This study is a sponsored by the Archbold United Methodist Church in Archbold, Ohio. It is a study of the book, Natural Church Development, by Christian A. Schwarz.

What is Natural Church Development?

The core of Natural Church Development is a very simple idea: The secret to a growing church is that all human effort is focused on releasing the natural forces by which God grows the church. The goal is to develop a healthy congregation. However, churches that have applied the principles described in the book, Natural Church Development, usually experience numeric growth in worship attendance and membership. In recent years 85% of the congregations in the United States that studied and applied the principles experienced numeric growth.

Why Offer an Online Study?

A study of the book, Natural Church Development, is a good candidate for an online discussion for a number of reasons. The most obvious was the difficulty of finding a time when people could gather together to discuss the book. But, this book is well suited to the congregation's first attempt at online discussion because the purpose of the discussion is to help the congregation come to a shared understanding of how Natural Church Development can be used to help the church move into the future. The usually important benefits of meeting face-to-face for a church study are not as important in this case. However, it will be interesting to see if the online environment generates a sense of community.

When Do We Start?

The study will last for eight weeks beginning on January 2, 2005. Participants will be asked to read 10 to 20 pages each week. The study starts out with shorter readings. The last three weeks will cover about 20 pages each week. The Defiance District Superintendent, Rev. Rae Lynn Schleif, arranged for books to be available for $10.50. This is a substantial savings from the list price of $18.00.

Who Should Join This Study?

This is a study of a book that is a Guide to Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy Churches, so everyone who is interested in helping the Archbold United Methodist Church to be a healthy church is encouraged to join the study. As disciples of Christ we are all leaders. So all church members are encouraged to join this study.

The study is primarily designed for the Archbold United Methodist Church. However, since it is online, there is no reason to limit participation. The truth is that when we hold face-to-face studies at the church we never limit participation to our own members.

What does all this cost?

The only expense for members of the Archbold United Methodist Church is the cost of the book. If you want to participate in the study and you do not want to purchase the book, the church owns several copies and you can borrow one of them.

All of the ministries of the Archbold United Methodist Church are supported by free will donations. If you are not a member and participate in the study, you also have an opportunity to support the work of the church with a donation.

What should I do next?

1. Click on the word “Questions” on the left and review the sample questions. This will give you an idea of how this feature of the study will work.

2. Next click on the word “Discussion” on the left to see how the discussion section will work. You can read anything here, but you will only be able to add comments if you first register by filling out the form at the bottom of the Homepage. To get to the home page click on the word “Home” on the left.

3. If you have any questions write to Ken Bedell at kbedell@dnaco.net or call the Archbold United Methodist Church at 419.445.5566.