Natural Church Dev

Natural Church Develpoment

North Charleston United Methodist Church is stepping forward with revitalizing our spiritual and congregational life using the Natural Church Development (NCD) plan. NCD was first initiated, here, in 2008. NCD is a plan to renew and revitalize our congregation, and it is so simple:

1) We pray for our church and its future.

2) We identify an area of our church life that most needs improvement.

3) We make a one-year plan for improvements in that area and we work on making those improvements.

The next year we repeat the process. In this way, we will steadily make improvements in the areas that need it most. Our goal throughout is to uplift our discipleship, knowing God and making God known.

The prayers of our whole church family for the future of our church are needed throughout the process, for without God's blessing and guidance, we may not find the future God intends for us. Will you join us in applying the power of prayer? There are two ways you may participate: 1) You may pray for the future of our church in your personal prayers, and 2) you may join a team of "prayers", who will meet from time to time to pray together. Please let the pastor know if you will help. Of course, your prayers are just as powerful if no one knows you are praying, but we will all feel encouraged and strengthened knowing that we are all lifted up on the wings of each other's prayers. Thanks so much!

"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. Call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you" (Jeremiah 29:11-12). Isn't it time to stand upon the promises of God?

What does the title 'Natural' Church Development mean? "The kingdom of God is like a farmer who casts seed upon the ground.... Consider the lilies of the field.... The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed.... A sower went out to sow.... A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard.... Every sound tree bears good fruit...." Jesus himself so often used 'natural' metaphors to describe the growth of God's kingdom.

Each year a survey is filled out by thirty members of the congregation. The responses enable us to determine the area of our church life that most needs improvement. They also show us where we are strongest, giving us cause for celebration. Those who filled out the surveys were selected mainly by chance. With a limit of thirty surveys, not everyone could be asked. So,if you were not asked to fill out a survey last time, know that others will fill out the survey next time, and it may be you. It's essential for us all to be engaged in and committed to the future of our church, God's church.

Go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19