Church Health Diagnostic: Program vs. Process
This questionnaire helps evaluate whether your church’s strategy relies primarily on event-driven programs or a continuous, process-driven discipleship pathway.
Instructions: For each item, select the statement (Option A or Option B) that most accurately reflects your church’s current reality.
Section 1: Strategy & Growth
How do you define and measure success?
[ ] Option A: Success is measured primarily by attendance numbers, room capacity, and event participation.
[ ] Option B: Success is measured by long-term individual spiritual growth along a clear pathway.
How would you describe your church calendar?
[ ] Option A: Packed with independent, competing events and department activities.
[ ] Option B: Lean and focused, where every event serves as a clear gateway to a defined next step.
What is the typical invitation extended to a first-time guest?
[ ] Option A: Inviting them to attend another event, service, or program next week.
[ ] Option B: Guiding them toward a specific, personalized connection or discipleship step.
Section 2: Staff & Operations
Where do staff and volunteer leaders spend most of their weekly energy?
[ ] Option A: Managing logistics, planning, and running weekly programs/events.
[ ] Option B: Building relationships, mentoring individuals, and equipping leaders.
How do your ministry departments interact with one another?
[ ] Option A: Ministries operate as independent silos, competing for calendar space and budget.
[ ] Option B: Ministries operate as a connected pipeline, guiding people from one stage to the next.
What is the standard response when attendance or engagement drops?
[ ] Option A: Brainstorming and launching a new event, sermon series, or initiative.
[ ] Option B: Auditing and repairing gaps in the engagement and follow-up process.
Section 3: Digital & Discipleship
What primary role does your website and digital communication serve?
[ ] Option A: A digital bulletin board listing dates, times, and upcoming announcements.
[ ] Option B: An active front door designed to guide visitors into connection and mentorship.
How is follow-up handled after someone fills out a connect card?
[ ] Option A: Follow-up is manual, inconsistent, or left to individual staff initiative.
[ ] Option B: Follow-up follows a multi-step, automated workflow ensuring no one drops off.
Where does discipleship primarily happen in your church?
[ ] Option A: Passively in large group settings, weekend teachings, or casual small groups.
[ ] Option B: Intentionally through structured 1-on-1 mentorship, accountability, and clear milestones.
When members think about their spiritual development, what do they ask?
[ ] Option A: "What program or class should I attend next?"
[ ] Option B: "Here is where I am on my journey, and here is my specific next step."
Scoring Key
Count your total selections for Option A and Option B:
Total Option A Selections: _____
Total Option B Selections: _____
Results Breakdown
7–10 Option A Selections: Event-Driven Culture
Diagnosis: Your church relies heavily on calendar momentum. Staff burnout is likely high, and visitors may be slipping through the cracks without establishing long-term root systems.
Next Step: Shift focus from adding programs to building pathways. Identify the primary journey you want a member to take and streamline your calendar around it.
4–6 Option A & B Selections: Hybrid in Transition
Diagnosis: You recognize the need for process-driven discipleship, but legacy programs or departmental silos are creating friction in your pipeline.
Next Step: Audit your digital touchpoints and follow-up systems to make sure your website and workflows actively reinforce your mentorship model.
7–10 Option B Selections: Process-Driven Culture
Diagnosis: Your church operates as an interconnected ecosystem where events serve as access points to intentional, long-term spiritual growth.
Next Step: Continue refining your mentorship tools, digital onboarding, and leadership pipeline to maintain clear direction as you scale.