MW Index
On this page you’ll find all of the stories from our MW Index series.
MinistryWatch Index Jumps in April
April surge driven by new IRS data and rising stock markets, even as ministry leaders grow more concerned about fundraising.
The MinistryWatch Index posts the strongest monthly gain in three years. The April surge is driven by new IRS data and rising stock markets—even as ministry leaders grow more concerned about fundraising.
MinistryWatch Index Down Slightly in March
MinistryWatch Index Down Slightly in March
MinistryWatch Index down slightly in March, possibly reflecting ongoing concern about the state of the economy.
MinistryWatch Index Flat for February
Index is based on revenue of 38 large Christian ministries, representing all 22 ministry sector MinistryWatch tracks.
The MinistryWatch Index was flat in January and rose less than 1% in February, possibly reflecting ongoing concern about the state of the economy.
MinistryWatch Index Jumps in December
Up about 8% for 2025, lagging stock market performance
ANALYSIS–The MinistryWatch Index jumped more than 7% in December, and 8% for the year. The sudden jump in December in part reflects a significant release of new financial data related to nonprofits from the IRS. The index had been mostly flat for the year until the IRS released several large batches of data in the last couple of months. The single month jump likely reflects not just a single month of growth, but the accumulation…
MinistryWatch Index Flat During October
Little change for the year could reflect concern about economy
The MinistryWatch Index has essentially been flat for the year.
MinistryWatch Index Flat During September
Little change for the year could reflect concern about economy
The MinistryWatch Index was flat for the month of September, and has essentially remained flat for the year.
MinistryWatch Index Saw Slight Rise in August
Still mostly flat for the year
The MinistryWatch Index saw a slight increase in August, the first significant monthly rise this year.
MinistryWatch Index Remained Flat in July
Eighth consecutive month index is essentially unchanged
ANALYSIS–The MinistryWatch Index was flat throughout July, remaining unchanged from the month before. The MinistryWatch Index is based on the revenue of 38 large Christian ministries, ministries that represent all of the 21 ministry segments tracked by MinistryWatch. This month’s lackluster performance adds another month to a now record eight months of flat performance by the Index. The no growth and negative growth of the MinistryWatch Index over the past eight months could suggest concern…
MinistryWatch Index Flat in May
Sixth consecutive month index is essentially unchanged
The MinistryWatch Index is based on the revenue of 38 large Christian ministries, ministries that represent all of the 21 ministry segments tracked by MinistryWatch.
MinistryWatch Index Fell in April
Drop could reflect concerns among donors about the economy
ANALYSIS–The MinistryWatch Index fell .9 percent in April to 151. The MinistryWatch Index is based on the revenue of 38 large Christian ministries, ministries that represent all of the 21 ministry segments tracked by MinistryWatch. This month’s downward move follows a record five months of flat performance by the Index. The no growth and negative growth of the MinistryWatch Index over the past six months could suggest concern about the future of the economy. A recent…
MinistryWatch Index Was Unchanged in January
Revenue of large ministries has been flat for four months
The MinistryWatch Index is based on the revenue of 38 large Christian ministries, ministries that represent all of the 21 ministry segments tracked by MinistryWatch.
MinistryWatch Index Flat in November
Index tracks revenue of large Christian ministries
The MinistryWatch Index remained essentially flat during the month of November.
MinistryWatch Index Fell in October
Could a drop be a sign of economic trouble ahead?
The MinistryWatch Index in October saw its first monthly drop this year and the biggest one-month drop since the beginning of the survey in 2015.
MinistryWatch Index Remains Flat in September
Year-to-date growth is about 8 percent, lagging major stock indices
The MinistryWatch Index inched up slightly during September but has remained mostly flat for the third month in a row.
MinistryWatch Index Flat for August
Index tracks revenue of large Christian ministries
The MinistryWatch Index inched up slightly in August but has remained mostly flat this summer.
MinistryWatch Index Maintains Record High in July
Index tracks revenue of large Christian ministries
The MinistryWatch Index tracks the total revenue of 38 of the largest Christian ministries in the nation.
MinistryWatch Index Hits Record High in June
Index tracks revenue of representative sample of large Christian ministries
The MinistryWatch Index tracks the total revenue of the 38 largest Christian ministries in the nation.
MinistryWatch Index Flat For May
ANALYSIS–The MinistryWatch Index remained unchanged this month, hovering at 148, which is the same as last month. The revenue number on which the Index is based grew by a modest .3 percent during the month. Year-to-date, the index has grown 2.7 percent. The MinistryWatch Index tracks the total revenue of the 38 largest Christian ministries in the nation. After several years of strong growth in the Christian ministry sector, the MinistryWatch Index for 2024 suggests…
EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK: Introducing The MinistryWatch Index
New Index provides monthly look at revenue changes of largest Christian ministries.
The MinistryWatch Index tracks the total revenue of the largest Christian ministries in the nation.