Chapter Two - 2012 Statistics - Multiple Markers of Vitality

Today's issue looks at churches that reported multiple markers of vitality. I queried all churches of at least five members that had an increase in worship attendance; at least one profession of faith; children, youth, young adults, and other adults in Christian formation; at least five people in covenant groups; at least ten VBS participants; at least one community outreach ministry; sent at least one person on a mission team; and paid 100% or more of apportionments. 

There were 926 congregations that fell into this category, representing 2.9% of congregations and 11% of membership. Two years ago I did a similar sort on the 2010 statistics and there were 793 churches, comprising 2.4% of congregations and 10% of membership.

These 926 churches ranged in average worship attendance from 25 to 5717.

The median average worship attendance was 247. (Half the churches had an average attendance less than 257 and half more.)

The mean for worship attendance was 368. (Total worship attendance divided by number of churches.)

These churches combined for an increase in membership of .92% and an increase in worship attendance of 6.49%

Combined, these churches accounted for 

• 14.3% of the total number of people in confirmation classes
• 13.6% of the total number of professions of faith
• 22% of the total number of people in covenant groups
• 12.3% of the total number of people in Vacation Bible School
• 9.3% of all Sunday School Classes
• 15.9% of all short-term classes
• 16.9% of all those served by outreach ministries
• 15.3% of all those in Christian Formation

Geographically these churches represented

• 51 Churches in the Western Jurisdiction (3.4% of churches in the jurisdiction)
• 342 Churches in the Southeastern Jurisdiction (3.0% of churches in the jurisdiction)
• 160 Churches in the North Central Jurisdiction (2.3% of churches in the jurisdiction)
• 144 Churches in the Northeastern Jurisdiction (2.1% of churches in the jurisdiction)
• 229 Churches in the South Central Jurisdiction (4% of the churches in the jurisdiction)

In guessing by name, about 21% of the congregations were served by a lead pastor who was a woman.

If you are interested in the statistics from the 2010 group, you can see it at: http://spreadsheetstories.blogspot.com/2012/06/chapter-three.html

The statistical data included herein were provided at no charge by the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church (GCFA) and may be obtained directly from GCFA, PO Box 340020, Nashville, TN 37203-0029. This data is proprietary and is owned by GCFA and may not be used in any commercial or exploitative way, to make a financial profit, or in a manner that defames the United Methodist denomination or its agencies or organizations. GCFA does not endorse any particular use of the data or accept responsibility for its interpretation or analysis by another.