Media Outreach

I alluded to this week’s entry, last week, so I thought I would do a little extra research on the subject of statistics.  In my heart, I love statistics and compiled information; I love to just chew it up and look for the next morsel of delicious compacted processed analysis to devour.

I found a great site for general city info at http://www.city-data.com.  I was thoroughly impressed by the sheer amount of info: median housing cost, population over the last 3 decades, ethnic mix, income ranges, weather, occupations, etc.  For the Cleveland area (which I have a personal affection for) I also found a local magazine (so named: Cleveland Magazine) that has an annual report on Cleveland and the 76 suburbs.  I would imagine most major cities would have something similar.  The nice thing about this is that the magazine not only had great stats but also a great local touch to it with a more intimate type of feel to the content.

Another great research project is found at: www.theamericanchurch.org.  This research project gives you information about the “American Church” and how your city is reacting with the church.  Answers questions such as: What percentage of your city goes to church, how many have stopped going to church, how many of those moving in are looking for a church, etc.

No matter where you are going, you need to check out www.espn.com to get all of the stats on the local college level and professional teams.  I personally don’t watch a great deal of sports, but it is great to be able get onto ESPN through the web on your phone when you get a free minute or so to be able to have a decent conversation with someone who has made sport their reason for living.

Here are a few other sites and links for getting general stats and analysis: Pew Internet, Barna Group, Lifeway Research, Hartford Institute and Church Planting Novice.

pic by Noël Zia Lee