Morning Star Baptist Church

Morning Star Baptist Church Fall 2017-Spring 2018 Survey Results Morning Star s Purpose is to glorify God together through worship, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, and ministry. Morning Star s Mission is to reach out to the community, connect with others, invest in their lives, and assist everyone in becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. 1

Purpose of the Survey To get to know people better. To determine needs of the church body. To enable church leaders to make informed decisions. Thank you for your patience, your time, and your input. We love hearing your testimonies and seeing how Christ is working through you the church to build His kingdom. Quantitative Data Interviewed 65 Households 109 People Limitations / Design Flaws: -Biased toward singles / households have one vote. - Other responses may skew some of the quantitative data or may not be represented in the quantitative data. Qualitative Data Quotes gathered from surveys represent the spectrum of answers of 109 people. Limitations: -Some of the ideas were repeated numerous times, but tallies of those are not listed here. 2

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Survey Responses of Members vs. Non-Members What do you think should be the purpose/mission of Morning Star? Reaching Out Spreading the word of God and saving grace of Jesus. Preach the good news. Nurturing unbelievers. To promote the love of Christ To bring the word of God to Star Valley and be a beacon of light. Reach out to the community in relevant ways. To provide hope and opportunities to learn about Christ and see how easy it is to accept Jesus. To be aligned with God, allowing Him to direct us. To bring Christ to those that those who don t know or have the wrong perception of Christ. To provide a sense of community for this sleeper community. Collaborating with other churches to build the kingdom in a greater way. To spread love and compassion and to be understanding and encouraging to those who attend. To be Christ s hands and feet with the Holy Spirit s leading. 4

What do you think should be the purpose/mission of Morning Star? Ministering within the body of Christ To equip the saints for the work of ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ. To make disciples, baptize, teach Continue to come together as a church and community to support fellowship and teachings of the Lord. Be a safe place for those asking questions without being judged. To encourage and support those in the church. Unite people in Christ. To glorify God Teaching the next generation A place to worship and fellowship and learn. To honor God by teaching Biblical truth. To gather like-minded believers with a vision for community in Christ. To grow people in faith. To help Christians become mature followers of Christ who produce fruit for the kingdom of God. Be a community where we share each other s burdens and point each other to Christ. Leaving no one unnoticed or uncared for. To live out lives in such a way that people will see Jesus in us. Growing members to grow the kingdom. What do you think Morning Star should look like in five years? Bigger structure/improved facilities to accommodate growth while remaining same home-town church it is now. A pillar in the community that people would be proud to belong to because the love of God is the main purpose of Morning Star. A stronger congregation with more members and more participation on teams. Continued growth. A place where people find belonging or feel valued. More life groups. Christian daycare / school. Larger elder board. Find more ways to reach diverse folks as they move in. Expand ministries, especially youth and children s ministries. Even more services, more satellite campuses. More visibility in the community. More partnerships with other churches. Looking out for guests and new members better. Members are bolder for Christ and everyone is serving in some way. Remain faithful to our mission and minister with purpose. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, He will use us in ways we can t imagine. Hopefully, many will surrender and be used to do God s will. Have a clean attic! 5

Team Organizational Chart I am plugged in and actively serve on a team in the church. I feel a sense of belonging at Morning Star where people know my name and care about me. It is unclear to me how I can serve. I do not have the time or interest to serve on a team at church. I would like to serve on a team. I know where my calling is and just need to get busy. 6

Fall 2016 Data Review Morning Star should add another Worship Rally in order to increase the attendance capacity, decrease crowding, and make guests feel more welcome. 1 - Strongly Disagree - 2.6% 2 - Disagree - 7.8% 3 - Neutral / Unsure - 35.1% 4 - Agree - 37.7% 5 - Strongly Agree - 16.9% FALL 2017 Survey 1. I think it is working well and allows for more space for worshippers. I realize it will take time to regain the energy we once had. I would like to continue with the current schedule. 2. I have serious concerns. Leadership needs to rethink the schedule and try to bring more life back into the church service/worship rally. 3. We just need to build a larger facility soon to bring the worship rally back together. I realize I would need to give more to help fund a building project. 4. The times need to be altered to better meet the needs of my family. 5. I liked having children's classes during the worship service as we previously did. 6. The worship team seems too taxed and has lost quality. 7. The church has become too divided and does not allow me enough time to socialize with those who attend the other service. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Two Services 7

Two Services Supportive Comments Two is not ideal, but it had to be done. Choices of service times works well. Options offer flexibility. Going back to one service is going backwards. We like being able to meet earlier. Has given variety in worship team leadership and helped bring in other people. Older kids like having the option of being in the service. It s helped with the space problem. You don t want people to feel there isn t any room for them either. I do miss seeing other friends and family, but this is really about God and growing His kingdom. We just need to pray for God to fill the pews. Choice of worship times is convenient; we support the direction of leadership. Been able to avoid cliques while implementing two services. The schedule is flexible to meet the needs of the flock. Two Services - Concerned Comments Everyone is rushed... There is no peace. Scheduling keeps from going deeper with friendships and studies. Too much is crammed into a short period. We can improve the building we have. There is less congregational participation now; like the feeling of corporate worship. We ve lost synergy and strength. Two services wears leaders out. We really need children s church for younger children to cut down on distractions. We need more time to socialize. There can be an overflow from one service with audio and video downstairs. Larger groups feel less lonely. Squished feels like family, and we like family. We miss seeing those attending the other service; it feels separated like Thanksgiving dinner but not having all the family around one table. The church often feels empty, which may not give a positive impression to new people. A full church is a happy place; an empty one is cold and hollow. We ve turned one strong church into two weak ones. It s easier for people not to know each other and fall through the cracks. We re losing the ability to share the walk with others and encourage them. It s a big commitment for the worship team and don t want them to burnout. It s hard to stay fresh that long. Not enough time for proper preparation. 8

