Understand
Data into Information into Knowledge into Wisdom
The purpose of testing is to gain some useful, reliable information that enables practical action, and through that action to healthier experiences in church life. This stage of the cycle is about exploring the test results to gain real, objective Understanding.
The test results are provided in the Profile Plus Report. Take all the numbers in the report on their own and you have merely a collection of data. Exploring the questions underlying the numbers and how they relate to one another and work together starts yielding some information about the church. This is best done with someone qualified to read the report.
Connecting this information with what is actually happening in the life of the church (“we did this, and that happened to the church’s health”) is the foundation for real Understanding of how the church works as a living, dynamic organism. Seeing this Understanding in the light of what God is doing in the church, and how, brings Godly wisdom to your leadership. This growing wisdom about the principles of how God is at work in the everyday life of your church is foundational to how you partner with the Spirit for healthy growth.
Understanding what we can do and what we can’t
In the parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29) Jesus gives us a picture of our partnership with God in growing His Kingdom. Only God can give the life and growth. Our role is to maximise the potential for growth by identifying and removing barriers. To ‘Understand’ in this stage is (1) to Understand your role in the partnership and (2) to Understand the current barriers to growth.
Seeking perfection... eventually
At all times during the 'Understand' phase the key is finding the balance between accurately identifying what is limiting God's work in the church, and maintaining momentum in the process. The key is not how many barriers you identify, but whether you are working consistently to remove them up to the next survey. If you do, you can expect to see a solid health improvement at each survey. Over time the process will take you progressively to the deeper, more significant barriers affecting long term sustainability.
Considerations for NxCD churches during the 'Understand' stage
On to the 'Plan' stage
Helpful Tools for the 'Understand' stage
3 Color Life Cycle - NCD Survey Workbook
A process for your leadership team download
External Assistance
Experienced NCD Pastor's or Coaches capable of providing additional wisdom, objectivity and accountability-
- NCD Key Contacts - Denominational and Non-denominational
- NCD 'Davids' - Pastor's and Lay Leaders with extensive experience
- 'The Vine' - Find a church in your area with NCD experience
- NCD Australia - Contact us to discuss any aspects of the process