Statistics for Mission Returns 2022
The online system open for churches to upload their 2022 Statistics for Mission data. To access the online system visit: https://parishreturns.churchofengland.org - you can also download a PDF of the 2022 form here.
If you are having problems logging on, or if you have any questions about the process please email statistics@leicestercofe.org or call 07908466248.
Statistics for Mission 2021 FAQ’s
What should we include in “Church at Home”?
As with the previous October Count, the Church at Home question is focussed on worship services, therefore online house groups, youth clubs, Alpha courses, and social events etc should not be included there. There is a comment box should you wish to share with us anything else, aside from services, you have been offering remotely to your congregation.
How do I count Church at Home attendance?
You may be using a number of different ways to engage with people at home, for example YouTube or Facebook. Both platforms offer some viewing numbers and these will give you some indication as to how large your audience is. We’ve not asked for viewing figures directly as these figures are very variable dependent on how the platform is used and for how long and will require some adjustment. For more information on interpreting view figures please see “Everybody Welcome Online” (in particular pages 9 and 10) by Ven Bob Jackson and Revd George Fisher for some
helpful advice here.
We can’t fit as many people as usual into our church building so our October Count figures will be lower than usual.
Attendance ‘in person’ during 2020 will be impacted by a variety of complex factors, and therefore will be reported and used carefully and sensitively. It is very helpful to know how many of our national worshipping community are currently attending church buildings in person so that dioceses and the NCIs can best know how to support churches and the CofE worshipping community. The 2020 figures will not be used as part of any measure of growth or decline of local churches.
How do I report numbers of people participating in a service live streamed from church in October?
A service live streamed from church in October will be recorded on the form in two places. Those attending in the church building will be counted in the “in person” October count section. Those watching from home via the live stream will be recorded in the “Church at Home” section.
What if church buildings are closed over Advent and Christmas?
The guidance around church building use is changing constantly, but currently we believe church buildings will be open during Advent and Christmas. The question on the form is based on the 2019 question so captures “in person” attendance (indoors or outdoors). We will not ask for additional data on those joining in online or through other “Church at Home” means
Parish Dashboards
Each year the Church of England Research and Statistics Team create 'Parish Dashboards' from the data submitted. Dashboards are a visual way of putting your church’s statistics and can be a helpful tool for reflecting upon where God is at work and where you are at as a church. If you’d like to receive your church’s dashboard then please email Statistics@LeicesterCofE.org and we will send it out to you.
Statistics for Mission reports offer details of numerical growth and decline across the Diocese of Leicester, what that looks like, and what we have noticed God is doing in our diocese.
The reports present the fruit of a lot of hard work from Churchwardens, Church leaders and staff in the diocesan office.
It is very useful to read the reports in the context of the Vision and Purpose document, which offers three key questions for all PCCs to consider in relation to growth in this diocese. The key insights and main headlines of the reports are also helpful for an overview.
Download the latest files from this page, or, if you need archived reports from previous years, please contact Beth Cluer.