Expert researchers and consultants serving missions agencies, campus ministries, churches, and faith-based nonprofits
Most research agencies count things. Arbor Research Group interprets them. Any firm can tell you that 62% of your donors gave once and never returned. But services from Arbor Research Group tells leaders the why behind the data — what it means for their mission, culture and calling.
Research experts who understand ministry leadership
As a leader, you need more than a polished looking report compiled by analysts who have never led a ministry, never answered to a board and never wrestled with what the data means for a mission. Each member of the Arbor Research Group team has 20+ years of ministry leadership with advanced research expertise — in statistics, qualitative methods, theology, and Christian ministry. Nine out of ten organizations that work with us become repeat clients.
Terry Linhart, Ph.D.
Founder / CEO
Jill Hathaway
Operations Manager
Tyler Greenway, Ph.D.
Project Manager
Eric Shieh, Ph.D.
Jon Swanson, Ph.D.
Jen Bradbury, M.A.
S. Michael Greene, Ph.D.
Kacey Barahona, OTD, OTR/L
Kathy Krey, Ph.D.
Project Manager
Brent Sickel, M.A.
Dave Rahn, Ph.D.
Jane K. Chun, M.Div.
Mike Nicholas, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Sydney Sheltz Kempf, Ph.D.
Rely on our data-driven research services to inform your outreach campaigns, discipleship programs, fundraising strategies and more.
Frequently asked questions
How does Arbor Research Group interpret data for churches and faith-based nonprofits?
Rather than simply reporting numbers, Arbor Research Group translates data into meaningful insight that helps leaders make informed decisions. Their research identifies patterns in donor behavior, congregational engagement, organizational culture, and community perception. This allows churches and faith-based nonprofits to understand not just what is happening, but why it is happening—and how it connects to ministry effectiveness, leadership alignment, and long-term impact.
How are Arbor Research Group consultants different from other nonprofit research firms?
Arbor Research Group differs from traditional nonprofit research firms by focusing not only on data collection but on interpretation rooted in ministry context. While many firms report statistics and trends, Arbor helps church leaders, mission agencies, and faith-based nonprofits understand what the data actually means for strategy, culture, and mission effectiveness. This approach turns research into actionable insight that supports decision-making in areas such as donor engagement, outreach strategy, and organizational health.
Do Arbor Research Group consultants have real ministry leadership experience?
Yes. Each consultant at Arbor Research Group brings more than two decades of ministry leadership experience alongside advanced expertise in research methodology. Their backgrounds include church leadership, missions work, and nonprofit service, combined with training in areas such as statistics, qualitative research, theology, and organizational analysis. This combination allows the team to understand both the operational realities of ministry and the technical rigor needed for high-quality Christian nonprofit research and consulting.
Why is ministry experience important in church and nonprofit research consulting?
Ministry experience is essential because it ensures research is interpreted within the real-world context of churches, mission agencies, and faith-based organizations. Leaders face complex challenges involving donors, staff culture, board expectations, and community engagement. Consultants who have personally led ministries are better equipped to understand these dynamics and provide insights that are practical, relevant, and aligned with Christian mission outcomes rather than purely academic analysis.