What is the Ministry Context on the yearbook report?

On the Confirmation page, the Yearbook report asks the congregation to self-identify the community context in which it serves. In a sense, it answers the question, "Where are the people coming from to get to your church?"

The reporter can choose one of four options. The definitions below are offered as guidelines in selecting a ministry context.

• Rural. A demographic definition of rural describes areas outside dense urban centers, characterized by low housing density, generally less than 400 housing units per square mile. If you answer, "We come from all over the county," this might be your context.
• Town. As a description between Rural and Urban, a town has a housing density of more than 400 housing units per square mile and population less than 50,000. If you ever answer, "Many of our people could walk in good weather, but some still drive in from 20 minutes away," then this could be your context!
• Urban. Urban areas and principal cities are characterized by housing density greater than 400 housing units per square mile and a population of 50,000 or more. If you ever say, "We have some who drive in, some who take the bus, some who walk," then this is probably your context.
• Suburban. Suburban communities are part of an urban area within 10-25 miles of a principal city. If a vast majority of your population drives to church and you also have many stores easily accessible and/or the presence of strip malls, there is a good chance this is your context.

If you're not clear about your context, send an email message to alex@disciples.org with your church name and location. We can help you identify your ministry setting.