2014 Vitality Report
March 23, 2016
This study of denominational statistics was done by the Greater New Jersey Conference of The United Methodist Church and was offered for reflection and analysis.

- Increased the percentage of worshipers in small groups from 59% to 61%
- Increased the percentage of worshipers engaged in hands on mission from 38% to 48%
- Increased the average percentage of a congregation’s giving to mission from 15% to 18%
- Number of worshipers to make one profession of faith went from 22 to 23 (this is actually a decline because a lower number is preferable in this measure)
- Percentage of congregations growing in worship attendance decreased from 31% to 30%
Highly Vital Congregation Measures
Below are the specific measures used to identify highly vital congregations. To be considered as a highly vital congregation, a church must be in the top 25% of all congregations in two of the four major areas and cannot be in the bottom 25% in any one of the areas. Each specific measure is important as a highly vital congregation may not be as fruitful in every area but is fruitful in most of the areas. Growth- On average, US highly vital congregations increase worship attendance by 4% over five years. The average worship attendance change for all US churches is -7%.
- On average, US highly vital congregations increase the number of professions of faith by 82% over five years. The average change in the number of professions of faith for all US churches is -11%.
- On average, US highly vital congregations have 106% of their worship attendance involved in a small group or some ongoing study opportunity. This number may seem inaccurate but it is this high because the average worship attendance does not include some people who go to small groups like children in Sunday school or youth in youth group. The average for all US churches in 71% of the worship attendance in small groups.
- On average, US highly vital congregations have 9% of their worship attendance who are young adults involved in study groups that include Bible study, Sunday school and other groups for learning. The average for all US churches is 5%.
- On average, US highly vital congregations have 56% of their total professing members in average worship attendance. The average for all US churches is 51%.
- On average, US highly vital congregations have 20% of their worship attendance engaged in a volunteer in mission ministry. The average for the US is 8%.
- On average, US highly vital congregations have 6% of their worship attendance that join by profession of faith or are restored in a given year. This does not include confirmands. The average for US churches is 2%.
- US highly vital congregations give 100% of their apportionments for the most current year.
- On average, US highly vital congregations grow mission giving by 12% over five years. The average for all US churches is -15%.
- On average, US highly vital congregations grow non capital spending by 22% over five years. The average for all US churches is 2% over five years.
Growing Vitality
Congregations fruitful in these areas have transformational stories and are engaging in four key areas of ministry.- Ministry – vital congregations offer effective and abundant opportunities for children and youth ministry, small groups, and missional outreach in the community and the world.
- Pastoral Leadership – Pastors who use their influence to help congregations set and achieve significant goals, inspire the congregation through preaching, serve in an appointment effectively and for a longer period of time, and coach and mentor laity to lead effectively.
- Lay Leadership – Laity who demonstrate a vital and active personal faith, develop and grow in their leadership effectiveness, and rotate out of leadership positions so that more people have the opportunity to serve.
- Worship – Vital churches offer a mix of worship services appropriate to their context, tend to use topical sermon series, for mid-large size congregations they use contemporary music in contemporary worship and use multimedia in contemporary worship.
Loading...