Many of us were introduced to NCD as a “survey” that evaluated 8 key ministry areas: leadership, ministry, spirituality, structures, worship, small groups, evangelism, and relationships.  60,000 surveys worldwide have demonstrated the validity of NCD’s initial premise:  thriving churches have a similar approach.  In healthy churches leadership is empowering, ministry is aligned with spiritual giftings, [...]

Natural Church Development (NCD) is a widely-acclaimed program which helps churches in self-understanding and healthy growth. Connie denBok, an Institute Associate and an experienced teacher of the NCD process explains how it works, and why we should pay attention.
Natural Church Development is a systematic approach to a very common process.  
A very kind lady in my church [...]

Growing numbers are learning about NCD, and qualifying as “consultants” to churches which want to learn from the process. Here one such consultant describes his own experience, and why he is enthusiastic about NCD.
I was preparing a course on ‘Church Growth’ for Taylor College when I first came across the Natural Church Development movement. My [...]

How does NCD work out in the life of a local parish? One priest writes about the exciting experience of leading her parish through the NCD process.
Some years ago, I had acquired a video of a conference held by Christian Schwarz.  Our vestry then had viewed the video and responded lukewarmly.  In early 2002, the [...]