Market research and focus groups can be helpful, but people will often say one thing and do another.
A friend’s church was trying to determine when to reopen their church during the pandemic. They took a survey and learned that 30% would be open to returning in the month of July.
This church decided to open in July, counting on a smaller audience with the hope of building momentum from there. Unfortunately, only 10% of the congregation attended.
People can make verbal commitments that they may not keep.
Proverbs 18:24 teaches, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Market research is helpful, but you also need to rely on prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit.