Characteristics of a Healthy Church

Characteristics of a Healthy Church

PMN 560 01

CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEALTHY CHURCH

Fall 2012 - 2-2-2 Format

Dr. David Roadcup

Office513-244-8184

Home859-525-0535

MEETING TIMES

This class is offered in the 2-2-2 Format meeting on Thursday/ Friday,Aug. 23-24, Sept. 20-21 and Oct. 18-19. The Thursday sessions will run from 10:00am through 8:30pm and Friday’s sessions will be from 8:00am to 1:00pm.

NOTE: Be aware of the assignment (Church Analysis Paper) due on the first day of class.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is intended to assist Christian leaders to develop a philosophical base that will provide the insights, perspectives, skills and commitment to biblical ideals for leading churches to become effective in accomplishing their mission – the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20).

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

The student who satisfactorily completes the course should be able to:

  1. Outline the characteristics of an authentic, biblical model of a healthy church in contrast to the characteristics of the common alternative cultural model.
  2. Describe and trace the sources of processes that commonly obscure or subvert the church’s mission.
  3. Diagnose the state of effectiveness in his/her congregation, identifying areas of strength and handicaps.
  4. Outline a strategy for assisting the church to improve in its health.

REQUIRED TEXTS

  1. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church, Zondervan
  2. Christian A. Schwarz, Natural Church Development, Church Smart
  3. Bob Russell, When God Builds a Church, Howard Publishing Co. 2000

If you have read any from the above list, please substitute the one(s) you have read with something from the following list:

ALTERNATIVE LIST:

  1. Bill Hull, Seven Steps to Transform Your Church, Revell
  2. Stephen Macchia, Becoming A Healthy Church, Baker
  3. George Barna, Habits of Highly Effective Churches, Regal Publishing, 1999
  4. Kevin Martin, The Myth of the 200 Barrier: How to Lead ThroughTransitional Growth, Abingdon
  5. Thom Rainer, Eating the Elephant: Leading the Established Church to Grow, Pinnacle
  6. Will Mancini, Church Unique, Josey Bass Pub.
  7. Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson, Comeback Churches, B and H Pub.
  8. Thom Rainer, Breakout Churches, Zondervan

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  1. Attendance and participation – Students are expected to attend every class session and take careful notes on all lectures. Attendance will be taken for all sessions. Note: A student will be dropped from class after he or she has exceeded the allowance of 6 one-hour absences.
  1. ChurchAnalysis Paper – Write a 6-8 page description (double-spaced) of your church – its history, staff, governance, characteristics, growth patterns or lack thereof, programming, facilities, the characteristics of the community in which it is located, strengths of your church and problem/weaknesses for which you seek answers. Feel free to use “bullet points” when applicable. This assignment will be graded on its organization, quality of content and comprehensive nature. This is not a research assignment. It is based on observation, interviewing, analysis and reporting. (Due our first class session, Thursday, Aug 23rd).
  1. Reading Reports –All three of the texts must be read thoroughly. We may take time and discuss in class the major points and lessons from each text. Reading reports are to be turned in on the due dates assigned. You do not need a cover page. At the top of the first page, put your name, class name and name and author of the book you are reviewing. Please use Times New Roman and 12 point font for reports. A typed, one and a half page, single-spaced report is to be prepared using Turabian or Chicago formatting from the following guidelines:

First Half-Page – the first half-page presents the burden or message of the book. The message should be stated in terms sympathetic to the author and without explicit or implicit critique.

Second Half-Page – the second half-page presents an evaluation of the book. Identify the strong points of the material (what did you like about the book?), the weaknesses you observed and why these strengths and weaknesses are important for our consideration.

Second Full Page – the third section is given to personal reflection and application of the book. What lessons did you learn from this author? What are the most helpful things in the book for you? How did this book help you in your ministry? How have you changed personally as a result of reading this book?

  1. Research and Analysis Project – This paper is to be a research and critique paper which synthesizes the following: class lectures and discussion, assigned reading, your own research using outside sources, and your personal experience and, interviews with effective church leaders, if you wish. It should be written and applied to the church where you are serving or a church with which you have extensive knowledge (the church where you are presently ministering, the church where you are attending, your home church, etc.)

Here are critical guidelines which must be followed in the creating of this paper:

  1. The text of the paper should be 15pages in length (written text) with bibliography and addenda in addition to that 15 pages of content.
  2. Papers are to be formatted according to Chicago or Turabian styles. (No parenthetical references). You may also use the formatting guide provided by our library, which can be downloaded on line. If you use the library’s guide, do not use Courier or Courier New as the font for your paper.
  • Please use Times New Roman and use .12 point font.
  • All margins are to be one inch.
  • Please include a cover sheet with the necessary data.
  • Please staple the paper in the upper left- hand corner or secure the paper with a metal clip with folding handles.
  • Do not use a notebook, paper clip or plastic cover.
  1. Use footnotes or endnotes to document all references. You should have a minimum of 10 footnotes in terms of research information. Do not use parenthetical references.
  1. At the end, include a bibliography of all sources – those you used for research and others which you would recommend.
  1. Categories for Analysis: The following categories should be used for analyzing and describing the aspects of the church:
  1. Leadership – how has leadership been prepared to lead, how do they lead and what is the effectiveness of their leadership?
  2. Staffing – is the staffing of the church adequate, trained and effective in their ministries?
  3. Purpose, vision and direction – what is the vision for the church, has a clear vision been cast and how is it being communicated to the congregation?
  4. Internal Structure – Have the Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives been created and utilized?
  5. Evangelism – what is the specific evangelism strategy being utilized at this time and is it effective?
  6. Assimilation – how is the church assimilating it’s members and is it working?
  7. General ministries and programming – what is the church doing to arrange it’s ministry and programming offerings to the congregation? Are the ministry offerings being arranged around the Mission Statement of the congregation?
  8. Evaluation procedures – by what means and how is the life, health and effectiveness of the church being evaluated?

The heart of this project is this - from your research, observations, analysis, interviews, study and reflection, describe where the church is at present and make concrete recommendations which would strengthen and fortify the health and growth of the church you have chosen to critique in terms of its future.

  1. This project will be received, graded and returned with strictest confidentiality.
  1. Additional details of the writing of the paper will be discussed in class.
  1. Final Exam – the final exam will be comprehensive and subjective in nature.

ADDITIONAL CLASS INFORMATION

  1. Grading Scale

Pre-class Assignment Paper ………………...……………….15 %

Reading Reports …………………………………………...... 10% each (30% total)

Research and Analysis Project ………………………………40%

Final Exam ……………………………..………...………….15%

  1. Late work - Assignments are to be turned in at the beginning of each class session on their due date. If you miss the due date, you have two weeks to complete the assignment and have it postmarked and mailed or personally bring it to my office. Late assignments will receive a one letter grade deduction. If the two week extension is not met, the assignment will receive a 0 grade but the assignment will have to be turned in to receive credit for the course.

The absolute last day to turn in any work will be at 12:00 pm on Wednesday,November 14th. You can deliver the paper to my office on Nov. 23rd or can mail it and have it postmarked Nov. 23rd. Please send the paper to me at:

CCU

2700 Glenway Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45204

  1. Completion of All Assigned Work – All assignments must be completed and turned in to receive credit for the class. If, for a legitimate reason, you cannot complete the course work by final due date, please contact the Registrar to arrange for an extension.
  1. Due Dates:

Pre-analysis Paper ………………….…………….Thursday, Aug. 23rd

1st Book Report - Warren……………..……...... Thursday, Sept. 20th

2nd Book Report - Schwarz……….……….……..Thursday, Sept. 20th

3rd Book Report - Russell………...………………Thursday,Oct. 18th

Research and Analysis Project ………………...... Wednesday, November 14th

Final Exam………………………….…………….Wednesday, November 14th

  1. IN-CLASS COMPUTER AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES USE - Students who desire to take class notes on computer are encouraged to do so. However, computers are not to be used during class time for accessing the internet, doing email, Facebook, playing video games and other non-class activities. Cell phones, Blackberries and iPhones, etc. are to be turned off during class sessions (with the exception of a serious, pending emergency involving church, work or family. If this is the case, please check with the professor before class begins.) No texting or other related activities are allowed during class. Communication with the church office staff, family, individuals and friends should be done at break time and before and after class periods. Any student involved in using electronics during class for anything else other than taking class notes will be excused from class for the remainder of the class session. Repeated use will result in the student’s dismissal from the class.
  1. Hard Copy Assignments - All assignments should be turned in by hard copy. No email assignments, please.
  1. COURSE DISCLAIMER – the professor reserves the right to change or amend any part of this course plan as deemed necessary.
  1. CERPS !!!!!!!!!!!!!! – Any student desiring to use this class for a CERP must talk to the professor by the end of our first class to be able to utilize this class for a CERP. If you are planning on doing your CERP in this class, plan to stay for a 20 minute meeting at the end of our first class session. We will meet Friday, August 24th right after class.
  1. Students who require academic accommodations due to any documented physical, psychological, or learning disability should request assistance from the Academic Support Director, Marie Reeves, within the first two weeks of class. The Academic Support Office is located in the lower level of the Worship and Ministry Center (room 153). You may also contact the office by phone (244-8420).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND RECOMMENDED READING

