How do you measure church health? To find out, we need a set of metrics to guide us. Rev Mark Poh prepares for us these useful principles and criteria to apply.
Metrics or ‘a system or standard of measurement’ of a church’s health has always been an important consideration. COVID-19 ‘overhauled’ what many have considered the wellness of churches.
Pre-COVID ‘metrics’ were no longer evident.
Hybrid, online and onsite churches became buzz-words and the ‘new’ norm. When safe management measures were lifted, many churches suddenly found their regular attendance dropping, along with tithes and offering. Pre-COVID ‘metrics’ were no longer evident. Pastors were understandably concerned and many started looking to see alternative church ‘wellness’ criteria.
Metrics give us an indication of what’s working and what’s not.
Are new metrics of church health needed or can the same old metrics apply post-COVID? For a start, let me share some broad principles we must adopt before proceeding to look at metrics:
a) Metrics give us an indication of what’s working and what’s not. Beyond qualitative considerations, indicators tell important stories and direct us towards corrective measures or otherwise. They point towards a certain momentum or build-up required for some of the programs being implemented; or sometimes, the much-needed ‘canning’ of some initiatives.
b) Choose an appropriate timeframe for measurement. Trends can sometimes be observed across different periods of time e.g., weeks, months, quarters, half-year or annually. Choose one for each of the metrics that appropriately gauges the health of the church for the area of concern.
c) Consistent measures. Do not be tempted to change or ‘massage’ the metrics when figures do not look good or serve to prove a point. Be objective.
d) Be ready to ‘reset’ traditional and long-held metrics. Don’t discourage yourself by comparing against metrics used pre-2019. Start with 2022/23 for example, as a reference point.
Here are five metrics that are most easily tracked and carry relevance in the post-COVID era. They are consistent with the Matthew 28:19-20 mandate given to the church. (Note that I have intentionally left out online numbers as this article focuses more on onsite church).
Competing against readily available online messages, service attendance figures will tell if your services are meeting your flocks’ needs.
- ATTENDANCE
In view of the convenience of online services, any increase in numbers of members returning to onsite church services and meetings, is a positive and healthy sign. Attendances at services, prayer, cell and special meetings, gives a great indication of how healthy the church is. A comparative monthly trending across a period of time points towards growth or decline. Competing against readily available online messages, service attendance figures will tell if your services are meeting your flocks’ needs. - NUMBER OF VISITORS TO CHURCH
Visitors coming to church fall into 2 categories – walk-in or those invited by your members.
Walk-in visitors generally reflect the ability of your church to reach out beyond your church walls. This is achieved through various avenues – social media, website, word of mouth, testimonies and the mission of your church. These ones have come to check you out.
The visitors who are invited by your members indicate how well your members are living out the call to reach out to the pre-saved, the unchurched or those who may have backslidden. It is useful to capture information on pre-saved visitors versus visitors who are believers.
- NUMBER OF SALVATIONS
This is probably one of the most important metrics – the number of people reached with the Gospel message. As far as possible, observe the differentiation in numbers coming from your services, cell groups and individual outreach efforts.
The Church has been called to make disciples and not believers.
- NUMBER OF PEOPLE BEING DISCIPLED
The Church has been called to make disciples and not believers. The presence or otherwise of a discipling culture is evident in the discipling intentionality of the church. Having this in place, the number of people who are being discipled and have successfully completed the church’s discipleship program are good indicators of how well the church is fulfilling Matthew 28:19-20. Amidst a busy Singaporean lifestyle, attempting to disciple an individual to complete a basic discipleship program can be challenging; it is however so necessary and important to ensure that this is done.
- NUMBER OF WATER BAPTISMS
This number is a good indication of how successful your discipleship programs are. If one is discipled well, it shows in him/her taking the step of obedience in water baptism. (Do take note that some may not take this step for valid reasons such as parental objection).
Metrics are indicators that help us find a way to understand the health of our churches. If we adopt a holistic approach to understanding church health and growth, metrics should not be shunned or ‘condemned’ just because they mirror the KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) often mentioned in the marketplace.
“You can’t improve what you don’t measure.”
Jesus’ parable of the talents helps us understand that He does not shun nor recognize the value of indicators that point us to the heart of stewarding the lives that God entrusted to us.
In closing, Peter Drucker’s quote is worthy for us to ponder and reflect on when doubtful about employing metrics of measurement:
“You can’t improve what you don’t measure.”
Rev Mark Poh is currently the Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Assembly of God. He graduated from the University of Waikato, New Zealand where he also received Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1980. He served in the marketplace for 17 years before he was called into full-time ministry, joining the church as the youth pastor in 1999. He obtained his Master of Theological Studies in 2005. Rev Mark is married to Aye Lan, and they have a daughter, Faithe.
