Here is a list of church analytics resources I compiled for those interested in diving into topic.

Tools:

www.churchmetrics.com – Free app and complete suite for tracking data for a congregation.

www.Churchanalytics.com – Software package for church website analytics.

www.Fellowshipone.com – Paid church membership software that includes some analytics capabilities.

http://www.missioninsite.com – Community intelligence tool that allows churches and non-profit organizations to assess vital demographic and segmentation data about the people they serve.

http://batchgeo.com/ – Site where you can upload your church mailing list and it will create a map based on the addresses. This is a great tool for a congregation seeking to expand into new areas and also trying to understand where members are commuting from.

Research Organizations:

http://www.ucc.org/research  – UCC research arm that does analytics for the denomination.

http://www.thearda.com/Archive/ChState.asp  – ARDA (Association of Religion Data Archives) provides extensive data on US religious congregations.

http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ – Hartford Institute for Religious research provides a wealth of data on congregation membership and giving. They are especially known for their extensive Mega church database.

http://lifewayresearch.com/ – Lifeway research is an arm of the Southern Baptist church providing relevant research and insights for church leaders.

Articles & lectures:

http://hackingchristianity.net/2012/03/the-temptation-of-church-analytics-who-can-resist.html  –

A critical view of using analytics for church growth. He raises good points here but resorts to worst-case scenarios. Analytics can be used responsibly and ethically. Yet, just like any tool, it can also pervert motives and distort expectations. See my response to the article in the comments section <make comment>.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kM4WxrDsog – “Managing better with church analytics” – Vilanova University Dr. Bill Wagner – Professor of Information Systems (Church Technology Summit – October 2014) – A good overview of the possibilities for church analytics using current technology.

http://www.umcom.org/learn/analytics-101-for-churches.-why-measure-what-services – a short summary of website analytics for churches put out by the United Methodist Church.