Report on the Results of The United Church of Canada Identity Survey 2011

Transcription

1 Report on the Results of The United Church of Canada Identity Survey 2011 Fieldwork completed May/June 2011 Report prepared for: Emmanuel - Ottawa Jane Armstrong Research Associates

2 Identity Survey 2011 Report Outline Introduction Purpose of the Survey Methodology and Completion Results Top-line Survey Results Summary Appendix (presented under separate cover) English questionnaire The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 2

3 Jane Armstrong Research Associates Introduction

4 Identity Survey 2011 Purpose of the Survey Obtain a picture of the identity and vision of the people of The United Church of Canada Gather insights for the planning and processes of the 41st General Council Provide participating pastoral charges with their own "individual" survey reports To protect the privacy of respondents, individual pastoral charge reports will only be issued when the sample for that pastoral charge includes 15 respondents (or more) The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 4

5 Identity Survey 2011 Methodology and Completion Results Invitations to participate were extended to a stratified random sample of 607 pastoral charges across the country; this yielded a sample of 7448 respondents from 223 pastoral charges Your pastoral charge (referred to in report as 'Your Church') had a sample of 106 respondents Note that caution should be exercised when interpreting percentages based on small sample sizes Note that in multi-point charges, the sample includes people from all participating congregations within that charge Pastoral charges from all 13 United Church of Canada Conferences participated Including pastoral charges ranging in size from the smallest (average attendance under 50) to the largest (average attendance over 200) Questionnaires were completed in a number of different languages English/French/Chinese/Japanese/Korean Fieldwork was completed from May 1 to June 19 (extension of two weeks due to mail strike) The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 5

6 Top-line Survey Results National/Your Church Jane Armstrong Research Associates

7 NATIONAL Survey Results: The Big Picture 1. Overall homogeneity tempered by notable levels of diversity 2. Quiet witness to Christianity and the significance of church 3. Commitment to community 4. A slight shadow of exclusionary attitudes 5. Wider church seems less valued for its contribution to local congregations than for its potential to make a difference on a larger scale 6. A new mechanism for directed givings has appeal, but the direction of current contributions to Mission and Service could be affected The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 7

8 NATIONAL Survey Results 1. Overall homogeneity tempered by notable levels of diversity Majority of respondents are regular church-goers /long-term attendees /born and bred United However, sizeable numbers of people (3 in 10) have worshipped elsewhere One in 10 have no faith history prior to the United Church Majority worship with their current congregation only, but 1 in 10 worship with more than one United Church congregation Small numbers also attend other Christian denomination s services, e.g., Anglican (5%), Presbyterian (4%), RC (3%), Baptist (2%) Small numbers also attend non-christian services, e.g., Aboriginal Spirituality (4%) The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 8

9 NATIONAL Attendance When and How Often? 80.3% 85.7% 10.4% 3.8% How Long? All Year Weekly Monthly Less Often With Whom? Average time in congregation 23 years 50.1% 48.4% 19.4% 10.4% 8.5% 3.9% 14.4% Friend Spouse Child Other Family Parent Choir No One Q1,2,3,4 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 9

10 YOUR CHURCH Attendance When and How Often? 68.9% 81.1% 14.2% 4.7% How Long? All Year Weekly Monthly Less Often With Whom? Average time in congregation 23 years 56.6% 61.3% 22.6% 19.8% 12.3% 2.8% 6.6% Friend Spouse Child Other Family Parent Choir No One Q1,2,3,4 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 10

11 NATIONAL Faith Identity and History Always United Past Worship Always thought of self as United 69.1% Among Not Always United Among All Always thought of self as United and always worshipped United 60.2% Another Christian, Canada 64.0% 24.4% Another Christian, not Canada 16.0% 6.1% Non-Christian, Canada 1.4% 0.5% Non-Christian, not Canada 0.4% 0.1% Nowhere 23.4% 8.9% Q6,7,8 * Note that people in shared ministry (partner denominations) were not asked Questions 6-12; the effects on the overall national results are negligible to nil The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 11

