The Disciple Maker Index is a 95-question survey tool that supports Church ministry with objective data, helping Her leaders recognize their potential and envision future possibilities through a deep analysis of attitude and belief, participation, relationship/satisfaction, and demographics.
The Disciple Maker Index survey includes:
- Survey administration, guidance, and tools to support parishioner involvement.
- Comprehensive reports with interactive software to share survey results and responses.
- Context for data to compare survey results with national trends, other parishes in the diocese, and the top three performing parishes in the country.
- Faithful and expert consultation to assist with reading and interpreting survey results and to help create an actionable plan from the survey data.
Components of the Disciple Maker Index
Attitudes and Beliefs
We ask parishioners about their attitudes toward their parish and their understanding of core Catholic Church teachings.
"To what extent do you believe Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist?"
Relationship and Satisfaction
We ask parishioners to share feedback on their overall parish experience, the sense of hospitality, and their pastor's leadership.
"How likely are you to recommend your parish to a friend?"
Participation
We ask parishioners to provide feedback about the frequency with which they participate in different Catholic practices like Mass, reconciliation, prayer, etc.
91% of parishioners report going to Mass weekly.
Demographics
We ask parishioners to provide further context to their parish audience, such as age, gender, and ethnicity, which allows us to dive deeper into the data itself.
79% of parishioners are over the age of 35.
“The DMI was a wonderful tool to identify the spiritual needs of our people.”
Very Rev. Gary Kastl, Vicar General of the Diocese of Tulsa
Your Results
Benchmark Groups
- Nationally, diocesan-wide, like-size, like-setting
- Top 3 Performers and Best Practices
Longitudinal
- Recommend retaking the survey every 2-3 years
- Measure improvements and changes
Cross Tabs and Filters
- Compare any two questions on the survey to understand the relationship and correlation
- Filter by demographics
Metrics Matter
At Catholic Leadership Institute, we intentionally bring the head (data) and the heart (mission) together to offer an accessible and sustainable approach to leadership formation from a deep place of love.
If you are interested in learning more about how metrics matter in ministry, check out these resources:
