If I Had to Choose Five Church Metrics to Measure and Follow . . .

A sincere pastor asked me this question: If I only had to measure and follow five church metrics, what would be my top five choices? 

On the one hand, this pastor understands he needs to have some level of accountability. The church that does not measure something is likely not to value it. For example, if a church does not measure attendance, it could be saying, or at least implying, that it does not place a value on gathered worship. 

He is right. Pastors whose churches measure nothing are more likely to be in churches that are declining, discouraged, and disobedient. 

But that same pastor is wary of putting an emphasis on numbers. He resists the “nickels and noses” disposition of some of his peers. 

He is right again. We can get enamored with our statistics to the point that we lose sight of the ministry and the people behind them. 

Such is the reason he asked me the question. He knows he needs to have some level of numerical awareness and accountability. Would it be possible to follow five church metrics that would keep him informed and diligent? I have never been asked the question, so this article is my attempt to answer him, at least from my vantage point.

1. Conversions. The number of people who have become followers of Christ and integrated into the life of the church. These are the people who are saved and redeemed and publicly profess their salvation.

• • Measurement: Number of conversions year-to-date.
  • Measurement Frequency: Once a quarter.
  • Comparison: Number of conversions previous year-to-date.

2. Worship Attendance. The number of people attending all worship services. Include children, but don’t double-count anyone.

• • Measurement: Average worship attendance.
  • Measurement Frequency: Once a month.
  • Comparison: Numerical increase or decline from the same month last year.

3. Undesignated Giving. Sometimes called budget giving or unrestricted giving, this measurement calculates the total financial gifts that have no restriction on how the church uses the funds.

• • Measurement: Total unrestricted giving year-to-date.
  • Measurement Frequency: Once a quarter.
  • Comparison: Numerical increase or decrease from the same period last year.

4. Group Attendance. The number of people attending groups in the church. It goes by many different names: small groups, life groups, Sunday school classes, community groups, etc.

• • Measurement: The average number of people attending a group each week.
  • Measurement Frequency: Once a quarter.
  • Comparison: Numerical increase or decrease from the same period last year.

5. Net Giving. Total giving minus total expenses. This number lets you know if the church is increasing or depleting its cash funds.

• • Measurement: Year-to-date net giving. If total giving is more than total expenses, the church is increasing its cash. If the total giving is less than the total expenses, the church is depleting its cash.
  • Measurement Frequency: Once a quarter.
  • Comparison: Year-to-date previous year.

My five choices may seem overwhelming, but they can be straightforward. The person who is responsible for the church finances can provide you with metrics 3 and 5. And you likely know someone who can get you the other three metrics. You are getting four metrics every quarter and one metric every month. With this basic information, you can know a lot about the church you serve.

I would love to hear from you. How do you view church metrics? Do you follow metrics in your church? If so, which ones do you follow? Let me hear from you in the comments.

Posted on November 25, 2024

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With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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