1. Well worth the time 2. Children's classes help my children. 3. Somewhat worth the time. Teaching is quality, but I want more time and space for fellowship and talking with others. 4. Somewhat worth the time. The fellowship time and talking with others is nice, but the study topics/ teacher don't meet my needs or those of my family. 5. I would rather be at home with family than take the time for Power Hour. 6. I don't like discussing topics in small groups. 7. The meeting space for groups (gym/multipurpose room/sanctuary) is not cozy enough, and it is often difficult to hear the conversation within the group. 8. Haven t Attended (6) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9

1. I would be willing to lead a life group. 2. I participate in a life group or small group at some point during the week. 3. I do not participate, but I would if the right one were available and the time worked. 4. I don't participate and am not interested in participating. What does Morning Star Do Well? Ministry Pastor is a phenomenal preacher, and it s unbelievable how much he does. Greeters are great. Very warm, welcoming, and supportive Care team is excellent. People care for each other. Teams allow people to get involved. Finances are handled well. Good communication about our vision to forward God s kingdom. Intentional leadership. People seem to be using their gifts and are willing to serve. Opportunities to get involved. Prayer team and prayer chain is a huge blessing. Showing love without judgement. Sense of camaraderie. Everyone is God-hearted and there for the Lord and other people--a unity that is rare in churches. 10

What does Morning Star Do Well? Fellowship Morning Star is warm and very welcoming like a family. People feel comfortable. It s a safe place. The body is accepting, kind, and loving. I am encouraged by being here. Involves other churches. Brunches and potlucks are well done. Life groups support fellowship Treats! Youth activities. Like meeting new people. It s a genuine place. People from many walks of life form a community and work together. Feels good when I go because of the spirit of fellowship. It s a friendly place. Blessed beyond belief by members of the church! I couldn t have made it without them. What does Morning Star Do Well? Worship Teaching the gospel of Christ. Worship music is outstanding. A beautiful facility in which to worship. Lord s supper once each month. Common goal of the cross. Well-planned and thought out. Upbeat, lively worship service. Incorporating kids. I love the music and worship. A blend of beautiful music and sound preaching that ties to life s needs. 11

What does Morning Star Do Well? Discipleship Lessons and teaching are uplifting. Children s classes and children s church. Youth attracting moe kids. Sermons are easy to relate to, Biblically aligned, expository, and sequential but not opinionated. Word is preached with truth, grace, and purity. Gospel project material. Teaching is doctrinally-sound. Morning Star provides spiritual support for my family. Family-friendly, focused on children Youth are involved What does Morning Star Do Well? Outreach & Evangelism I like Mtn. Days and VBS Evangelism happens through the music ministry. We support missions. We have a strong presence in an LDS community. Feels comfortable to invite friends there. People don t have to fit a mold to attend. Youth sports. Non-denominational feel, not stuffy nor overly preachy. Visitors like to come. 12

How can Morning Star strengthen or improve our church? Leadership & Human Resources We need stronger spiritual leadership and more leaders. Need to continue growing leadership and programs as the church grows to continue meeting needs of people. Simplify the organizational structure to focus on doing a few things but doing them well. Need to rethink why we are here, where we are, and where we want to go. Make sure our organization aligns with our purpose and mission. Provide more communication between church leadership, team leaders, and the church body. Make it easier for people to get plugged into serving and plugged into life groups; Ask others to serve. Paid positions allow the church to do more. Find ways to keep teams strong without straining each other and pulling from other teams. Find ways to regain energy and momentum. Find ways to unite the congregation with what is familiar to them (hymns/prayers). Simplify doctrinal statements so they are not so divisive. Help people understand church membership and relationship to SBC. How can Morning Star strengthen or improve our church? Leadership & Human Resources Building / Facilities People need to care more for each other and be sensitive with our approach to each other. We need to follow up more with guests. We need more socialization. Don t push agendas too hard. Allow God s timing. Be careful not to judge each other. Better organizational structure and operating procedures to care for its own and continue providing for growth. Big decisions need to go through a committee of more leaders, and the process for decisionmaking needs to be made clear to body. Need more room for better flow. Develop a long-term plan for building and parking expansion. Provide phases of property development as money becomes available. Use the building more during the week. Focus on people, not buildings. The fellowship hall is too noisy for classes and potlucks. 13

How can Morning Star strengthen or improve our church? Programming/Scheduling Become more involved in the community. Reach the unchurched better. Need more time for fellowship and socialization. Provide more socials for kids and adults. Need more time for fellowship and prayer. Not everything has to fit in a box. The Spirit of God needs to lead, not the schedule. Need more testimonies to encourage people. Be more consistent with worship and Power Hour so people know what to expect. Website needs to be more informative and inviting. Please Pray for... Medical healing & physical strength Finances in shambles Marriages on the brink Unsaved kids Aging parents Family safety & strength Family & church unity Wisdom to balance family & life The right employment Ways to serve and share testimonies For more to come to Christ How to care for each other better Spiritual wounds to be overcome Our hearts to listen to God better and be obedient to what He says 14

Implications for Church Direction? Reports to team leaders with data for their teams Involving more people Long-term property improvement plan Modified schedule Restructuring organizational model / leadership roles to improve effectiveness and efficiency of church operations Soliciting more leadership Improved plan for communication Continued elder visits Celebrate what God is doing and what He has done @ MSBC! Questions? Please e-mail Dustin at duopitz@yahoo.com if you need clarification or if you have questions about any of these survey results. 15