I talk to pastors and church leaders everyday about the differences between Scientific Random Sample and Case Study data. The Senior Ministry Inventory is a Case Study research tool, so in talking about the benefits to this survey I naturally talk about Case Study and some of the problems with using Scientific Random Sample research.

The following two pie charts exemplify the ministry advantage of Case Study research. Each pie chart illustrates how a specific congregation responded to question #114 in the Senior Ministry Inventory which asks: “Which statement below best describes your understanding of eternal salvation?” These two congregations were of similar size; they had a similar number of older-adults complete the Inventory; they were geographically close; and they were both members of the same national denomination. Only case-study research will provide an accurate profile and description of congregational needs… and congregation profiles vary greatly.

Case Study Congregation #1

Case Study Congregation #2

Imagine preaching to each of these congregations. Only Case Study research can provide an objective assessment of needs and gifts at a particular place.