6 Must-Have Resources for Church Market Research
Market research is crucial to creating effective marketing strategies for churches. However, finding the right resources to conduct market research can take time and effort. To help church marketers get started, we have compiled a list of the top resources for market research.
1. Pew Research Center
Pew Research Center is a well-respected nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, and content analysis. The center provides valuable data on religious trends, attitudes, and behaviors. Pew Research Center has a section dedicated to religion and public life, which is an excellent resource for church marketers looking to understand religious trends and their impact on society. The religion and public life section provides in-depth data on various religious groups and their beliefs, practices, and social attitudes. The center also provides data on religious demographics, including religious affiliation, switching, and identity. The Pew Research Center's website is user-friendly, and the data is presented in a clear and easy-to-understand format.
2. Barna Group
The Barna Group is a well-respected research firm that provides data and insights on faith and culture. The group researches religion, culture, and worldview topics and provides resources to help church leaders better understand their congregations. The Barna Group offers free and paid resources, including reports, webinars, and consulting services. The research reports cover various topics, including church attendance, spirituality, and cultural trends. The Barna Group's website is user-friendly, and the data is presented clearly and concisely. You can access this resource by clicking on the following link:
3. Google Trends
Google Trends is a free tool that allows users to see how often specific search terms are entered into Google's search engine. It can help church marketers understand people's faith, religion, and spirituality questions. This information can be used to create content that addresses the needs of people searching for answers. Google Trends provides valuable insights into search trends, including the most popular search queries related to religion, the most common questions people ask about faith, and the most popular religious websites. The data is presented in a user-friendly format and can be easily accessed on the Google Trends website.
4. Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA)
The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) is a resource for scholars, journalists, and the general public to explore the religious landscape of the United States. The archive includes data on religious congregations and their members, as well as demographic data on religion in the United States. ARDA is a free resource that provides valuable information for church marketers looking to understand the religious landscape in their community. The ARDA website is user-friendly and offers easy access to a wide range of data on religious trends, including religious affiliation, religious diversity, and religious participation.
5. LifeWay Research
LifeWay Research is a respected research firm that provides data and insights on faith and culture. The firm conducts surveys and studies on various topics related to religion and church life. LifeWay Research offers free and paid resources, including reports, webinars, and consulting services. LifeWay Research reports cover various topics, including church attendance, giving, and leadership. The reports are presented clearly and concisely, making it easy for church marketers to use the insights to inform their marketing strategies.
6. The National Congregations Study
The National Congregations Study is a research project that conducts surveys of religious congregations in the United States. The study provides data on the characteristics of congregations, including their size, worship practices, and social activities. The National Congregations Study is a free resource that offers valuable information for church marketers looking to understand the religious landscape in their community. The study provides insights into the diversity of religious practices and beliefs in the United States. The National Congregations Study's website is user-friendly, and the data is clearly and easily understandable.
The above resources provide valuable data and insights into religious trends, attitudes, and behaviors. By leveraging these resources, church marketers can better understand their congregations and communities and create content that addresses their needs.