Unit 4. Statistical Information Team  

Certain important demographics (statistical) information cannot be collected in home meetings. The best way to retrieve this information is to appoint a statistical information team that collects, compiles, and shares findings from church and community data. (If the church has a planning committee, that group could do this work.) In smaller congregations this type of data collection could be eliminated.

There are several sources for this information. American Demographics and other market-oriented publications provide demographic data on most population centers, The Iargest single source of community data is the U.S. Census Bureau. Many in your community can help you with this. Most of the data which public agencies work with is drawn from past U.S. censuses, State and county groups, state and community colleges, etc. also work with this information. Typically, the data is filed electronically and is also available in graph formats. Generally, these agencies will sell this to you at a low cost.

Also, check with your national and state denominational agencies. Many of these have contracts with data sources and will share this information with churches on a cost recovery basis.

Typically, the Census Bureau defines census tracks as Standard Mehopolitan Statistical Areas (SMSAs). Areas that lie outside SMSAs are called Minor Civil Divisions (MCDs) which include townships, towns, and villages. Some census data is available by zip codes. Secure those census tracts that represent your agreed-upon church community. Determine a format for the information that is simple and easy to understand. The kind of information you need is identified below.

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