This month we have been looking at the theme of Healthy Churches. For a decade, the Diocese of Coventry has adopted the principles and tools of the Natural Church Development Institute to foster growth across the diocese. At the heart of the NCD process is a sophisticated diagnostic tool, the NCD Survey. It is based on the only comprehensive international research ever done into what causes churches to grow or decline. Surveys offer an accurate up-to-date "snapshot" of a church’s health.
We recently talked to the Revd Pam Howell, Vicar of Coventry All Saints - St Anne's Church and St Margaret's Church, about her experience with the NCD survey.
How did you find the process of filling out your NCD survey?
Simple for me, although for members of the congregation some questions are not so easy to answer when there are double negatives! Also, for many people in deprived area the questions about reading the Bible on your own are unrealistic because small groups are where people learn most if literacy is an issue.
Was there any surprises in the findings?
We were delighted that, even though there has been a 2 year vacancy prior to the survey, there had been growth in many areas. We thought maybe there is a feel-good factor about having a new Vicar that may have given some results a boost.
Was there anything encouraging that came from it?
Yes, considerable growth in all areas, except for small groups, which made it clear what direction we need to focus our energies in. Also, our meeting with our NCD Mentor, Rev Clive Hicks was immensely encouraging as he finds ways to encourage us even with lower aspects of our results.
Are there any changes you have made / plan to make?
During the 2 year vacancy after Covid small groups had pretty much ceased. After we received the survey results we have started two new small groups, one in each church. We also need to work on welcome, which was highlighted in the survey as a growth area to focus on. We have a small group from our PCC meeting to consider further steps as a result of the survey.
Would you recommend churches do the NCD survey?
Definitely because, coupled with our Day of Prayer to seek the Lord's will, the survey results help point us to look at areas we need to work on, and help us develop strategy for the coming year.