What is a Vital Congregation? Congregational Vitality Index Vital congregations exude a certain kind of vibrancy, a friendly welcoming manner, and a tangible sense of God's presence. Those who attend regularly have a sense of purpose. They support each other by nurturing one another's faith and helping each other identify their spiritual gifts. They use those gifts in the congregation and in the world. When they disagree they do so in a respectful manner, ultimately strengthening the congregation. The people in these vital congregations understand God's mission goes beyond their walls. They intentionally connect with the wider Christian community and within their local context to share the good news in word and deed by striving to be God's hands in the world. This description of a vital congregation emphasizes the relationships between the congregation's members and God, each other, and the world relationships all at the church's heart, strengthening our connections to God and sharing God's love with each other and the world. Measuring Vitality? While connections with God, each other and the world are key to what it means to be church, it usually isn't how we measure vitality. We usually turn to statistics like growth in members, financial stability, how many there are, etc. There is often an unspoken assumption, if we are vital in our connections to God, each other and the world then we will also be growing, financially stable and have great programs. At the same time, in our guts we know equating numeric growth to vitality falls short. Congregations and budgets grow and shrink for many reasons, only some of which reflect their vitality. But now, after years of research, the ELCA's Research and Evaluation has developed a simple, statistically reliable and valid survey. The answers to the questions are used to compute an index which is made up of different scales. Each scale describes a different aspect of a congregation's vitality. The pages of this report describe each scale and show how people in your congregation scored. Who took the survey? Congregation Lutheran Memorial Synod 7D Congid 06997 Responses 99 9% Council Members 71% Female 95% 25 to 75 or older 99% White What do the numbers mean? All scale questions asked respondents to rate their congregation on a scale from 1 to 5 where 1 = Hardly at all or Poorly, 3 = Somewhat or Moderately well, and 5 = Very well or Great. For every item and scale, the hope is to have an average score of at least three (3). The target is to have a score of four (4) or greater. What is a scale score? Scales are groups of items statistically related to the same concept. Scale scores are an average of all scale items. For a description of the scales, see the next page. 1 Summary of Scores Connecting with God 4.4 4.3 Connecting with Each Other 4.1 3.9 Connecting with the World 3.9
About the Congregational Vitality Index Congregational Vitality Index is made up of several scales. A scale is a set of responses to questions, grouped together around a single concept. The responses are averaged to create a scale score. This report includes the following three scales: Connecting with God: Individuals growing in faith and a congregation's connection to God's mission Connecting with Each Other: Members incorporating newcomers, building healthy relationships with each other seeking out and using other's gifts Connecting with the World: Members living out their faith in the world through word and deed and by connecting with their community and other Christians. Other items can help us understand the meaning of the scale scores. These are called "interpretive items". As you read the report, you will see each scale score followed by a bar chart at the top of the page showing the average for each item in the scale. Below that are graphs showing responses to items having something to do with the scale's concept. Consider where they are the same and where there are contradictions. Talk about these things to understand what is happening in your congregation. Prepared by Linda Bobbitt and Dann Taylor, on behalf of Research and Evaluation. Research and Evaluation contracted with Linda Bobbitt to complete this pilot project as part of the LIFT initiative. The LIFT recommendations adopted by the 2011 Churchwide Assembly charged synods with supporting congregational vitality. This report is part of a proof of concept phase to test its helpfulness to congregations. I pray this report and your conversations be a blessing to your ministry! -Linda Bobbitt How to read this report. Luther Memorial took the Congregational Vitality Survey in July 2013 and again in June 2014. Thirty-three people took it in 2013 and 99 took it in 2014. The 2014 version had new questions but those items that were the same are compared with each other in this report. God alone knows the true vitality of any congregation. There is no dipstick humans can stick into a congregation to measure its vitality. This is in part because vitality is not a single thing that is true for the entire congregation. Different individuals experience the congregation in different ways which make it more or less vital for them. Yet it is also true that there is a collective quality to congregation. Different congregations have different personalities and they go through times of vitality and times of turmoil. The best we can do is identify indicators that point to overall vitality of a congregation at any given time. The Congregational Vitality Index is a collection of questions about the congregation which are grouped together to give us a picture of the strengths and challenges of a congregation in three areas: how they connect with God, each other and the world. The following pages are organized by these three areas or scales. For each scale you will find an overall scale score which is the average of all the individual's scale scores. You will also find a bar chart that shows the average of everyone's responses to the items on each scale. All of these items were rated on a scale from 1 (poor) to 5 (great) with 3 (average). When items are on the same side of the 3 and within half a point they are considered to be the same. When items are below the three it suggests that most people agree that this is a struggle for the congregation. When they are above a 4 it is usually considered strength. Items near three are probably areas that are okay but could use some improvement. While congregations generally aspire to average scores of 4 or better, it is often more helpful to focus on the patterns across items than it is to focus on one particularly low or high score.