12 YOUR CHURCH Faith Identity and History Always United Always thought of self as United 64.2% Past Worship Among Not Always United Among All Always thought of self as United and always worshipped United 55.7% Another Christian, Canada 61.7% 27.4% Another Christian, not Canada 14.9% 6.6% Non-Christian, Canada 2.1% 0.9% Non-Christian, not Canada 0.0% 0.0% Nowhere 27.7% 12.3% Q6,7,8 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 12

13 NATIONAL Faith Identity and History Past Denominations and Religions CHRISTIAN Among Worship Elsewhere Among All Anglican 35.0% 10.1% Roman Catholic 22.0% 6.3% Presbyterian 21.2% 6.1% Baptist 18.5% 5.3% Lutheran 9.9% 2.8% Methodist 8.3% 2.4% Pentecostal 3.3% 1.0% Reformed Church 3.2% 0.9% Mennonite 2.6% 0.8% Salvation Army 1.8% 0.5% NON-CHRISTIAN Unitarian 2.2% 0.6% Buddhism 2.0% 0.6% Aboriginal Spirituality 1.0% 0.3% Judaism 0.7% 0.2% Baha'i 0.6% 0.2% Q9 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 13

14 YOUR CHURCH Faith Identity and History Past Denominations and Religions CHRISTIAN Among Worship Elsewhere Among All Anglican 47.1% 15.1% Roman Catholic 11.8% 3.8% Presbyterian 11.8% 3.8% Baptist 32.4% 10.4% Lutheran 5.9% 1.9% Methodist 5.9% 1.9% Pentecostal 5.9% 1.9% Reformed Church 5.9% 1.9% Mennonite 2.9% 0.9% Salvation Army 0.0% 0.0% NON-CHRISTIAN Unitarian 0.0% 0.0% Buddhism 2.9% 0.9% Aboriginal Spirituality 2.9% 0.9% Judaism 0.0% 0.0% Baha'i 0.0% 0.0% Q9 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 14

15 NATIONAL Other Communities of Faith / Religious Practices Currently Worship Anywhere Else? 21.9% CHRISTIAN With Which Other Denominations / Religions? Among Those Who Worship Elsewhere Among All United Church 49.5% 10.8% Participate in Non-Traditional Forms of "Church" Yes, currently 7.3% Anglican 22.2% 4.9% Presbyterian 17.2% 3.8% Roman Catholic 14.9% 3.3% Baptist 10.2% 2.2% Yes, in the past 19.0% No, never 59.4% Don't know 15.8% NON-CHRISTIAN Aboriginal Spirituality 17.1% 3.7% Baha'i 3.1% 0.7% Confucianism 2.1% 0.5% Zoroastrianism 1.3% 0.3% Neopagan 0.8% 0.2% Q10,11,19 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 15

16 YOUR CHURCH Other Communities of Faith / Religious Practices Currently Worship Anywhere Else? 22.6% CHRISTIAN With Which Other Denominations / Religions? Among Those Who Worship Elsewhere Among All Participate in Non-Traditional Forms of "Church" Yes, currently 7.5% Baptist 20.8% 4.7% Yes, in the past 27.4% No, never 56.6% NON-CHRISTIAN United Church 45.8% 10.4% Anglican 20.8% 4.7% Presbyterian 29.2% 6.6% Roman Catholic 16.7% 3.8% Don't know 11.3% Aboriginal Spirituality 12.5% 2.8% Baha'i 4.2% 0.9% Confucianism 4.2% 0.9% Zoroastrianism 0.0% 0.0% Neopagan 0.0% 0.0% Q10,11,19 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 16

17 NATIONAL Survey Results 2. Quiet witness to Christianity and the significance of church Respondents are committed to honouring their Christian heritage in worship And they care about the survival of Christianity But also aware of the legitimacy of other paths to God General acknowledgment of the significance of church as it relates to the big issues of faith, values and the living of life Less likely to attach significance to the church on a more granular scale, e.g., as church relates to relationships, work, leisure, social and political views The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 17