  • Juan Carlos Ortiz, Disciple, Creation House 1975
  • Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, Macmillan, 1949. (esp. first 5 chapters).
  • Max Anders, What You Need to Know About the Church, Thomas Nelson Publisher, 1997. George Barna, Growing True Disciples, Issachar Resources, 2000.
  • Michael Green, Evangelism in the Early Church, Eerdmans
  • James Kouzes and Barry Posner, The Leadership Challenge, Jossey-Bass,2002.
  • Alan Nelson and Gene Appel, How to Change Your Church (without Killing It), Word Publishing, 2000.
  • Elmer Towns, C. Peter Wagner & Thomas Rainer, The Everychurch Guide to Growth, Broadman, 1998.
  • Leith Anderson, A Church for the 21st Century, House, 1992. (Also, Dying for Change.)
  • Michael C. Armour and Don Browning, Systems-Sensitive Leadership. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1995.
  • Michael Green, Beginning Your New Life in Christ, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.
  • George Barna, Habits of Highly Effective Churches, Regal Publishing, 1999.
  • George Barna, The Second Coming of the Church.Word Publishing, 1998.
  • George Barna, Turn-Around Churches. Regal Books, 1993.
  • George Barna, Growing True Disciples. Barna Research, 2000.
  • George Barna, Boiling Point. Regal Books, 2001.
  • George Barna, Re-Churching the Unchurched. Barna Research, 2000.
  • Robert D. Dale, To Dream Again, Broadman, 1981.
  • Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, Crossway, 2000.
  • Darrell Gruder, Missional Church, Eerdmans, 1998.
  • Ken Hemphill, The Antioch Effect: 8 Characteristics of Highly Effective Churches. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994.
  • Brian McLaren, The Church on the Other Side, Zondervan, 2000.(Also Reinventing Your Church, Zondervan, 1998.)
  • Brian McLaren, Reinventing Your Church. Zondervan, 1998.
  • Stephen A. Macchia, Becoming a Healthy Church: 10 Characteristics. Baker Books, 1999.
  • Alan Nelson & Gene Appel, How to Change Your Church (without killing it), Word, 2000.
  • Thom S. Rainer, High Expectations. Broadman & Holmes, 1999.
  • Leonard Sweet, Aqua Church, Group Publishing, 1999.
  • Dan Southerland, Transitioning, Zondervan, 1999.
  • Elmer Towns & Warren Bird, Into the Future, Revell, 2000.
  • Leith Anderson, A Church for the 21st Century, Bethany House, 1992.
  • Leith Anderson, Dying for Change. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1990.
  • Lynn Anderson, Navigating the Winds of Change. West Monroe, LA: Howard Publishing Co., 1994.
  • William Easum, Dancing with Dinosaurs: Ministry in a Hostile & Hurting World. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993.
  • Carl F. George, How to Break Growth Barriers. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1993.
  • Carl George, Prepare Your Church for the Future. Tarrytown, NY: Revell, 1991.
  • Michael Green, Beginning Your New Life in Christ, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.
  • Charles H. Cosgrove and Dennis D. Hatfield, Church Conflict (the hidden system behind the fights). Abingdon, 1994
  • Kennon Callihan, Twelve Keys to an Effective Church. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983.
  • Medford Jones, Building Dynamic Churches. Joplin: College Press, 1991.
  • Robert E. Logan, Beyond Church Growth, Fleming H. Revell, 1989.
  • Glen Martin & Gary McIntosh, The Issachar Factor. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993.
  • C. John Miller, Outgrowing the Ingrown Church, Zondervan, 1986.
  • Thom S. Rainer, The Book of Church Growth: History, Theology, and Principles. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1993.
  • Thom S. Rainer, Eating the Elephant: Bite-Sized Steps to Achieve Long-Term Growth in Your Church. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994.
  • Bill Hybels, Courageous Leadership. Zondervan, Publishing, 2002.
  • Alan Nelson and Gene Appel, How to Change Your Church Without Killing It. Word, 2002.
  • Gene Wood, Leading Turn Around Churches. Church Smart Resources, 2001 (audio-visual resources also available)
  • William Bridges, Managing Transitions, Perseus Books, 1991.
  • Jim Van Yperson, Making Peace (kit and tape), Church Smart, 2001
  • Michael Green, Thirty Years That Changed the World, Eerdmans Publishers, 2002
  • Dan Kimball, The Emerging Church, Zondervan, 2003.

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PMN 560 01 - CHC

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