When people hear that our church needs to have some indicators to monitor how we're doing, they normally give me a sympathetic smile. And then when I tell them we have 31 indicators (yes, thirty one) they generally groan loudly. 

But then when I tell them that I love having these indicators, they look at me bemused, but also slightly intrigued. And then if time allows for a longer conversation, they generally say to me: 'So why don't all churches have these kind of indicators!'

Whilst I can't tell you categorically whether your church should have them or not, I can tell you why they've been a good thing for our church.

In a nutshell:

 Indicators...

• help us to tell our story
• allow for a fuller, broader understanding of doing well
• honour the invisible stuff that goes on
  
• equip us to be intentional and to prioritise 
• offer information in a format that is understandable at-a-glance as well as in greater depth.

In a bit more detail:

Why we started using indicators: Back in 2022 we were given a three-year window with a clergy post funded by a national church scheme. Within this time-frame we were to explore, develop and demonstrate the sustainable and flourishing ministry and mission of St Denys. We were to be accountable to the Diocese and to the national church and have a way of showing intentional change and healthiness. And we needed to do it succinctly. So we needed indicators

Why we established so many indicators: In order to tell our full story, we needed a range of indicators. Church life is varied and diverse, and just can't be captured in a single number or word. Indicators that paint this broad picture enable people to see how their aspect of ministry fits into something bigger. Visible, external changes are often the fruit of numerous behind-the-scenes changes and these needed capturing in our measurements. And we needed to include the things we were not currently good at, with the hope and impetus for change. 

How the indicators help our decision-making: Each 6 months our PCC receives the latest update on indicators and prayerfully reviews them. We consider what we can be thankful for and what we need to be focusing in on next. The indicators lead to conversation and prayer where we identify specific areas to prioritise and to then see the impact of the decision-making. Presenting the information in two tables with three colours makes it understandable at a glance. 

Does it take a lot of time to do? The process of setting up the indicators took involved a few initial hours of work over a few weeks, and open-mindedness to redrafting and tweaking things over the first 6 months. But then after that it has taken about 2-3 hours every six months to update the information and get it ready for bringing to the group for review and discussion. I believe it's time well spent, as it makes discussions so much more purposeful. 

Conclusion:

Having these indicators in a presentable format has meant that when asked by the local, regional or national church organisations to demonstrate the impact of their investment, I have something at hand to show them, and don't need to spend a few frazzled hours trying to draw together some data. But more significantly, internally they give us as the PCC accountability, purpose and encouragement. And that is why I actually love having indicators as part of the way we do church.

Help to get your started:

I've drawn together a number of tips, templates and examples as a springboard to you establishing indicators that tell your story.

• An editable template: A table with our 31 Indicators - click here
• An example: A document showing what an 18-month report looks like with our indicators - click here
• An editable template: Containing two blank tables, one for reporting current status and one for showing change over time - click here
• Blog with 'Examples of the Indicators We Use, and Where We Get the Information From'
• Blog with tips for 'Getting Started with Indicators '
• Blog about 'Monitoring Indicators and Reporting Back with them'