Last month the people of First Baptist Church, Covington, Louisiana, participated in a Transformational Church survey. This is the report of our consultant. We took the survey to help us do a better job of touching our local community and the world. We are hopeful that the survey helps us to “stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb. 10:24) and encourages us to continue to go into all of the world with the Gospel.

“Overall, First Baptist Church Covington is a healthy church in a growing community. The survey shows a healthy respect by its membership of the church and its leadership. It also reveals a strong balance of each of the seven elements of a Transformational Church.  The congregation has a healthy perspective of the direction and vision of the church in its drive to transform lives, the church and the community.

The survey indicated that the strength of this congregation is its ability to help people connect with God and others on a regular basis. Small groups and prayer are valued attributes in developing the disciple making process. A strategic and intentional focus is given to the development of relationships. The church is engaged in its community and strives to make a difference.”

A summary report is available in the church office for you to pick up that gives a better understanding of the survey. The survey indicated seven strengths that are listed on the longer report, but today I want to talk about our challenges and opportunities.

These are areas where we need to improve. The church membership feels the need for

• A clear and articulate plan for personal spiritual growth and ministry
• A clear path to leadership, ministry and service
• Affirmation of the role members play in service and ministry in the church and community
• Opportunities to participate in ministry and service in the church and community
• Better communication of the present ministries and future opportunities

 The following are opportunities which our consultant asked us to consider:

• FBC Covington is a regional church. The church should consider extending its opportunities and ministries through multi-site, multi-venue or satellite churches.
• There is a large single adult population that is virtually unreached. Great consideration should be given to exploration of how to reach singles.
• We know that on average, a church will baptize 10% of its Sunday School Attendance. This correlation strongly suggests that new classes and new leaders need to be actively pursued by the main campus in order to continue to grow and reach more people for Christ. New classes grow faster and produce more new members and leaders than older established classes.

As the year goes along, we will discuss how to make the most of this survey and how to better reach our community for Christ.

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