When reading a book on a subject that relates to one of the eight quality characteristics you will make a confusing discovery. The majority of authors tend to sell you their insights into a specific area as the key to church growth. When you read a book on leadership, you will learn that leadership is the key. When you read a book on evangelism, the message will be that evangelism is the key. And when you pick up a book on small groups, you know even before you open the front cover what will be presented as the key...
There isn't one key to church growth, but at least eight different keys...
Excerpts from Color Your World with Natural Church Development - Christian A. Schwarz