18 NATIONAL Theology General Positions Time for organized Christianity to fade away 4.9% 19.9% Strongly agree Somewhat agree Only possible to be Christian by being in a Christian community 8.0% 20.7% Prayer makes a difference in what happens in the world 40.7% 41.4% Prayer makes a difference in what happens in your personal life Christianity is one path among many 55.3% 60.2% 34.6% 27.8% Importance of Jesus / Trinity (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very important) Read Bible Outside of Worship Name Jesus in worship Express God as Trinity AVERAGE RATING TOP BOX "10" 53.2% 40.5% Frequently Sometimes Never 19.2% 47.3% 32.2% Q30,31,32,33,34 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 18

19 YOUR CHURCH Theology General Positions Time for organized Christianity to fade away 0.9% 17.9% Strongly agree Somewhat agree Only possible to be Christian by being in a Christian community 4.7% 23.6% Prayer makes a difference in what happens in the world 32.1% 37.7% Prayer makes a difference in what happens in your personal life 42.5% 39.6% Christianity is one path among many 64.2% 25.5% Importance of Jesus / Trinity (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very important) AVERAGE RATING TOP BOX "10" Name Jesus in worship % Express God as Trinity % Read Bible Outside of Worship Frequently 17.0% Sometimes 45.3% Never 37.7% Q30,31,32,33,34 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 19

20 NATIONAL Significance of Church in One's Life Role that Church Plays vis-à-vis Life Very Significant 63.6% 62.8% 50.5% 2011, Identity Survey 1994, Unitrends* 38.0% 33.0% 40.0% 33.0% 18.0% 12.0% 16.0% Personal faith Values Living of life Relate to others Marriage/relationship 32.3% 31.6% 14.0% 23.0% 20.3% 16.8% 11.0% 11.0% 14.3% 7.0% 12.9% 4.0% Views on social issues Raising children Choice of friends Work Leisure activities Political views Q20 *Unitrends was a survey conducted in 1994 among a sample of United Church members, designed to gain a better understanding of stewardship issues The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 20

21 YOUR CHURCH Significance of Church in One's Life Role that Church Plays vis-à-vis Life Very Significant 54.7% 51.9% 43.4% 39.6% 2011, Identity Survey 34.9% Personal faith Values Living of life Relate to others Marriage/relationship 35.8% 30.2% 26.4% 18.9% 13.2% 13.2% Views on social issues Raising children Choice of friends Work Leisure activities Political views Q20 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 21

22 NATIONAL Survey Results 3. Commitment to community Although very few strongly agree that it is only possible to be a Christian by being part of a Christian community (see above), actual perceptions and behaviours suggest that community is indeed a kind of article of faith Attending services and supporting one s local church are important to people s faith A sense of membership is stronger at the local level than the national level and a majority feel very connected to their local church Solid commitment to maintaining relationship with current congregation Many of the reported activities in the church revolve around community / belonging / connection Paralleling these notions of community is a solid sense of the importance of a welcoming church, the value of fellowship, translating faith into action (i.e., service to others), especially at the local level The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 22

23 NATIONAL Importance of Church Involvement in One's Faith Role vis-à-vis Faith Very Important 65.9% 50.0% 61.7% 55.0% 45.1% 2011, Identity Survey 1994, Unitrends 28.6% Attending services Supporting local church financially * Volunteering to church causes Supporting wider church financially Q21 *1994 Unitrends question did not specify local or wider The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 23

24 YOUR CHURCH Importance of Church Involvement in One's Faith Role vis-à-vis Faith Very Important 52.8% 56.6% 2011, Identity Survey 42.5% 32.1% Attending services Supporting local church financially * Volunteering to church causes Supporting wider church financially Q21 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 24

25 NATIONAL Perceptions of Membership, Involvement, Connection 94.3% Think of Self as Member 72.9% Your local church The national church Involvement in Local Church and Change Over Time 44.0% 39.9% 34.7% 26.7% 29.0% 9.2% Very involved Somewhat involved Increased Decreased Same Depends Connection to Local Church and Change Over Time 65.1% 29.9% 44.6% 6.0% 31.5% 17.6% Very connected Somewhat connected Increased Decreased Same Depends Q12,14,15,16,17 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 25

