08/10/2024 0 Comments

Examples of Indicators We Use, and Where We Get The Information From

Examples of Indicators We Use, and Where We Get The Information From

Examples of Indicators We Use, and Where We Get The Information From

# Foundations Indicators

Published by Sera Rumble on Tuesday, 8 October 2024 12:14
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Examples of Indicators We Use, and Where We Get The Information From

I'm including below a list of the indicators we currently use. Keeping in mind that indicators need to tell YOUR church's story, you probably won't find them all suitable for you. But hopefully they will inspire you and encourage you to think about possibilities in your context.


A few things to note:

  • The choice of indicators was shaped by the values of the church, the development priorities agreed with the Diocese and the current strengths and weaknesses of the church.
  • These indicators are arranged in three groupings to reflect our values as a church. 
  • The second column gives a one line explanation of the indicator.
  • The third column explains where I get the information from.
  • Always number your indicators to make it easier to refer to


Our 31 Indicators

IndicatorExplanationSource of information
Value 1: Growing Disciples of Jesus
1. Total number of Growth Groups (Small, Book, Faith Exp, Youth)Includes any group emphasising discipleship, including youth and seasonal groups

Observation
2. No. of Small Groups Sub-category of Growth Groups, identifying regular groups for adults.

Observation
3. No. of people in Faith Exploration Groups or being confirmed

Reflects engagement with people exploring faith

Observation
4. No. of regular or special prayer-focused initiatives

Includes a diverse range of initiatives online, in-person, one-to-one and groupObservation
5. No. of lay people on Sunday Morning Kids team

Reflects a priority to grow capacity for kids' discipleship ministrySafer Recruitment records
6. No. of Messy Church events

Reflects a priority to offer opportunities for community to connect with kids and faithChurch calendar
7. No. of regular digital elements aiming to ‘Inspire Disciples’Includes website, social media, E-news and YouTube that emphasise inspiring faith (there are two other digital priorities mentioned below)

Observation
8. Community of WorshippersThis is the number calculated and reported to the Diocese (not National records) each year

Record-keeping (Worshippers list)
9. Attendance at the main seasonal servicesFor June report the numbers at Holy Week and Easter services are calculated, for December it is the Advent and Christmas services.

Record-keeping (Service Attendance)
Value 2: Enriching Communities Near And Far
10. Amount given away through tithe or charity donations in 6 months 

Including this ensures accountability for staying on top of paymentsRecord-keeping (Church accounts)
11. No of services or events where music is a defining element 

Reflects a recognition of music being significant in our contextChurch Calendar
12. No. of regular onsite church groups 

Significant as our site includes a church building and community centre, and Observation
13. Income from ‘External bookings’ over 6 month period

Acknowledges the value of our community hirings, and integrates them into the understanding of ministry and ministryRecord-keeping (Church Accounts)
14. No. of life events over 6 months (onsite and elsewhere)

Includes weddings, funerals, baptisms, wedding vow renewals, affirming of baptism vows, burial of ashesRecord-keeping (Parochials)
15. Two-way relationship with global mission locationThis is described in one or two words rather than measured with a number. It reflects the desire for a healthy, formative relationship with a global mission partner

Observation
16. No. of regular digital elements aiming to ‘Invite Involvement’Includes Church Near You, our website, social media and Enews elements that aim to invite people to things. 

Observation
17. No of collaboration projects between church & community groupsReflects the value we place on doing projects WITH others, and includes collaborations with charities, schools and other groups. 

Observation
18. No. of regular events & projects partnering with other churches Reflects one of our development targets of working WITH other churches, especially neighbouring churches on particular projects or groups.


Observation
Value 3: Caring Well For Each Other and Our Resources
19. No. of lay people in licensed ministryIncludes the breadth of lay licensing including lay readers, preachers and those licensed through short courses such as the BCM courses with Winchester Diocese.

Observation
20. No. of  Ministry & Mission Areas led or co-led by lay people (not led by or co-led by Priest in Charge)Reflects a priority of building up lay leaders to take on higher levels of responsibility. Everything that the church does is allocated to a Ministry and Mission Area (we have between 20 and 24: find out more here)

Record-keeping 
21. No. of Ministry & Mission Areas with priest-in-charge leading or co-leading with lay personLinks with the above indicator, and reflects a priority of distributing responsibility so that there is a balance between clergy and lay people holding responsibilities.

Record-keeping
22. No. of households signed to Parish Giving SchemeAn indicator of people who are committed to regular giving to the church (this can also be seen through Standing Orders, and other monthly giving schemes)

Log into Parish Giving Scheme website
23. Amount received through Parish Giving Scheme over 6 monthsLinks with the above indicator to show the amount being given as a regular commitment

Log into the Parish Giving Scheme website
24. % Given to Common Mission Fund (of requested amount)Each year the Diocese allocates a certain amount to be paid by each church based on number of worshippers and financial band of the parish. The PCC made a commitment to pay more than was asked for 3 yearsRecord keeping (Church Accounts)
25. Monthly contribution to Common Mission FundLinks with the above indicator. The amount asked for varies from year to year, so as well as seeing proportion it is helpful to see actual amount paid.Record-keeping (Church Accounts)
26. Accountable to appropriate financial policy & budgetThis is described in a word or phrase. It reflects a priority of establishing good financial governanceRecord-keeping (Policies and PCC records)
27. 6-month energy consumption (gas & electricity) in (KWH)This is one of those behind-the-scenes indicators which impacts so much (environment, finances, hospitality) and links with national moves towards Net ZeroGas and electricity bills
28. Significant Initiatives for Environmental Stewardship (and Ecochurch award level)Ecochurch Awards capture where a church is at a particular point in time, but we wanted to reflect the range of active initiatives at each 6 month period to ensure ongoing commitment to environmental initiatives

Observation
29. No. of lay pastoral supporters in action

Reflects the importance of an intentional group of pastoral supporters

Record-keeping (Safer Recruitment)
30. No. of volunteers with appropriate safeguarding trainingReflects the health of our Safer Recruitment processRecord-keeping (Safer Recruitment)
31. No. of regular digital elements aiming to ‘Tell Our Story’We identified three strands of our digital engagement so that we were intentional and balanced in our digital presence. This strands reflects the elements that aim to be informal and capture the vibe and essence of St Denys.

Observation


Additional resources you might find helpful:




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