Anglican Communion News Service

A study has been set up to look at ways of measuring the health and performance of a parish that don't rely purely on financial measurements. The Northern Regional Council in Western Australia has been asked to look at a wide variety of measurements and report back by the send of September 2000.

"Often parishes are not aware of the things that should be measured," said Bishop Brian Farran. "The result is that few statistical measures are kept beyond the basic weekly attendance and communion records."

The Council will investigate the many interrelated factors that should be looked at when it comes to assessing how well a parish is serving the needs of the local community through ministry and mission.

"This report will assist parishes to identify factors which are indicators of parish health and enable corrective action to be taken before a crisis point is reached," the Bishop explained. "It will also provide a basis of encouragement to those parishes who are showing good results in the areas indicated."

It is hoped that a wide range of developments in mission and ministry can be introduced, with parishes having the necessary spiritual and financial resources to have a clear focus for bringing the good news of God's kingdom to their local communities.

Article from: Anglican Messenger