NCD diagnosis 2009 - South London

May 23^rd we conducted our annual “church health” survey.  29 out of 30 participants returned their questionnaires! The most successful survey in 5 years!  The results are in, and your elders had reviewed them for implementation.  This coming Sunday morning at our mid-year business meeting we will also address urgent needs for improving quality of our church life.

Here I would only briefly repeat what you’ve read already last week.  We are blessed with many improvements and advancements.  Committed core of those who serve in our church feel their task is a positive challenge that stretches their faith.  Our church tries to help those in need.  We pray for our friends, colleagues and relatives who do not yet know Jesus Christ, that they will come to faith.  We try to deepen our relationships with people who do not yet know Jesus Christ.  People have experienced God using their personal work for building and strengthening the church.  When someone in our church does a good job, we tell them, and encourage.  The spirituality level is quite high.

However, there are three areas where we need to grow more. I invite you to consider prayerfully following urgent needs, expressed by people:

·         There is lack of holistic groups where we could share with trust, and which would be relevant, and provide support.

·         In our church it not possible to talk with other people about personal problems. 

·         Our leaders show very little concern for the personal problems of members.

·         We cannot rely on our friends in church.

·         There are people in our church with bitterness toward others

Obviously our leaders are not known well by our people, as members do not see leaders as spiritual examples, and do not think that leaders enjoy their tasks of serving. Even though evangelistic zeal is up, we find that when new

people come to church events, we do not approach them openly and lovingly, and it is hard for new believers to find friends in our church quickly.

Remember, the 3 DNA strands of being a Christian are: Love God, Love people, Make Disciples.