3 Congregational Vitality Index How is this information being used by other congregations? Since the summer of 2013, over 25 congregations have taken the Congregational Vitality Survey. They took it for a variety of reasons and are using it in a variety of ways. Below are some examples of what congregations have found helpful when using this information. Congregations that got the most out of the survey are those that did the following: *Took the survey as part of a larger planning process. They were seeking information and had the expectation of and mechanism for using it to make changes. * Share the survey with leadership teams and the entire congregation. By sharing it beyond the pastor and council they generated conversation and got buy-in from the wider community. *Engage in broad based, open, meaningful discussions about mission, spiritual growth and tension. These are things many congregations don't talk about openly yet they are critical to vitality. This tool can be a helpful way to define these terms and to understand opportunities and obstacles that surround them. *Don't stop after the first conversation. Have a plan and follow through with ways to continue these conversations into the future. Make them part of the culture. Specific Plans being implemented by other congregations Congregation A used the survey as a starting place for a yearlong intentional discernment process. During this time congregation members will participate in a variety of activities including prayer, fellowship and service so that they can listen to what God is calling them to do next. Congregation B took this survey a year ago after years of disruptive conflict. With a new pastor, they used the survey to name their struggles and develop plans to improve how they managed conflict. The same congregation took the survey one year later and the difference is astonishing. While they are not yet the picture of perfect health, they are no longer a congregation on the brink. The survey helped them chart their progress and identify next steps. Congregation C and D are talking about ways they might collaborate more - perhaps leading to a merger in the future. They each took the survey to see how their strengths and struggles complemented each other. While the survey is being used primarily by the joint planning team, both congregations have decided to use the three scales as the basis of sermons and conversation three Sundays in a row. The pastors will exchange pulpits and spend three Sundays exploring what it means to connect with God, each other or the world. After talking about the survey in a large group, Congregation E found out that a larger than expected number of people were stalled in their spiritual growth and that there was a lot of tension because people often felt shut down. Specifically there was tension around elements of worship. A new group was formed including some previously disenfranchised. They are working to make worship a more spiritual experience. This is the first step in addressing how the congregation helps people grow in their faith.
Connecting with God Scale Score: 4.4; 4.3 The first commandment is to love God with all our heart (Matt. 22:37). Jesus said "I am the true vine... Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. (John 15:1, 4-5). We must connect with God. Praying (during and outside worship services) Helping adults grow in their faith Helping children and youth grow in their faith Worship is nurturing of people's faith Worship is joyful Worship is filled with a sense of God's presence This congregation is always ready to try something new This place has lots of meaningful activities This congregation is focused on doing God's work This place helps people deepen their relationship with God There is a clear sense of mission here There is excitement about the future here This place is spiritually vital 4.3 4.3 4.1 4.6 4.5 4.6 4.6 4.3 4.8 4.6 3.9 3.5 4.3 4.6 4.7 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.1 4.4 4.5 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 Luther Memorial looked strong in its connections with God both in 2013 and 2014. There was no significant difference between the years except for helping children and youth grow in their faith and worship being joyful where 2014 was significantly higher than 2013 (p.05). There was also no statistical difference in how respondents described their spiritual growth. The chart below shows that a smaller percentage of people felt stalled in their faith in 2014. However this may be misleading since the actual number of people reporting that they were stalled was slightly higher. The number appears lower because they made up a smaller proportion of the overall sample. It is not known if both samples were representative of the entire congregation, however, statistically the two years appear to be comparable in the age, gender and race. In the normal course of spiritual development all of us experience times of growth, times when we are not growing and times when we feel stalled often wondering where God is. This question shows the proportion of respondents at various places in their spiritual journey. The key to a healthy congregation is to see that most people are growing and that the proportion who are stalled is low (ideally under ). Luther Memorial now falls under this line. People reporting spiritual growth were more likely to have a sense of excitement about the congregation s future, to have meaningful spiritual conversations with people inside the congregation, and to feel equipped to share their faith. Those who were not growing reported lower scores overall including lower overall vitality.
