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Parish Survey
Our Parish Survey was conducted between May 1 and May 15, 2009. A significant number of 125 surveys were submitted.
Holy Cow Consulting helped us prepare the survey and they have analyzed the data. To view the results, click on Parish Survey.
The Parish Survey can be read in portable document format. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read this file. Download Acrobat Reader for free if you need to install it on your computer.
We held two pairs of information and discussion events in June for the parish to look at survey results. Our discussions focused on "Where Are We Now?" and "Where Are We Going?"
Where are we now?
The survey results, in a nutshell, showed:
- We are satisfied with how things are
- We attend worship about the same as three years ago
- Participation in church activities is very meaningful to us
- We are theologically progressive
- We are very adaptable
- We are welcoming & hospitable
- Our morale is strong
- We believe conflict is appropriately managed and resolved
- We have a healthy tolerance for difference in opinions
- Decisions making structures and processes are open
- Our spiritual vitality is low!
- We are equipped and ready for lay ministry
- Our church provides opportunities for Christian education
- Our worship is exceptional in quality and spiritual content
- Our percent of household income given to the church is low
- We are an older congregation—significantly over 65
- We have small numbers of youth and children
- We have a high level of education
- We are a regional church with members traveling more than 3 miles to attend
- We have a number of long-time members—over 20 years
- We have a significant number of members attending for less than 15 years
- Ethnically, we are overwhelmingly white/Caucasian Gender: 62% female, 38% male
- We have average involvement in worship
Where do we want to go?
Our survey indicated the top priorities are to:
- Make necessary changes to attract families with children and youth to our church.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church.
- Provide more opportunities for Christian education and spiritual formation at every age and stage of life.
What are the skills and strengths we seek
in our next rector?
Respondents to the survey considered the following to be the top priorities:
- Welcoming visitors
- Pastoral skills
- Administrative leadership
- Children and youth leadership
- Congregational development