Why Church Health Assessment Matters
After 20 years of parish ministry, I've learned that most churches struggle with the same fundamental question: "How are we really doing?" Attendance numbers tell one story. Financial reports tell another. But neither gives you the complete picture.
After 20 years of parish ministry, I've learned that most churches struggle with the same fundamental question: "How are we really doing?" Attendance numbers tell one story. Financial reports tell another. But neither gives you the complete picture.
The Problem with Common Metrics
Most churches rely on two primary metrics to gauge their health:
Attendance
Attendance matters, but it can be misleading. A church of 200 might be thriving or struggling - the number alone doesn't tell you. Are those 200 people deeply engaged in discipleship? Are they growing in faith? Are they serving others?
Finances
Financial health is important for sustainability, but a well-funded church isn't necessarily a healthy church. I've seen congregations with healthy bank accounts and dying spiritual lives.
What Assessment Actually Reveals
A comprehensive church health assessment looks at dimensions that casual observation misses:
Spiritual Formation: Is discipleship actually happening? Are people growing in their faith?
Leadership Health: Are leaders being developed? Is there a leadership pipeline?
Mission Engagement: Is the church making a difference in its community?
Relational Vitality: Are people genuinely connected, or just showing up?
Structural Alignment: Do your programs and structures actually support your mission?
The Gift of Honest Evaluation
Assessment isn't about criticism - it's about clarity. Most church leaders I work with aren't surprised by assessment findings. They often already sense what's happening. The assessment gives them:
- Confirmation of what they suspected
- Language to discuss challenges constructively
- Permission to address issues others see too
- Prioritization of where to focus energy
- Baseline to measure future progress
When to Assess
Don't wait for a crisis. The best time for assessment is when things seem to be going okay. That's when you have the stability and energy to actually implement changes.
Assessment is also valuable during transitions - pastoral changes, building projects, strategic planning seasons.
The Next Step
If your church hasn't had a health assessment in recent years, consider making it a priority. The Glass Cockpit and Fruitbearing Congregation assessments we offer provide the clarity leaders need to make informed decisions.
Learn about our assessment tools or contact us to discuss your congregation's needs.