26 YOUR CHURCH Perceptions of Membership, Involvement, Connection 98.1% Think of Self as Member 84.0% Your local church The national church 44.3% Involvement in Local Church and Change Over Time 40.6% 41.5% 30.2% 11.3% 17.0% Very involved Somewhat involved Increased Decreased Same Depends Connection to Local Church and Change Over Time 76.4% 46.2% 19.8% 1.9% 28.3% 23.6% Very connected Somewhat connected Increased Decreased Same Depends Q12,14,15,16,17 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 26

27 NATIONAL Commitment to Church in the Future Future Association with the United Church Very likely to keep worshipping with current congregation, if living nearby 89.2% Very likely to seek out another United Church congregation, if move away 62.1% Very important for you to maintain connection to the United Church, if unable to worship regularly 38.0% Q44,45,46 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 27

28 YOUR CHURCH Commitment to Church in the Future Future Association with the United Church Very likely to keep worshipping with current congregation, if living nearby 95.3% Very likely to seek out another United Church congregation, if move away 57.5% Very important for you to maintain connection to the United Church, if unable to worship regularly 41.5% Q44,45,46 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 28

29 NATIONAL Participation in Past Two Years Fellowship Attended fund-raising event Attended funeral/wedding 85.5% 74.1% Attended social event 66.5% Volunteering Helped with odd jobs 83.5% Helped with community outreach 45.7% Governance / Local Church Attended congregational meeting 78.5% Attended annual meeting 76.7% Served on a committee 58.4% Chaired/co-chaired committee 30.0% Involvement Beyond Local Church Talked about faith to non-churchgoer 66.9% Read United Church Observer/Mandate 62.4% Attended event/service in other United Church 61.0% Q18 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 29

30 YOUR CHURCH Participation in Past Two Years Fellowship Attended fund-raising event 91.5% Attended funeral/wedding 54.7% Attended social event 74.5% Volunteering Helped with odd jobs 80.2% Helped with community outreach 37.7% Governance / Local Church Attended congregational meeting 84.0% Attended annual meeting 68.9% Served on a committee 63.2% Chaired/co-chaired committee 27.4% Involvement Beyond Local Church Talked about faith to non-churchgoer 63.2% Read United Church Observer/Mandate 72.6% Attended event/service in other United Church 75.5% Q18 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 30

31 NATIONAL Participation in Past Two Years (continued) Worship Ushered/served communion 56.1% Read scripture/liturgy 45.9% Sang in choir/played instrument 31.2% Education Participated in adult education 40.3% Taught church school / led youth group 17.0% Governance / Wider Church Involved with Presbytery, Conference 15.2% Elected as Commissioner to General Council 2.4% Advocacy Wrote to an elected official 11.8% Youth Involvement (among those aged 11-19) Participated as member of youth group 75.8% Joined other youth to design/lead worship 68.8% Worked with other youth on outreach 68.0% Q18 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 31

32 YOUR CHURCH Participation in Past Two Years (continued) Worship Ushered/served communion 53.8% Read scripture/liturgy 51.9% Sang in choir/played instrument 34.9% Education Participated in adult education 38.7% Taught church school / led youth group 20.8% Governance / Wider Church Involved with Presbytery, Conference 17.0% Elected as Commissioner to General Council 4.7% Advocacy Wrote to an elected official 18.9% Youth Involvement (among those aged 11-19) Participated as member of youth group - Joined other youth to design/lead worship - Worked with other youth on outreach - Q18 * Due to small sample size, in order to protect anonymity, results for youth involvement (among those aged 11-19) are not reported here The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 32

