Demographic Research and Lifestyle Sensitivity

Demographic research is actually a "progressive lens" through which we understand people. "Pure Demographics" interpret trends in age, gender, ethnicity, marriage and family status, occupation and income, education, etc. "Psychographics" interpret social values, personal attitudes, and community moods. "Lifestyle Portraits" interpret predictable behavioral patterns and preferences. "Heartbursts" explore the sense of urgency we feel to serve or bless a particular public.

See, Know & Serve

The foundational book explaining the use of demographic, psychographic, and lifestyle information for churches. This book provides the summary of all the program filters used in Mission Impact: Commentary on Ministry Expectations of Lifestyle Groups and Segments in
www.MissionInsite.com. 

In See, Know & Serve, Tom Bandy demonstrates how our communities and congregations are changing, and how our reliance on ‘best ministry practices’ no longer makes sense. What works in one congregation won’t work the same way in another, because our congregations are so different from one another, and our communities are so diverse. Bandy presents startlingly new ways to view congregations and communities, enabling leaders to understand the people within their reach on a granular level. The author demonstrates with real-world examples how organizations can translate this information into practical strategies and tactics. The book includes helpful charts and diagrams, making the material surprisingly easy to digest and share. This important, groundbreaking and convicting book lays out with depth and clarity a pioneering new way forward for every church and every mission-focused organization. Tom Bandy shows how we can see the people in our communities with unparalleled clarity, so that we can serve them—fulfilling our mission—effectively.

Worship WAys

Go deeper into the seven kinds of mission-target worship today. Understand the different theological assumptions, hospitality tactics, worship styles, and worship design strategies for relevant Sunday morning experience. Accelerating diversity of lifestyles has created a crisis for worship designers. One size does not fit all. No worship service can be “blended” to address the complete needs of a congregation. Moreover, church “shopping” is ending as people are choosing a worship service that directly meets their fundamental anxieties about life (regardless of style). Learn to use lifestyle information in worship planning to design a service that truly reaches the people in your community. This book explains why people worship and guides leaders to design relevant worship services that address people's sense of urgency. It is both practical and theological. The decline of worship attendance in all denominations, and across all “traditional” or “contemporary” styles, is reshaping the quest for relevance. Church leaders are turning away from methods to outcomes. People will only participate in worship if it really matters to the fundamental issues that they face.

"A very important book for anyone planning or leading worship. Our worship teams will be reading it." - Adam Hamilton

"A valuable resource for those who plan worship and those wanting to connect with the people God has given them in their communities. An essential guide for those who care about both." - Lovett Weems Jr., Wesley Theological Seminary

Spiritual Leadership

Go deeper into the eight identities and functions of Spiritual leadership today. Understand the motivations that drive the quest for God among lifestyle segments, the different identities of the leaders with whom they connect, and the different ways they function in the transition from Christendom to Post-Christendom.

The idea that certain kinds of people gravitate toward certain kinds of leaders has been around for a long time. There are exceptions and degrees of commitment, of course. People (as individuals) are complicated and changeable. On the other hand, people (as groups) are remarkably consistent and predictable.

There are patterns. The typical follower of this leader has these characteristics. The typical follower of that leader has those characteristics. Conversely, this group of people tends to look for, believe in, and listen to this kind of leader; and that group of people tends to look for, believe in, and listen to that kind of leader.

There are trends. Certain kinds of people are more responsive to certain kinds of leaders. Certain kinds of leaders seem to be more empathic toward, and understanding of, certain kinds of people. They seem to know some contexts, certain needs, and distinct attitudes better than others. If you follow the career of a leader, you can anticipate who they will gather around them and where they will be most effective.

Bandy shows how this is true for church leaders too and introduces ideas of different types of leaders attracting different groups of followers.  Knowing your "type" will help you know who will be attracted to your leadership style.