Survey classifies most
congregations as ‘maintaining’

Most Southwest Texas congregations are in a maintenance mode, a 2007 survey shows.
Bishop Joel N. Martinez and the seven district superintendents reviewed self-assessments of congregational health from 290 of the 348 local churches in the Southwest Texas Conference during November and December. They learned that:
> 260 congregations (90 percent) were rated as “maintaining.” That means they were holding their own on such measures of church vitality as worship attendance, professions of faith, hospitality and leadership development.
> 16 congregations (5 percent) were classified as “transforming.” That means they are trying new things to advance mission and ministry.
> 14 congregations (5 percent) were labeled “declining.” That means they didn’t report high scores on the 13 indicators of congregational strength.
“This is an important tool to help us in self-assessment and transformation,” said the Rev. J. Michael Lowry, executive director of new church development and transformation. “It is important to compare your church with your church—not another church. The value of the tool lies in its ability to gain insight into our own congregations in a more objective way.”
Responses to the 13-item transformation questionnaire help pastors and congregational leaders “focus on core areas of health and vitality,” Lowry said. That’s an important first step in congregational transformation.
“The cabinet and I are enthusiastic about the value and potential of the transformation survey instrument,” Martinez said. “I believe it will help inform, orient and move our congregations toward vital mission.
“The survey results will be important as we work with congregations and pastors for a more faithful and fruitful future.”
The bishop said he expected all congregations to complete the survey.
“Participation of all congregations is necessary for realizing our vision of offering Christ to all,” Martinez said.
In four districts 2007 survey results provided initial benchmark data, Lowry said.
“As second- and third-year data become available, we will be able to see whether a church is improving or not,” Lowry said. Annual results give an objective snapshot of church health, vitality and strength.
But in the Austin, Corpus Christi and McAllen districts—which have been working through a congregational transformation process with the Rev. Don Nations for two years—the 2007 results begin to show trends.
“Most of those churches demonstrated a rising score in the second year,” Lowry noted.
In the Corpus Christi District, for instance, all 40 congregations reporting results for two years showed improved scores. Ten congregations moved from “declining” to “maintaining.” Two went from “maintaining” to “transforming.”
In the Austin District, 43 of 50 congregations registered the same or higher scores in 2007 compared to 2006. The other seven lost ground. Four went from “declining” to “maintaining.” Five moved from “maintaining” to “transforming.”
In the McAllen District 27 of 32 congregations held their own or improved in 2007 over 2006. The other five reported lower scores. Five moved from “declining” to “maintaining.” Two went from “maintaining” to “transforming.”
“Churches have chosen the kind of church they are, and they choose the kind of church they will be,” Nations said. “The results of the survey are an important starting point for a congregation. It will be important to determine the direction the congregation is moving on the declining-maintaining-transforming continuum.”
Lowry conducted the survey in conjunction with Nations, a United Methodist pastor from Florida and a church growth coach. The New Church Development and Transformation Office mailed questionnaires to pastors in June.
Congregations returned completed surveys to their district superintendents during charge conferences in the fall. District offices forwarded results from each congregation to Lowry for analysis.
The survey asked congregations to rate their worship attendance, professions of faith, apportionment support, small groups, advertising and outreach, leadership development, leadership rotation, hospitality, guest follow-up, number of first-time guests, mission ministries, youth and children’s ministries, and young adult ministries.
Ratings could range from 13 to 65. Congregations scoring 52 or more were labeled “transforming.” Those with 26 or fewer points were “declining.” The rest were “maintaining.”