Is Your Church a Praying Church . . . or Not?

Question & Response

Q. “How can I determine if the prayer life of our church is strong or weak?”

R. Take a look at “A Diagnostic Tool To Assess The Prayer Life Of A Congregation,” originally prepared for an association of congregations in New York City. http://www.nppn.org/Articles/Article062.htm

Also, Pastor Tim McGarvey and Prayer Coordinator Diana Rabold of Altoona (PA) Christian & Missionary  Alliance Church used a survey to determine the depth of prayer throughout his congregation. Consider customizing the questions to fit your congregation. The use of a survey is an excellent way to remind and motivate members toward prayer and would be more effective if juxtaposed with a sermon or series of messages on prayer.

Note form Pastor Tim McGarvey:

Here is copy of the prayer survey we used. When we presented it, we did a PowerPoint message on prayer and then played worship songs with images on the screen, as we encouraged folks to complete their surveys before leaving. I believe we received 125 from the more than 200 present. The surveys have been valuable in evaluation, encouragement, and honesty in where we are and where need to go to become house of prayer. Getting there!!! Pastor Tim

PRAYER SURVEY

As the Prayer Action Team, we are asking your help with an important survey. Our goal is to form small group Bible study/prayer times that reach every interested individual in our church family. Please answer the following questions honestly and we are requesting that you do not give your name.

GENERAL QUESTIONS: Please circle that which applies –

Male or Female?

Age Group:

12 or under         13 – 18         19 – 25         26-35

36-49                   50-65           Over 65

Married Single Widow Widower?

Do you have children under the age of 6?

Do you have children ages 6-18?

Are you employed outside the home? Full-time or Part-time?

1. Do you have a personal prayer time each day?

2. What part does prayer play in your daily life?

3. What are your major prayer interests? For example, family, missions, pastors and church family, government, social issues, spiritual warfare.

4. Do you have a prayer partner(s)?

5. Are you comfortable praying: a) in a small group b) in a large group c) out loud d) one-on-one e) with your children f) with your spouse g) with someone you don’t know? Please circle all that apply.

6. Do you attend Wednesday evening prayer meeting? Why or why not?

7. What do you like about Wednesday evening prayer meeting? How can it be improved?

8. Do you see prayer included in a meaningful way in our worship services?

How?

9. Have you ever attended our men’s prayer breakfast held on the first Saturday of each month? Would you be interested in attending?

10. Do you attend a small group Bible study? Is this group outside of our church family?

11. Do you think that the phone and e-mail prayer chains are effective? If not, what do you suggest needs changing? Would you like to be added to either of these prayer chains?

12. Would you desire more teaching on prayer? For example, sermons, Biblestudies, Sunday School?

13. Do you see prayer modeled in our church meetings and activities?

14. If you serve on a church committee or board, does prayer play a part in decision-making?

15. Would you like to be involved in a small group for the purpose of prayer?