Disciple Maker Index
Take the Disciple Maker Index survey by April 6
CHARLOTTE — How well is your parish meeting your spiritual needs? Does it make you feel welcome? Are you receiving inspiration and guidance to help you grow closer to Jesus and share your faith?
Weigh in on these questions and more starting on Ash Wednesday, March 5, when every parish in the Diocese of Charlotte will launch the “Disciple Maker Index,” an online survey inviting you to reflect on your faith journey and assess your parish’s support in that journey.
Every Catholic adult in the diocese is invited to participate – whether you’re deeply involved, go to church only occasionally, or feel disconnected.
The 15-minute survey, available in 19 languages, asks about your spiritual growth and your parish’s role in it. All responses are confidential and will be used to enhance the life and service of the local Church.
Each parish will share its specific survey link via its website, bulletin and other communications. Paper copies will be available.
The “Disciple Maker Index” survey will gather data on beliefs, parish participation, relationships and demographics, providing insight into the level of missionary discipleship at each parish – including the effectiveness of the Mass experience, preaching and other aspects of parish life. Parishes will get a snapshot of their community’s involvement and can compare results across the diocese and the nation.
It is part of a broader strategic planning initiative led by Bishop Michael Martin in partnership with the Catholic Leadership Institute, an international Catholic apostolate specializing in leadership training and pastoral governance. The CLI initiative, funded by a grant, encompasses extensive interviews and surveys with priests, employees and other stakeholders to evaluate the diocese’s operations, mission and opportunities for the local Church.
The initiative aims to identify strengths, equip parishes with feedback and tools, and empower ministry leaders to elevate their outreach and discipleship efforts.
Bishop Martin will use the information gathered through the initiative to develop a strategic pastoral vision for the diocese to help navigate the continued growth of the Church and help people better proclaim and live the Gospel.
“Your participation is vital in this visioning process and, as your new bishop, I hope I can count on your support,” Bishop Martin said in a video message on the diocese’s YouTube channel.
“Don’t miss your chance to guide our future!”
— Catholic News Herald
Learn more
- WATCH BISHOP MARTIN: “How’s life in the Diocese of Charlotte – and more specifically, how are things going at your parish?” Bishop Martin introduces the strategic planning process in a video message on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel below.
- TAKE THE SURVEY: Don’t miss out! Check your parish’s website and bulletin for your parish’s specific Disciple Maker Index link. The survey opens on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and closes on Sunday, April 6.
- EVERYONE IS INVITED: Are you a Catholic adult living in the western half of North Carolina but don’t belong to a parish? Bishop Martin especially wants to hear from you! Go to www.charlottediocese.org to find the church nearest you and take the survey. It takes only 15 minutes and your responses are confidential.