Insights about a church's health from numerical data

Graph showing growth over time

What can statistics tell us about a congregation?

Numbers cannot tell the whole story about an organization such as a church congregation. However, numbers are one piece of information that can help evaluate a church's health. It is not the only piece of needed information. Still, statistical data can be easily measured and analyzed and may help form a realistic picture. So, don't ignore available statistical data in trying to understand the health of a local church.

Construct a graph of at least 10 years of your church's attendance and membership statistics. Why ten years? Well, that will help you see long-term patterns. With the graphs in hand, ask questions. Lots of questions. As you look at numbers, look for answers to the following:

  1. What circumstances, events, or factors may have contributed to:
    1. High points?
    2. Valleys?
    3. The present trend?
  2. At the moment, what things are likely making your church healthy and energizing its spiritual and numerical growth?
  3. What needs to happen to stimulate further outreach and assimilation?
  4. What is unique and appealing about our church's congregation, ministry activities, and facilities?
  5. What kinds of human needs are being met by the ministries of our church?
  6. What bridges does the church have that help get people into Sunday School classes, small groups, and other ministries after they have begun attending worship events? [ More: "Incorporation and assimilation".

Sample graph analysis

    -- Howard Culbertson,,

Afterword: Use with Caution

Statistical data can be a helpful tool for church leaders. The proper use of data will give leaders insights into their congregations. It can help us identify areas for improvement and guide in decision-making. A word of caution: We must approach data analysis with humility and sensitivity.

More for you on analyzing a church