Church Growth Analysis And Evaluation For Christian Mission Training

Objectives:
• Define church growth and its role in Christian mission.
• Identify key biblical principles underpinning church growth.
• Explain the historical development of church growth thinking.
• Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative growth.
• Recognise the importance of context in church growth analysis.

Topics:
• Introduction to church growth concepts
• Biblical foundations: Acts and the early church
• Historical overview: McGavran, Wagner, and beyond
• Quantitative vs. qualitative growth metrics
• Contextual factors affecting church growth

Objectives:
• Analyse theological models of church growth.
• Evaluate the role of the Holy Spirit in growth.
• Understand the relationship between ecclesiology and growth.
• Critically assess prosperity gospel influences.
• Apply a missional theology lens to growth evaluation.

Topics:
• Theological models: missional, attractional, organic
• Pneumatology and church growth
• Ecclesiology: what is a healthy church?
• Critiquing the prosperity gospel
• Missional theology and its implications

Objectives:
• Design quantitative surveys for church metrics.
• Conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups.
• Use mixed-methods approaches for comprehensive analysis.
• Interpret statistical data on attendance, conversions, and retention.
• Apply ethical considerations in church research.

Topics:
• Survey design: membership, attendance, giving
• Qualitative methods: interviews, case studies
• Mixed-methods research design
• Data interpretation: trends and benchmarks
• Research ethics in church settings

Objectives:
• Analyse demographic data to identify mission fields.
• Understand socio-cultural barriers to church growth.
• Map community assets and needs.
• Evaluate urban vs. rural growth dynamics.
• Develop a community profile for strategic planning.

Topics:
• Demographic tools: census, GIS mapping
• Cultural factors: language, ethnicity, worldview
• Community asset mapping
• Urbanisation and church growth
• Creating a community profile

Objectives:
• Assess spiritual formation and discipleship pathways.
• Evaluate small group structures and leadership development.
• Measure member engagement and retention.
• Analyse preaching and teaching effectiveness.
• Use church health assessment tools.

Topics:
• Discipleship metrics: conversion, baptism, maturity
• Small group health indicators
• Leadership pipeline evaluation
• Sermon impact assessment
• Church health survey instruments

Objectives:
• Analyse church financial health and stewardship.
• Evaluate resource allocation for mission initiatives.
• Understand the role of giving patterns in growth.
• Assess facility and technology use.
• Develop a resource management plan.

Topics:
• Financial statements: income, expenses, reserves
• Stewardship campaigns and giving trends
• Budgeting for mission and outreach
• Facility utilisation and expansion
• Technology and digital tools for growth

Objectives:
• Evaluate leadership styles and their impact on growth.
• Analyse governance models and decision-making processes.
• Assess staff and volunteer development.
• Understand conflict resolution in growing churches.
• Design a leadership succession plan.

Topics:
• Leadership assessment: transformational, servant, apostolic
• Governance models: congregational, presbyterian, episcopal
• Staffing structures and volunteer management
• Conflict resolution strategies
• Succession planning and mentoring

Objectives:
• Synthesise analysis findings into a strategic plan.
• Design interventions for identified growth barriers.
• Set SMART goals for church growth.
• Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Present a growth strategy to stakeholders.

Topics:
• SWOT analysis from data
• Intervention design: outreach, programs, structures
• SMART goal setting
• M&E frameworks: indicators, milestones
• Stakeholder communication and buy-in

Objectives:
• Integrate all analytical tools into a comprehensive church assessment.
• Analyse real-world case studies of church growth.
• Develop a personal action plan for applying learning.
• Reflect on ethical and spiritual dimensions of growth analysis.
• Commit to ongoing learning and collaboration.

Topics:
• Comprehensive church assessment framework
• Case studies: growing and plateaued churches
• Personal action plan template
• Ethical reflection: humility, cultural sensitivity
• Communities of practice for continued growth