33 NATIONAL/ YOUR CHURCH Attributes of a Church You Would Like to Be Part Of Importance (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very important) AVERAGE RATING NATIONAL AVERAGE RATING YOUR CHURCH WELCOMING SUPPORT FAITH INTO ACTION ENGAGING/DYNAMIC That is inviting and welcoming to everyone That values the presence and contribution of people of all ages, from children and youth to seniors 9.2 That accompanies people through the most difficult times of life Where God s presence is felt That helps people grow spiritually That reaches out to those in the local community who need help In which members demonstrate their faith by showing respect for all people regardless of their sexual orientation That approaches life s deepest issues with a respect for personal freedom and choice In which people are encouraged to translate their personal faith into action in their daily lives In which people demonstrate their faith by showing respect for the earth and the environment That places an emphasis on helping people with the day-to-day issues in their lives That works with the poor to find ways to improve their situation That encourages questioning and debate FAITH INTO ACTION Whose members work for justice in the world ENGAGING/DYNAMIC That offers opportunities to help make decisions about the direction of the church That is open to changing the way it does things That offers its members worship and study opportunities that engage both the emotions and the intellect Where people are continually in the process of discovering new ways of looking at and understanding their faith Q22 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 33

34 NATIONAL/ YOUR CHURCH Attributes of a Church You Would Like to Be Part Of (continued) Importance (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very important) AVERAGE RATING NATIONAL AVERAGE RATING YOUR CHURCH REL'SHIP W JESUS/ TRANSFORMATION That invites members to grow in their relationship with Jesus That encourages its members to pray DIVERSE/INTERCULT. Where the worship services feel comfortable and familiar OUTWARD-LOOKING REL'SHIP W JESUS/ TRANSFORMATION OUTWARD-LOOKING DIVERSE/INTERCULT. REL'SHIP W JESUS/ TRANSFORMATION DIVERSE/ INTERCULTURAL That offers opportunities to get involved in church activities outside of worship That actively tries to build relationships among people of differing faith traditions and cultures That offers the possibility of personal transformation, for example, turning one s life around or changing the way one looks at the world Where members are encouraged to follow Jesus as disciples That uses many different styles of music That offers you a place to build deep personal relationships That has a culture of encouraging regular financial donations to support the work of the church locally, nationally and around the world That tries to be understandable and accessible to people whose first language is not the primary language of worship in the congregation Where the Bible is the primary focus of preaching That performs same sex marriages That celebrates special initiatives such as Black History Month That uses expansive language for God, for example, in which God is referred to, not just as Father, but also as Mother, Creator, Holy One, etc That encourages newcomers to Canada to maintain connections with faith communities in their home country That at times uses prayers or readings from other non-christian faiths in worship That uses inclusive language, for example, changing the words of old hymns to include both men and women, not just men Where others are mostly like you Q22 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 34

35 NATIONAL Survey Results 4. A slight shadow of exclusionary attitudes The ideal of becoming a community that celebrates and promotes diversity is among the lowest of respondents priorities, when they are asked to rank importance of several church attributes And there is work to do if a complete sense of belonging requires full involvement in guiding the direction of the church not everyone feels comfortable or is active in decision-making Attitudes of intolerance are also demonstrated in cascading numbers of people who are very comfortable with ministers who are perceived to be increasingly different The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 35

36 NATIONAL Comfort Levels at Church 84.3% 63.2% 60.3% 58.7% Very comfortable Somewhat comfortable 27.7% 34.1% 34.7% 42.3% 40.1% 13.4% Worshipping Participating in church events Meeting people Express self one-on-one Express self in meetings Possible Reasons for Discomfort in Expressing Self in Meetings More comfortable one-on-one 45.4% Nervous 33.8% Poor grasp of issues 33.6% Dominating views of others 33.5% Unfamiliar with formal meeting rules 21.5% Tune out because discussion is boring 13.7% Concerns that others will disagree 11.1% Topics not relevant to faith 10.1% Not comfortable in language of meeting 8.1% None of the above 28.8% Q13,27,28 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 36

37 YOUR CHURCH Comfort Levels at Church 85.8% Very comfortable 69.8% 58.5% 65.1% Somewhat comfortable 14.2% 18.9% 35.8% 27.4% 40.6% 43.4% Worshipping Participating in church events Meeting people Express self one-on-one Express self in meetings Possible Reasons for Discomfort in Expressing Self in Meetings More comfortable one-on-one 45.3% Nervous 38.7% Poor grasp of issues 27.4% Dominating views of others 26.4% Unfamiliar with formal meeting rules 20.8% Tune out because discussion is boring 17.0% Concerns that others will disagree 13.2% Topics not relevant to faith 4.7% Not comfortable in language of meeting 11.3% None of the above 23.6% Q13,27,28 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 37

