LE3 .A278 2011

2011

Sumarah, John

Acadia University

Doctor of Ministry

D.Min.

Ministry

Acadia Divinity College

This thesis shares the story of seeking to apply principles of a healthy church in partnership with the people of Kentville Baptist Church from late 2001 until the end of 2010. While the process continues, my purpose has been to do longitudinal, ethnographic and pro-active research about congregational renewal. I write as a participant observer and leader of this dynamic renewal process in which discernment of God‘s guidance emerged as a major factor in implementing plans for greater health. For renewal, congregations need to discern passionate practices to renew church health principles. These church health principles are evident in the biblical rationale for renewal in Romans 12; the theological foundations of Trinitarian traits; the convergence of insights in a review of church health literature; and, the congregational experiences of Kentville United Baptist Church. Healthy church credibility flows from the interdependent implementation of these eight Natural Church Development principles: inspiring worship, passionate spirituality, empowering leadership, effective structures, gift-based ministry, loving relationships, holistic small groups, and need-oriented evangelism.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:191