posting our ABGTS materials na meron pa ako ngayon. I'll check this sometime na. Blessings to you all!!
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