Cycle Starter Plans

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Having understood your church a little better with the help of the NCD Church Survey, its now time to start cycling together towards a healthier church. You’ve chosen to start experimenting and learning more about the topic to the left. Now, select one of the cycle starter plans below and write number 1 in its box. Put this sheet on your wall, then, go do it!

Next time you are meeting with others who are also working through a topic, ask each other the questions from the cycle, starting at “do” and finishing at “plan”. After a cycle you may decide the most important thing to do now is to keep going with the same plan, modify it, or choose another option from below. If choosing another from below, just write 2 in its box and so on.

If you’d like more cycle starter options, or to work on another topic highlighted by your NCD Church Survey results, just visit ncdchurchsurvey.org/cycle-starters

Compassion

  • Bring to mind one of your friends or family members who does not seem to be growing closer to Jesus. Spend some time reflecting on how God might feel about them. Then, consider whether those thoughts are consistent with the love of a good father.
  • Consider how effective your church is in caring for the needy who are already a part of your congregation.
  • Consider whether your church's approach to the power of faith prevents people from admitting that they have personal problems in the first place.
  • Discuss with your small group what it would take to ensure the group is always open to newcomers and the pathways by which those people are likely to end up in your group.
  • Discuss with your small group whether it is easier to send help to care for people in far away places than it is to cross the street to help a needy neighbour.
  • Spend time somewhere in your church's local community where disadvantaged people gather (e.g. unemployment office, courthouse, welfare store, etc.) and ask God to show you how your or your church's gifts may connect with the needs you see.
  • Start a small group that places a priority on prayer for its members and their needs.
  • To help others feel more comfortable in sharing the issues they are facing in daily life, be prepared to share the challenges and difficulties you face.