Open AccessChurch mirror – a critical survey The General Synod of 1978 of the Dutch Reformed Church decided to undertook ageneral census in the church. Following this decision the first Church Mirror survey was done in 1981. Since 1981 eight surveys (1981, 1985, 1989, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2006) were done. These surveys developed in the church from a census to also an attitude survey in the latter years. The critical question is: did this surveys lead to greater clarity in the church? The following three aspects will be discussed as an answer to this research question:
• A historical review and background will be given of the surveys
• The methodological departure points and assumptions of the surveys will bediscussed
The value and contribution of Church Mirror will be looked into as part of a strategic exploration of the surveys.