Church Survey Case Studies
Since 2015, we’ve helped churches make their most impactful decisions through meaningful congregational insights. Let us partner with your ministry to make wise, informed decisions with confidence.
Return to In-Person Worship: The Word Church, Mesa, AZ
Background
In early 2021, as pandemic restrictions began to ease, The Word Church leadership team faced an important decision: When and how should the church return to fully in-person services? With a congregation of approximately 350 active members, leadership recognized that assumptions could lead to division, frustration, or disengagement. Instead of guessing, they chose to listen first.
They developed a Return-to-In-Person Worship Survey to:
Assess congregational comfort levels
Identify health and safety concerns
Understand generational differences
Determine readiness timelines
Shape a reopening strategy rooted in wisdom and care
Survey Overview
Total Congregation Size: 350
Survey Responses: 247 (71% response rate)
Survey Method: Online form + paper copies for seniors
Survey Window: 14 days
Key Findings
While 65% were ready within 90 days, over one-third of the congregation needed more time or reassurance.
The primary concern was not worship itself, but proximity and predictable safety practices.
Older members desired stronger safety protocols before returning.
Digital ministry was no longer a temporary solution — it had become part of the church’s ecosystem.
Leadership Response Strategy
Based on survey findings, The Word Church implemented a phased return plan:
Phase 1: Soft Reopening: (Weeks 1–4) with 50% seating capacity, Mask-friendly environment and continued livestream
Phase 2: Expanded Capacity: (Weeks 5–10) with 75% capacity, and the children’s ministry reopened with check-in protocols
Phase 3: Full Return with Hybrid Model: with full sanctuary access and permanent livestream ministry.
Outcomes (6 Months Later)
84% of pre-pandemic attendees re-engaged (in person or online)
New community formed through the livestream ministry
Giving stabilized at 96% of pre-pandemic levels
Congregational satisfaction increased, with members reporting they felt “heard”
Understanding the Gap in Young Families: Faith Christian Center, Phoenix, AZ
Background
Faith Christian Center is a thriving congregation of approximately 1,200 active members at the time of this survey. While attendance and giving remained strong, leadership noticed a concerning trend:
Few new families with children were joining.
Children’s ministry attendance had plateaued.
Young parents were visiting once but not staying.
Rather than assume the cause, the leadership team launched a Family Engagement Survey in 2017 to uncover the underlying issue.
Survey Overview
Target Audience: Families with minor children.
Survey Responses: 384 (67% response rate)
Survey Method: Online form
Survey Window: 3 weeks
Key Findings
The main sanctuary experience was strong and compelling.
The environment for children and youth did not match the excellence of the main sanctuary.
The physical environment for children and youth was limiting relational and spiritual engagement.
Leadership Response Strategy
If families are the future of the church, their experience must reflect value and intentional investment.
Full remodel of children’s ministry wing with a bright, engaging color palette, updated signage and branded check-in stations.
Creation of a dedicated youth gathering space with modern decor, lounge seating, technology upgrades, and a concession stand.
Outcomes (12 Months Later)
32% increase in new families with children
48% increase in children’s ministry weekly attendance
41% increase in youth participation