“Oh no – not another survey!”
“ Are we not in danger of paralysis by analysis?”
“ I just want to get on and do rather than sit around and discuss the theories.”
- just three comments I am met with from time to time by church leaders who question the idea of yet another survey being introduced into the life of the church. There are a number of understandable reasons why people may respond this way. Whatever the resource being suggested, it must be proven to ‘add value’. We simply do not have the time and money to waste on something that promises much but delivers little.
For a number of years I have used a survey from Germany’s Institute for Natural Church Development. I have found its use to be highly beneficial in helping churches undertake a measurement of their current state of ‘health’. One area of the eight examined through NCD is known as ‘passionate spirituality’, which provides a simple indication as to where the people within the church are ‘at’ personally, spiritually speaking. In other words, is their faith alive and well and are they actively growing as disciples of Jesus?
Of those surveyed, a number of churches have discovered this to be the weaker aspect. And so what should they do about it? What else is available to help the leaders of such a church understand more about this key factor and what will best help the people develop their personal passion for Christ and move on in their faith journey?
This is where I am looking forward to seeing the benefits that the REVEAL survey will bring. I believe it will be a great asset to any church that wants to seriously explore and gain a good understanding of the spiritual health of its people. And it will bring greater clarity on potential action steps required.
Therefore I view REVEAL as far more than yet another survey. It is a tool that will help leaders take confidence in their decisions and, working in conjunction with other resources that exist, will add something of real value and substance to UK and Ireland churches.
Chris Hollies is a Church Development Consultant and Trainer based in Belfast who works across the denominational spectrum. He is one of the recognised consultants appointed by the WCA UK & Ireland to assist churches who wish to make the most of the REVEAL survey. See www.leadershipfirst.co.uk for more details.
Related Resources
Defining Moments Audio Journal - Inside REVEAL
REVEAL Books
REVEAL Further Learning Page
REVEAL Online Conference
REVEAL Spiritual Life Survey
