The Lawless Group Church Health & The Church Health Survey

Both Ph.D.’s in Evangelism Rainer is President of Lifeway Christian Resources. Lawless is Dean of Billy Graham School of Evangelism at The Southern Baptist Seminary. Authors of 20+ books combined Consultants to more than 400 churches Observed need to assess church health Survey developed in 1995 Developed by Dr. Thom S. Rainer and Dr. Chuck Lawless The Lawless Group

So what is church ‘health’? "Church health recognizes that local fellowships of believers are best instruments for the Kingdom when the six purposes of Acts 2:42-47 are intentional, active, and balanced: worship, evangelism, discipleship, ministry, fellowship, and prayer." Thom Rainer The Lawless Group

Characteristics of a Healthy Church Disciples growing in spiritual maturity Worship that glorifies God People are reached for Christ regularly Life-changing ministries throughout the church, the community, and beyond A united and joyous fellowship of believers A deep burden for prayer The Lawless Group

Attendance plateaus or declines Pastoral leadership has changed New program or ministry planned Mix or composition of attendees changes or growth barriers Community around church changes Planning to build on strengths & improve weaknesses When Churches Assess Their Health The Lawless Group

Church Health Survey Worship Fellowship Prayer Ministry Evangelism Discipleship + Beliefs 160-Item Questionnaire Measuring Perceptions in 6 Key Areas (The six purposes of Acts 2:42-47 The Lawless Group

Why Do a Survey? Actions related to the church are first a function of participants’…. Attitudes, Beliefs and Perceptions The Lawless Group

“Our church utilized the Church Health Survey….. It played an integral role in helping us discern who we are and thus, where we should be heading. We have transitioned from a dying downtown church to a vibrant inner city church with hope and promise.” Pastor Westminster Presbyterian Church Beaumont Texas The Lawless Group Church Health Survey

Determines overall perceived level of church health Reveals perceived health in six categories Provides responses to each question Suggests ways to improve Used by over 1200 congregations The Lawless Group

Church Health Scores 0 – 100 Point Health Scale 88 – 100 Very Healthy 75 – 88 Healthy 69 – 75 Marginally Healthy 63 – 69 Marginally Unhealthy 50 – 63 Unhealthy 38 – 49 Very Unhealthy y 0 – 38 Extremely Unhealthy The Lawless Group

Church Health Analysis Report 40-page report Overall score Participant demographic Data Response highlights Scores by church function Detail of responses How to improve areas of strength & weakness The Lawless Group

Church Health Survey “Parkway Wesleyan is a healthy church. However, we reached a plateau in attendance and needed help determining the issues we needed to face. When we used the Church Health Survey in a consultation, we were able to see some key issues we overlooked. We are now on the path again to growth.” Pastor Parkway Wesleyan Church Roanoke, Virginia The Lawless Group

Survey Process Overview Prayerfully consider need & purpose of survey Assess how many surveys are needed Order the Church Health Survey from consultant or the Lawless Group Designate staff person responsible for survey or have consultant give the assessment Follow instructions for completing survey Return answer forms as directed by consultant Church Health Analysis is delivered to the consultant within 10 working days of receipt The Lawless Group

Number of Surveys Needed 15% of Average Adult Worship Attendance or Minimum of 30 Surveys The Lawless Group

45-survey package = $245 Additional surveys $1 - $2 each (depending on quantity) The Lawless Group Invest in Your Church’s Health Take a Church Health Survey

Church Health Survey “…The Church Health Survey is a fantastic tool that we will use for many of our congregations. Our team has studied it extensively and recommends it both for local church assessment and for an entire denominational group.” Pastor St. Patrick Episcopal Church Mooresville, North Carolina The Lawless Group

NEXT STEP The Lawless Group

Statistical validity  Proper sample size  Know if & how survey is biased Survey Report & Analysis  Know why overall scores are high or low  Depth of analysis - individual questions by category  Bridge to solutions The Lawless Group Evaluating Church Surveys What’s Important

CHS / NCD Comparison Statistical Validity The Lawless Group # churches testing survey questions Sample size – results projectable Survey emphasis CHS % of average Sunday attendance Equal number of questions per category NCD ? Fixed at 30 regardless of church size 48% on Ministry 28% on Worship 24% Other

CHS / NCD Comparison Survey Report & Analysis The Lawless Group Description Basis of scoring & comparison Report includes Solutions CHS Comprehensive Range from very healthy – very unhealthy (qualitative) Overall church health score Score by category Scores on individual questions grouped by category Solutions recommended in report NCD Summary Range from growing - declining (quantitative) Overall score Score by category No solutions in report