However, the report will contain only the raw data (frequencies), according to taskforce chairman Edmund Ng. "We want to get the survey data out fast so that the participating churches can immediately use them for their planning," he explained.

"Hopefully, the pastors and church leaders concerned will meet and discuss their personal analysis and evaluation of the survey findings."

A subsequent report containing an analysis of some of the data will be published next year. The taskforce hopes to enlist the help of experienced analysts to evaluate the data. Those interested in this project should have a working knowledge of statistical software and be familiar with analysis techniques such as multiple regression.

Ng said that the survey report would give a clearer picture of the situation the Malaysian Church is in. "From here, we must seek to discern what God is doing in our midst and make plans for our churches according to His direction. Having a better knowledge of our situation will also enable us to develop a more proactive approach to meet the challenges of the 21st century."

NECF Malaysia received more than 4,000 questionnaire replies, a response rate of 56 per cent which is more than double the industry standard for mail surveys. The survey covered all the states in Peninsular Malaysia and all the denominations affiliated with NECF Malaysia.