The Benchmark Project
The Benchmark Project is the most distinct, targeted and tailored form of the various projection models. The Benchmark Project develops a benchmark objective which represents a composite of the upper percentile of growing, successful churches. Benchmark objectives are established for spending patterns related to programs, non-clergy staff and facilities. A similar examination of the local church is conducted, where spending patterns related to programs, non-clergy staff and facilities are quantified. The benchmark spending patterns are then compared to the local church spending patterns and the spending opportunity for each objective is measured. With spending opportunities measured, a projection can then be established which can predict church growth based on equilibrating Local spending patterns to those of the benchmark composite.
A critical part of the successful implementation of any changes related to equilibrating Local spending patterns to Benchmark spending patterns is the development of a Local Church Advisory board to administer and determine specifically how new funds will be allocated. This establishes a new level of ownership between the givers and the targeted ministry.
Local Church Model Flow:
1. Establish Relevant Tier Growth Benchmark Spending Patterns
A. Programs
B. Non-Clergy Staff
C. Facilities
i. Savings
ii. Loans
2. Examine Local Church Specific Spending Patterns
A. Programs
B. Non-Clergy Staff
C. Facilities
i. Savings
ii. Loans
3. Gap Analysis — Measure Spending Opportunities
4. Predict Impact on Average Worship Attendence
5. Evaluation and Recommendation
• Cost/Benefit
• Investment Opportunity/Return in Giving