This is an excellent way to go about the early stages of a discernment process. The benchmarking available puts the data in context and the skilled interpretation helps one to avoid hasty conclusions. We have used the information to decide what topics to take up in three discussion groups. These are stimulating more ideas and clarifying nuances in the data you collected and analyzed for us. (August 2025)

Our work with Holy Cow! was insightful, turnkey, flexible… the content and format were easy to understand; making it happen was painless; making adjustments was easy. The greatest benefit has been 1) affirmation of where we are and 2) reinforcement on what we should work on. Kudos to Elizabeth for guiding us along the way! (August 2025)

The Holy Cow! approach is sociologically rigorous, but grounded in Christian faith and ministry. A perfect combination .It provides an independent reference point when leaders try to address the health and vitality of the congregation, as well us indentifying where to focus our limited resources and energy. (July 2025)

Our experience with Holy Cow! Consulting gave our rector search committee a strong understanding of where we are and what our congregation prioritizes. This is a strong tool, very strong interpretation of the results. (July 2025)

The greatest benefit of working with Holy Cow! was having many of our assumptions confirmed, and better understanding our strengths and where various segments of our congregation would like more energy directed. The experience was great. Highly recommend! (June 2025)

The CAT gave us the ability to get a large amount of data without reinventing the wheel. It helped us to be confident in moving forward and better ready to address any challenges ahead. (May 2025)

The CAT is excellent and the interpretation is extremely worthwhile.
As for insights, I believe the CAT helped by reinforcing what staff and our leadership board (Session) already believed about our congregation. But the level of detail by which it broke down information (particularly by age and membership tenure) provides good insights, perhaps the greatest of which was the desire of our younger members (under 54) to have more opportunities to be together. The results also will enable us to develop further ministries (and changes) to reach out to young families in our area (the number one goal of the congregation as revealed by the CAT). (May 2025)

The assessment was thorough, the interpretation was honest and gracious, and the results are helpful for us to understand our congregation and what work needs done. (May 2025)

For our strategic planning, working with Holy Cow was the best decision we could have made. Emily kept us motivated in the work and was willing to challenge when we needed to be challenged on our own assumptions and thoughts. Holy Cow was prompt when contacted and was clear in what was covered in their services. Emily was always clear with her timeline and delivered on time.

The greatest benefit of the process was the enthusiasm and excitement of the team for this work. It would have been easy to go through the motions but everyone agreed that they are renewed and energized for the future. (April 2025)

The insight we received into our congregation was amazing and motivational. It showed us where we were on the right track and also where our blind spots might be. Fantastic insights and the core product is well designed. (March 2025)