1.

The first step is the pastor becoming familiar with the NCD paradigm. This may include reading Natural Church Development and/or attending a workshop that provides an overview of both the NCD principles and the NCD process. The pastor must be personally convinced that not only is this a 'good idea', but that it is what God is calling the church to do, that God wants to speak to the church through the NCD survey.

2.

The next step will be the pastor speaking to the leadership team of the church. The ABC’s of NCD is a wonderful tool to use. Most people will be able to read and understand the basics of NCD through reading this booklet. However, you will still need to introduce them to the NCD process that follows the survey. Like the pastor, the leadership team must discern whether God is calling them to this process. Ownership of the decision is critical at this point. If the team does not have ownership now, results that may be difficult to hear even under good circumstances will be quickly dismissed.

3.

If you do not already have a coach to guide you through the NCD process, now would be a good time to find one. A coach will help you stay on task with your plans and not get sidetracked by unexpected hurdles.

4.

NCD is not simply a technocratic process that the church walks through. It is a spiritual process. Once the decision is made to go forward, intercessors will need to be mobilized. Prayer is a vital part of any successful implementation process. Although we may plant and water, it is God who brings the growth.

5.

At this point, you will be ready to begin choosing the Church Health Team (CHT), sometimes also known as the Implementation Team. Even before the survey is taken, you will want to strategically consider who should be on the Church Health Team. You will want people who can see the big picture, people who have a passion to see your church become more healthy, and people who can think strategically about planning. For a more complete understanding of who should be on the CHT, CoachNet members can download the document "Implementation Team Qualifications". If you can identify three or four members now, additional members can be added after you receive the NCD survey results.

The CHT members can then begin their own education about Natural Church Development so that they are prepared to guide the church through the NCD process.

6.

The final step in the preparation process is to order the NCD survey. The CHT will be able to assist you in determining which 30 people should take the survey, can help explain the NCD process to them, and can administer the survey.