Vital Signs measure success
What are vital signs? Vital signs are a measure of discipleship as reflected in the activities in which the members of your church are engaged. Disciples of Jesus Christ participate regularly in certain activities that reflect their faith and devotion. Disciples worship. Disciples make new disciples. Disciples engage in growing as a disciple. Disciples engage in mission. Disciples give to mission.
Why should a local church participate in Vital Signs, a ministry of the General Council on Finance and Administration? It is important to measure where we are and to learn from one another. It is important to tell our stories and share our successes.
The General Council of Finance and Administration (GCFA) has created a tool that helps measure a disciple's engagement through weekly reporting of:
- Worship attendance
- Professions of faith
- Small group participation
- Persons serving in mission and outreach
- Amount given to other organizations to support mission and ministry
- Total offering received this week
There are several churches in the Dakotas Conference that are reporting their vital signs.
Rev. Kevin Kloster, Prairie Hills district superintendent, describes the vital signs tool as a way for churches to take a snapshot of how they are doing.
“The Vital Signs tool is a way for churches to check, ‘how are we doing’? It is important to gain an understanding of measuring versus counting,” said Kloster. “Churches need to establish goals that are attainable and then use vital signs to measure if they are meeting the goals they set.”
One of the benefits of the tool is the ease of use. Churches sign up to participate and are given a weekly reminder by e-mail to enter the information requested. Photo: Rev. Kevin Kloster
“It takes less than 30 seconds to input the information. The pastor does not have to be the one doing this, it can be delegated,” said Kloster.
One of the churches using Vital Signs is Rapid City First UMC. The administrative coordinator of the church enters the data each week. Leaders of the church have been working at establishing baseline data and setting goals. 
“We are fairly new to the process. We became aware of the tool through our work with the MCCI process,” said Rev. Greg Kroger, Rapid City First UMC. “We have looked at in terms of forming 2017 goals as part the church conference process. We will be able to track our progress as we go. Our next steps is to determine what other information we want to track on our own besides the data points collected in vital signs. For example, tracking visitors or repeat visitors that may become members of the church." Photo: Rev. Greg Kroger.
The United Methodist Churches in Presho, Kennebec and Reliance are also using Vital Signs. The churches began using the tool as part of the Journey Renewal process.
“It is pretty simple to use,” said Rev. Travis Krogman, who serves Presho, Kennebec Reliance United Methodist Churches. “It really helps to keep track of things and to see patterns. It is nice to take a look at things through the data. It helps to have information as you look at how the church is doing.” Photo: Rev. Travis Krogman.
The churches that are using the Vital Signs tools describe themselves as beginners but believe that is a valuable tool to help the church grow and become better at making disciples.
The Dakotas Conference is encouraging all churches to use the Vital Signs tools. If you have questions or would like more information contact your district superintendent.
