Church Demographic & Church Attendance Studies Using Geographical Information Systems A customized software program is used to develop attendance projections for the church based on information gathered from historic and local sources. The projections provide the church with an understanding as to the affect of local housing and demographic shifts and enables the church to determine the effect these changes will have on the church facility. By using Geographical Information Systems [GIS}, we are able to view trends in housing and sub-division development. When compiled, this information can be used to determine the preferred facility option. Members of the congregation are electronically placed in the GIS maps. In addition to the members of the church, these maps contain information regarding housing, sub-divisions, roads, park lands, utilities, and other components that affect facility decisions. By reviewing and manipulating these maps, projections can be made as the effect of these components on future church growth. For example, some churches may experience growth in their youth programs due to the influx of families with large numbers of children. While other churches may see lots of growth around their church, but only a slight change in their attendance. Anticipating attendance changes can be an important factor in projecting church growth or decline. Step One: Profile Information is gathered from the church regarding ten-year historical attendance, program participation, housing and sub-division development, city zoning factors, and census data.   Step Two: Develop Attendance Projections After all of the information is collected, it is analyzed and attendance projections are developed. The projections will vary based on the information available at the time and current and future trends.   Step Three: Attendance Projection Report A final report is developed containing the profile information and the attendance projections. Recommendations are included and the entire report is submitted to the church board for review.   Church Demographics & Attendance Experience Zion Christian Fellowship, Powell, Ohio New Salem Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio Westlake Community Church of God, Indianapolis, Indiana