This is the first post in a series that deals with the differences between Demographic analysis and our Case Study approach for congregations. There are a many companies that offer demographic data products, (examples are here, and here) and are tailored to business use and market planning. They are worth it for your business, if you can afford them. A quick Google search will give you a number of free services that can offer you a look into your local data without to much trouble. If you want to download the data tables directly from the Census, those are also free. Others offer services that target your congregation. Percept, Inc.  is one of the larger companies that offer this service, check them out here.

What you will find when you look at all these services is that they are packaging US Census data into attractive reports. Most let you drill through the data making it easier to find specific information. All this data is based on the Census departments long form questionnaire, here is the sample. The long form is given out every ten years and has 53 questions that focus on your age, gender, ethnicity, income and living situation. From these 53 questions all the above solution providers will give you reports, and some will try to provide interpretation.

But how helpful is demographic data to churches?

Demographic analysis is interesting, very interesting. In our Congregation Report, we include a 16+ page demographic study (as an appendix to the 80 page main report) free of charge because it is so interesting. Although the data will tell you many things, it cannot replace an evangelism strategy, or the message that accompanies your congregations efforts. These resources promise so much, but in the end can’t deliver because the census does not ask questions that deal with real need.

Unlike your local Target or Costco, your congregation has a mission, not a mission statement. The universal mission for the church is to preach Christ to your block group, tract, city, county, state, country and world. We also know that with the universal mission comes a universal message, Christ Crucified. Freedom from sin, forgiveness, release, the happy exchange, the gospel is the one message that is for members and non-members alike. This one message works because it deals with every man, woman and child in the same way, through sin.

The condition of sin is the foundation for all our proclamation, education, evangelism, and world missions efforts. If a service does not directly speak to this condition with an answer that can provide a solution, then no Census data program or service will help.

If you want to read more about the Case Study nature of the Senior Ministry Inventory click here and here. You can see some sample questions here. As you read through this material, you should begin to see the major difference between straight demographic analysis and questions designed to help answer the major reason the church exists.

There are more reasons our research tool is superior for congregational use, but you will have to wait until next week for that update. Have a wonderful memorial day weekend.

Peace