The Nazarene Composite Index (NCI) is designed to be an indicator of trends in the Church of the Nazarene in the USA. It is constructed from the Annual Report of the Pastor and denominational program data. Like the more familiar financial indices, the NCI is designed to give an early indication of developing trends.

The index is actually an average of four separate indices – an index of participation, an index of outreach effectiveness, an index of financial patterns, and an index of trends in the nurture programs of the church. The average of these four indices, the NCI number, is best understood by comparing annual scores. NCI scores rose from 1995 through 2000. Following a decline in 2001 the index was relatively stable until 2007 when it dropped to the 1995 level.

Since the purpose of the index is to increase sensitivity to evidence of either healthy or potentially dangerous trends, the decline in 2007 is cause for concern. Two of the four component indices which make up the composite were up slightly in 2007. This year the index was negatively influenced by the Outreach Index component which declined significantly.