38 NATIONAL Attitudes Towards Different Types of Ministers How comfortable are you? Very Comfortable 94.9% 90.3% 91.1% Somewhat comfortable 75.0% 70.9% 4.0% 7.3% 6.1% 18.0% 18.9% Male Female One male, one female Two males Two females 72.1% How comfortable are you? Very Comfortable Somewhat comfortable 21.3% 49.6% 26.5% 35.3% 43.4% 27.1% 32.4% Visible minority Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual First language not primary language of congregation Transgendered Q23,24,25 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 38

39 YOUR CHURCH Attitudes Towards Different Types of Ministers How comfortable are you? Very Comfortable Somewhat comfortable 95.3% 89.6% 97.2% 73.6% 67.0% 4.7% 9.4% 2.8% 24.5% 26.4% Male Female One male, one female Two males Two females How comfortable are you? Very Comfortable 85.8% Somewhat comfortable 50.9% 30.2% 47.2% 35.8% 33.0% 30.2% 13.2% Visible minority Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual First language not primary language of congregation Transgendered Q23,24,25 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 39

40 NATIONAL Attitudes Towards Different Types of Ministers How comfortable are you? Very Comfortable 86.4% 96.2% 98.4% 96.0% 79.7% Minister under 35 Minister Minister Minister Minister 65+ Q26 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 40

41 YOUR CHURCH Attitudes Towards Different Types of Ministers How comfortable are you? Very Comfortable 85.8% 97.2% 100.0% 100.0% 81.1% Minister under 35 Minister Minister Minister Minister 65+ Q26 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 41

42 NATIONAL Survey Results 5. Wider church seems less valued for its contribution to local congregations than for its potential to make a difference on a larger scale On the role of the wider church, just lukewarm agreement that the church s courts makes a positive contribution to the work of local congregations However, although some pursuits are more keenly supported than others, a majority support the work of The United Church of Canada Further to this, there is unanimity that renewal of the church as a national organization is an important goal And many more are visionary than practical about what renewal could look like The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 42

43 NATIONAL Perceptions of the Wider Church Positive Contribution to Your Congregation 36.8% 45.4% 42.4% 43.0% 6.1% 14.3% 28.0% 18.9% 23.5% National identity of United Church Conferences Presbyteries Strongly agree Somewhat agree Don't know Development of policies/standards for programs/ministries Importance of United Church of Canada Pursuits Work with partners/crises Theological training Advocacy Administration/pensions Global mission partners Community ministries Camps Senior housing Campus Chaplaincies 39.0% 38.9% 35.7% 35.7% 33.3% 31.3% 58.0% 56.7% 51.6% 49.0% Very important Somewhat important 34.3% 34.5% 35.8% 38.5% 45.8% 45.1% 43.4% 47.8% 47.2% 49.3% Q34d,35,43 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 43

44 YOUR CHURCH Perceptions of the Wider Church 54.7% Positive Contribution to Your Congregation 31.1% 18.9% 35.8% 32.1% 25.5% 41.5% 23.6% 4.7% National identity of United Church Conferences Presbyteries Strongly agree Somewhat agree Don't know Development of policies/standards for programs/ministries Importance of United Church of Canada Pursuits Work with partners/crises Theological training Advocacy Administration/pensions Global mission partners Community ministries Camps Senior housing Campus Chaplaincies 62.3% 57.5% 60.4% 62.3% 36.8% 50.9% 45.3% 40.6% 34.9% 42.5% Very important Somewhat important 32.1% 39.6% 31.1% 32.1% 53.8% 50.9% 38.7% 49.1% 57.5% 44.3% Q34d,35,43 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 44

45 NATIONAL Importance of the National Organization Importance of Renewal of the National Church in the 21st Century 76.4% 19.6% 2.7% Very important, God has important work for the church Important to manage ministers' pensions, benefits, etc. Not important, the time for the United Church is past Q29 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 45

