Are You at the Wrong Airport?
Have you ever set out with a clear destination in mind, only to realize you’ve gone off course? That’s what happened to Stephen Macchia of Leadership Transformations in the late 1990s. He boarded a flight to teach a seminar in St. John, New Brunswick—but landed in St. John’s, Newfoundland instead.
Wandering the airport in search of a Howard Johnson’s sign that didn’t exist, he finally asked for help and learned the truth: he was in the wrong city.
That moment became a metaphor for his life—and for many churches today. “I was hopping on one wrong airplane after another,” he reflected, “landing in one wrong town after another. They were all good flights and good locations, but they were the wrong plans and more significantly, wrong destinations for me.”
This experience led Macchia to a season of spiritual realignment, which eventually sparked a multi-year study on church health. The result? A framework of ten traits of a healthy church—and the creation of the CHAT Survey.
What is CHAT?
CHAT (Church Health Assessment Tool) is a church survey designed by church leaders for church leaders. It’s a convenient, affordable, and user-friendly online process that provides accurate, anonymous feedback from your congregation in as little as 30 days.
Built on a ten-trait paradigm of a healthy church, CHAT helps leadership teams evaluate where they are, where they’re headed, and how to make wise, Spirit-led decisions going forward.
We are pleased to offer CHAT as a resource to churches and ministries seeking clarity, unity, and renewed purpose.
Why Should You Consider a Church Assessment?
Because sometimes, even with the best intentions, we end up in the wrong place. Conducting a church-wide assessment:
- Establishes a clear baseline of where your church stands
- Helps identify potential blind spots or dangers
- Encourages unity by valuing every voice in your congregation
- Equips leadership to strategize with clarity and confidence
Imagine the impact of saying to your church: “We’re listening. Your voice matters. We want to grow together.”
Are You at the Wrong Airport?
If you’re metaphorically searching for a sign that doesn’t exist—feeling stuck, misaligned, or unsure of your church’s direction—maybe it’s time to ask for help. CHAT isn’t just a survey. It’s a tool for realignment, rediscovery, and renewed purpose.
We’re pleased to offer CHAT as a resource to help your church gain clarity, listen well, and move forward with confidence.
Ready to take the next step? Let us help you access and implement CHAT in your church.