Defining and Measuring "Success"

Adopting PBG forces your congregation to clearly answer two very important questions:

1. What does "success" look like for our church?

2. How can we tell whether we're making progress or not?

In my congregation, we've answered the first question with four "desired outcome" statements. Our "desired outcomes" center around evangelism, assimilation, discipleship and pastoral care. They define "success" for us like this:

• Evangelism - Non-believers and the unchurched are coming to faith in Christ and are being enfolded in the life of the church.
• Assimilation - Every person who joins the church is using his/her gifts to accomplish the work of the church.
• Discipleship - Church members are consistently encouraged, challenged and equipped to take “next steps” as a disciple of Jesus.
• Pastoral Care - Every person in the church is known, loved and cared for in a personal way.

In response to the second question, we've drafted "metrics" (i.e. ways of measuring success) for each of the four desired outcomes. Our current metrics are:

Evangelism metrics:

• Non-member baptisms
• Non-member adult "affirmations of faith"
• Non-member youth confirmations

Assimilation metrics:

• The number and percentage of members serving on a ministry team
• The number and percentage of members making financial contributions in the last year.

Discipleship metrics:

• Weekend worship attendance
• The percentage of members involved in a Bible class or small group.

Pastoral Care metrics:

• The number and percentage of members involved in a small group.
• The number and percentage of members who feel known, loved and cared for in a personal way.

We're well aware that these metrics don't, by any means, give us a complete picture of the success or failure of our desired outcomes. But it's a start.

How does your congregation define "success?"

How are you measuring it?