Five Simple Data Points That Can Help Guide Decision Making In Your Ministry
Numbers help us see patterns, and patterns can help us make better decisions for the future.
In an effort to continue to provide simple, small steps in the area of “digital ministry”, here are five simple areas where you can begin paying attention to data right now in your ministry context.
If you track these consistently for one year, you will be in a much stronger position to make decisions this time next year.
Young People Are *Returning to Church.
As younger adults—especially Gen Z and Millennials—begin returning to church, it's tempting to celebrate this as a sign of spiritual renewal. But as Dr. James Tyler Robertson points out in a recent Ministry Forum Podcast episode, we should be cautious before drawing conclusions. New research from Barna reveals a complex picture: the increase is driven primarily by young men, while young women, particularly single mothers, are disengaging. This shift calls for deeper reflection. Rather than rushing to capitalize on attendance trends, ministry leaders are invited to listen well, consider who’s not in the room, and faithfully discern what the Spirit might be doing in this moment. This is not just a resurgence—it’s a realignment. And it demands our careful, curious attention.