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

Passionate Spirituality

  • Consider what "messages" your church leaders send about their belief in your church's future and speak to them about your observations in an encouraging way.
  • Download or buy a Bible reading plan and begin using it. Be sure to think about the time of day when you will be free and relaxed to do so. If necessary, limit another activity or ask for help to be freed up to make this possible. Share with someone what you are learning or have been reminded of from your readings.
  • Listen to yourself when praying and consider whether God would find your prayer language distant or unusual compared to how you would normally speak to a very close friend. Then consider the Psalms as examples of direct, honest and expressive prayer.
  • Make a list of ten reasons for celebration from your life this week (eg. from your work, church, ministry, family and friendships, the Bible,etc.) and share some of these with at least three people in your church.
  • Reflect on challenging circumstances you face in daily life or ministry. If you rarely speak, even briefly, to God about those challenges, consider what image of God (and yourself) you may have. If you don't face significant challenges, consider what if any implications that has for your prayer life.
  • Regularly meet with someone who is known as a prayerful person and whose prayers are answered. Talk to them about their experiences of prayer and pray with them.
  • Take the 3colorsofyourspirituality.org Spiritual Style Test on your own or in a group.
  • Think of two people who are contributing enthusiastically to your church. Ask them why they are enthusiastic and why they invest the time they do.