On September 8th and 9th, the Church Council and Long- Range Planning Committee returned to Camp Henry Horner for a retreat session led by Bruce Lawson, our coach with the Central Conference program of "Natural Church Development." The retreat featured a campfire by the lake that lasted until midnight, accommodations in our own spacious cabin that may have been constructed by Abraham Lincoln (or someone of his era), and tasty food that we cooked ourselves. But the real benefit of Henry Horner is that it is a quiet and secluded space, ideal for extended discussions and prayer.

The Natural Church Development program begins with a survey taken by 30 members of the congregation each year. On the basis of those results, one of eight characteristics is chosen for special focus during the year. Last year we chose "Empowering Leadership" and this year we have chosen "Need-Oriented Evangelism." The Council spent two sessions discussing our desire for engaging in evangelism to a greater extent, and then in brainstorming ideas for what we might do. The next step will be to select an implementation team to develop and carry out plans for the coming year.

Natural Church Development works very much like an individual going to a doctor for a physical exam each year. The doctor does an examination and orders a few tests, and then shares the results with the patient, along with some suggestions of how to achieve a better level of health. In Natural Church Development, the survey gives our "Coach" the data upon which to make some suggestions on how we might become a more healthy church. When this is done over a number of years, the church is guided into more healthy behaviors and growth occurs.

The Council expresses appreciation to each member who filled out a survey this year. What you tell us about your experience in the church is extremely valuable. Please pray for us as we think more deeply about evangelism this year, and implement steps to help us share the Good News with more people in our community.

---

What is Need-Oriented Evangelism? According to the Natural Church Development materials, healthy churches meet the needs of non-Christian people. The secret of need-oriented evangelism is to grow in the areas of prayer, caring and sharing of the Gospel, and to bring these three dimensions into balance. A church that practices need-oriented evangelism intentionally cultivates relationships with pre-Christian people so they can become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who are actively participating within the life of the church and community.

Using appropriate ministries and authentic relationships, believers can guide others into the family of God. Growing churches share the gospel in a way that meets the questions and needs of pre-Christians. Many churches simply do not have enough evangelistic programs or do not give them enough resources or high priority. When people in the church understand their spiritual gifts and grow in developing loving relationships, then need oriented evangelism becomes a high priority.