Do attenders support new initiatives in their churches?

Heathy churches are open to innovation, but will churchgoers actively commit to new approaches and innovations in their church? In terms of a personal investment, nearly eight in 10 church attenders say they will support new initiatives in ministry and mission. 

During 2021 and 2022 in the National Church Life Survey we asked attenders to respond to three different questions. Did they think their local church was open to new possibilities?  Did they think their local church leaders encouraged innovation and creative thinking? Finally, would they, personally, support the development of new initiatives?   

Around two-thirds of attenders agreed or strongly agreed that their local church is always ready to try something new and that their local leaders encourage innovation and creative thinking. In terms of a personal investment, the figures jumped to a high 78% who agreed (53%) or strongly agreed (25%) that they support the development of new initiatives in their local churches.

 

 

Age and education differences: Those under 50 years are more likely than older attenders to agree that they would support the development of new initiatives in ministry and mission in this local church.  Those with higher levels of education are also more likely to personally support new initiatives.

Leadership roles: Those with leadership or ministry roles are more likely to strongly agree (33%) that they would support the development of new initiatives in ministry and mission in this local church.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Harvey Catholic Parish, WA