Overview of the Percept/Link2lead Program

 

 

 

Percept is an integrated, on-line, demographic and faith preference database that can be accessed from any computer. 

 

The program is comprised of maps and charts depicting information by zip code.  The information available includes the following:

  • Current population and distribution

  • Projected 5 year population change

  • Largest lifestyle group

  • Family structure

  • Fastest growing racial/ethnic group

  • Average age

  • Average household income

  • Education

  • Primary social concerns

  • Faith preference and worship style

You can even compare the programs your church is offering with the desired needs and wants of the community.  There are also assessment tools for church leadership in change management and leadership styles.

 

The program is very user friendly and can be accessed by each church name and or zip code.  Twenty people from your church can register and have access to this database. 

 

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 

 

Who is Percept?

A:     Percept is a data base company located in California who specialize in providing demographic and faith-based data to churches.

 

Where do they get the data?

A:    The Percept database is derived from an analysis of the 2000 Census, the Warton Econometric Forecasting Association, socio-economic data segmentation surveys and faith surveys conducted by Percept.  The data is updated by Percept every six to twelve months.

 

Does Percept use Census Data?

Census data is incorporated into the Percept Data Base as it becomes available. 

 

What reports are available and what is the cost to the church?

 

The following reports are available to the church at no cost to

the church as the Presbytery of the Eastern Virginia has paid

for each church to participate:

 

“iChange” Assessment Report and Discussion Guide – this survey can be taken on-line by each registered individual.  It is designed to assess a person’s response to change and their style for managing change.  This tool can be used with church leaders along with the discussion guide to explore how change is perceived and managed in the church. 

 

“iLeadType” Assessment Report and Discussion Guide – This survey can be taken on-line by each registered individual.  It is designed to assess characteristics of an individual’s leadership style.  This tool can be used with church leaders along with the discussion guide to explore leadership themes and styles and their impact on the church.

 

10-Questions Workshop and Worksheet – This resource introduces the 10 areas of demographic information about the community that is reported in the 10-Facts Report.  It is designed to stimulate discussions about the community and generate interest to learn more.

 

10- Facts Report – This report is generated by zip code and provides 10 facts including Current Population, Projected 5 Year Population Change, Largest Lifestyle Group, Non-Anglo Population, Fastest Growing Racial/Ethnic Group, Households With No Faith Involvement, Average Age, Average Household Income, Single Parent Households, and College Graduates.  This data per zip code is also compared to the US average.  Additional information is also available on each of the 10 facts.  Churches may access any zip code in the US.

 

First View Report – Each church can down load 20 copies of this report per year at no charge.  (This is tracked by Percept each time a registered user from your church downloads a report as account numbers are coded to each church)

This report, generated by zip code, provides six pages of graphs, charts and text on four areas:

People and Place covers population density, change,

distribution and diversity.

Faces of Diversity covers lifestyles, Racial/Ethnic,

generations, family structure and education.

           Community Issues covers concerns stress conditions,

           and potential resistance to change.

           Faith Preferences cover faith receptivity, church style,

           church program preference, and religious preference and

           financial support potential. There is also a Workshop

           Guide that accompanies this report.

 

Ministry Match Report.  This resource compares how

the programs of your church match up to the interests

of people living in your community.

 

Quick Insight – Monthly information on demographics,

church growth, leadership, and change.  This resource

provides ideas for ministry and can be used as a

discussion tool for Sunday School Classes or as

information for newsletters and bulletins.

 

EXlibris – monthly review of books on church

leadership, change and planning.  This resource can

facilitate discussion among church leadership and

provide educational opportunities as well.

 

Are there additional reports that are available?

Yes, there are two more extensive reports that churches may choose to order if they are undertaking a major new initiative.  For most churches, however the complimentary resources listed above are quite sufficient for a church’s planning needs.

 

One more extensive report is the Ministry Area Profile (MAP).  This report contains demographic information on a specifically designated geographic area with identified boundaries not restricted to a zip code.  This report provides the same areas of demographic information as the First View Report and the 10Facts Report.  The cost for the optional report is $150.00 if ordered through PEVA, or $175.00 if the church orders directly from the Link2lead web site.

 

A second, more extensive report is Context.  This resource is designed for churches that want to undertake a planning process to develop specific goals and objectives.  The report provides community data on a specific geographic area as well as information on the congregation itself.  The latter is compiled through a survey in which the congregation participates.  The Context Report focuses on major gaps between the community, the congregation and the programs and ministries offered.  This report is also accompanied by a planning process guide called ReVision, which leads church members through  18 – 22 weeks of Biblical reflections ending with a retreat.   This optional report is available for $395.00 plus data entry fees when ordered through the Link2lead web site.

 

How do we log on?

Type www.link2lead.com  into your web browser.  To register for

the first time, select the REGISTER button on the left menu and

follow the instructions.  Once you register, you will be sent, via

e-mail, your church’s user ID number and an individual password

that will allow you to log on in the future.

 

How often can we log on to link2lead?

You can log on as often as you would like.  The data is available 24/7.  It is recommended that you save the reports to a file so that you don’t have to work on line all the time.  Also remember each church can download up to 20 copies of the First View Reports per year.  This is another good reason to copy reports to your hard drive or disc.

 

How long will this information be available to the churches?

The contract between the Presbytery and Percept is for three years until 2005

 

How many people from each church can use this?

The contract allows for 20 people from each church to register with Percept.

 

Can a church change who has access?

Yes.  Users can be deleted.  Just e-mail Percept through the

“My link2lead” portion of the Link2lead program and ask to be

removed as a user for your church.  A new person can then be

registered (up to 20 users per church).

 

What kind of computer programs are needed?

You must have Internet access to log on and you  must have a current e-mail address.  You will also need a browser (Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 4.0 and higher) The charts and graphs must be read with Adobe Acrobat Version 4.0 or higher (PDF files).  Optional equipment is a color printer to print out materials.

 

The First View Reports identify demographic groups by categories.  Where do we find the definitions of these groups?

The narrative portion of the report provides some basic idea of

the scope of the groups.  There is also a book that give detailed

definitions of these groups.  You can either purchase it or down

load it for free through the “My World” section of link2lead

program of Percept.

 

Whom do we contact if we have a problem?

The resource person at Percept is Courtney Johnson.  She can

be reached at cjohnson@perceptnet.com or 1-800-442-6277\

x205.  Her office hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm, Pacific Time. 

Courtney is the best person to contact if you have technical

questions.  There is a direct link to Percept e-mail through the

“My Link2lead” portion of the program.

 

The resources available through the Percept Link2lead program can be used for:

  • Church mission and ministry planning

  • Assessing community demographics and projected changes

  • Identifying community needs, interests and trends

  • Comparing the community with the church membership

  • Comparing church programs with those desired by the community

  • Church leadership education and training in the areas of leadership styles, mission and program planning, and change management.