46 YOUR CHURCH Importance of the National Organization Importance of Renewal of the National Church in the 21st Century 75.5% 22.6% 1.9% Very important, God has important work for the church Important to manage ministers' pensions, benefits, etc. Not important, the time for the United Church is past Q29 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 46

47 NATIONAL Survey Results 6. A new mechanism for directed givings has appeal, but the direction of current contributions to Mission and Service could be affected There is support for a new M&S mechanism that promotes directed givings, but many more people are likely to make gifts themselves than to promote giving among their non-united friends Among those M&S donors who are likely to make directed gifts through the new mechanism, one half pledge that they will do so in addition to what they give to M&S now. The remainder will give instead of or are undecided The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 47

48 NATIONAL The Mission and Service Fund: Current Awareness 94.5% 86.5% 79.1% 76.9% 69.8% 69.3% 36.1% 34.6% 33.0% 30.1% 9.0% Know that money is used for (among those aware)... Q36,37 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 48

49 YOUR CHURCH The Mission and Service Fund: Current Awareness 96.2% 82.4% 80.4% 80.4% 74.5% 78.4% 33.3% 31.4% 39.2% 31.4% 6.9% Know that money is used for (among those aware)... Q36,37 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 49

50 NATIONAL The Mission and Service Fund: Current Contributions Frequency of Contribution (among those aware) 52.7% 29.5% 7.8% 9.6% Concern/United Church positions Reasons for Not Giving Regularly (among those aware but do not give regularly) Prefer local Prefer specific program Can't afford Concern/use of money Don't understand fund Not asked Not relevant Other 3.4% 1.6% 7.4% 15.0% 12.7% 11.2% 24.5% 40.6% 71.1% Q38,39 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 50

51 YOUR CHURCH The Mission and Service Fund: Current Contributions Frequency of Contribution (among those aware) 69.6% 12.7% 8.8% 8.8% Concern/United Church positions Reasons for Not Giving Regularly (among those aware but do not give regularly) Prefer local Prefer specific program Can't afford Concern/use of money Don't understand fund Not asked Not relevant Other 0.0% 3.2% 6.5% 12.9% 12.9% 25.8% 29.0% 32.3% 41.9% Q38,39 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 51

52 NATIONAL The Mission and Service Fund: Interest in Directed Givings 26.5% Likelihood of Giving to M&S If You Could Specify Projects 40.5% 12.4% 4.9% 15.7% Effect on Current Gifts to M&S (among those who give now and likely to give if able to specify projects) 45.6% Very likely 8.8% Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Likelihood of Encouraging Non-United Friends to Give to Specific M&S Projects 24.6% 31.0% 19.9% Don't know 15.7% 25.7% 28.7% Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Don't know In addition to what you give now Instead of what you give now Don't know Q40,41,42 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 52

53 YOUR CHURCH The Mission and Service Fund: Interest in Directed Givings 20.8% Likelihood of Giving to M&S If You Could Specify Projects 41.5% 12.3% 3.8% 21.7% Effect on Current Gifts to M&S (among those who give now and likely to give if able to specify projects) 41.1% Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Don't know 26.8% 32.1% Likelihood of Encouraging Non-United Friends to Give to Specific M&S Projects 6.6% 22.6% 31.1% 24.5% 15.1% Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Don't know In addition to what you give now Instead of what you give now Don't know Q40,41,42 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 53

54 Jane Armstrong Research Associates Summary

55 Identity Survey 2011 Summary The identity and vision of the people of The United Church of Canada People in the full bloom of maturity: energetic and devoted to a common purpose Rooted - and engaged - in their faith journey as Christians while simultaneously aware that the Spirit is active in all peoples Dedicated to living their faith through community and right relationships, and through the quest for social justice Locally minded, but also committed to the denomination as a whole, and hopeful about The United Church of Canada s prophetic role in the 21 st century Considerable homogeneity, although tempered by diversity; inclusive and expansive, yet tensions exist The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 55

56 Identity Survey 2011 Summary A community of broken but hopeful believers...a church with a purpose A Song of Faith, 2006 The United Church of Canada Jane Armstrong Research Associates Page 56