Congregational Vitality Index How would you describe the current pace of your spiritual growth? Areas where Respondents are Passionate and Wiling to Help Others Connect with God (only 2014) 4 35% 3 25% 2 15% 5% 17% 11% 6% 22% Not Stalled and growing want to but move content with where I am 37% 37% Slow but steady 31% 22% Moderate 9% 7% Rapid 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 42% 27% helping children and youth grow in their faith passionate 4 35% 34% 34% helping adults grow in their faith willing to serve praying Ways Respondents Personal Experiences Help Them Connect with God (only 2014) Regular activities helping respondents connect with God. (only 2014) I have a sense of excitement about this congregation's future 7 2 Regular devotions 35% 19% my spiritual needs are being met in this congregation 66% 28% 5 10 strongly disagree disagree agree strongly agree Attend worship regularly Have meaningful faith talks with congregation members 53% 42% 3 13% 5 10 never once at least 2-3x reguarly monthly 5
Connecting with Each Other Scale Score: 4.1;3.9 The second commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:39). Paul described the Christian community: "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27). We must connect with each other. Involving youth or young adults in decision-making Managing disagreements in healthy, respectful manner Build strong, healthy relationships among members Seeking out and using gifts of members of all ages Incorporating newcomers into congregation's life 3.2 3.7 4.0 3.8 4.1 4.0 4.1 4.0 3.9 3.7 Accepting newcomers Welcoming to visitors This congregation is a close-knit family 4.0 4.4 4.3 4.4 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 There was no significant difference between responses from this category in 2013 and 2014 (p.05). Involving youth/young adults in decision making appears significantly different when compared visually to other differences in this report, but is not in part because 17% or respondents in 2014 did not answer the question. Even though there is some tension and harmful conflict reported in 2014, it does not significantly shift the proportions from 2013. Still, those who did report tension or harmful conflict were less likely to feel positively about the congregation. They had lower scores in many areas including their sense of belonging, feeling equipped to share their faith or invite others to church, their sense that their spiritual needs were being met and excitement about the congregation s future. Those who described conflict as open and respectful had scores similar to those who said there was harmony. These people were also less likely to be growing spiritually.
Congregational Vitality Index The social climate of this congregation... or how much tension is there? Areas where Respondents are Passionate and Wiling to Help others Connect with Each Other (only 2014) willing to serve passionate 7 6 5 4 3 63% 6 33% 52% involving youth or young adults in decision-making managing disagreements in a healthy, respectful manner buidling strong healthy relationships among members 27% 34% 29% 31% 33% 33% 2 This congregations social groups live together in harmony 5% There is tension among different groups. It feels like there are sides 2% The sides in thisthe sides in this congregation congregation result in open are in conflict but respectful that is harmful seeking out and using the gifts of members of all ages incorporating newcomers into the congregation's life accepting newcomers 35% 28% 37% 29% 39% 33% 2 4 6 8 10 Ways Respondents Personal Experiences help them Connect with Each Other (only 2014) Regular activities helping respondents connect with God. (only 2014) Supported using gifts in church 67% 26% have meaningful spiritual conversations with others 31% 16% Supported using gifts in world 66% 27% donate money to congregation 51% 39% Strong sense of belonging to congregation 7 Strong sense of commitment to congregation 5 47% 42% 51% 5 10 strongly disagree disagree agree strongly agree volunteer at or with the congregation 33% 23% never 5 once 10 at least 2-3x times regularly once a month or more
Connecting with the World Scale Score: ;3.9 Jesus said, 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you (Matt. 28:19). Faith without works is dead (James 2:14). We must connect with the world. Helping members live out their faith in daily lives 4.1 Sharing info about the ELCA or synod with congregation members 3.9 4.1 Partnering with other congregations in the area 3.3 3.9 Interacting with the local community 3.6 3.9 Equipping members to share their faith with others 4.0 3.8 Addressing social concerns 3.9 4.5 his congregation is a positive force in the community This congregation works for social/justice advocacy 3.7 4.4 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 While the scale scores between years were not significantly different (p.05), the following individual items showed improvement: Addressing social concerns, Partnering with other congregations, Working for social justice. While the broad rating of addressing social concerns was lower, the more specific items regarding partnering with other congregations and working for social justice/advocacy were higher. It may be helpful for the congregation to talk about how they connect with the world and what has changed in the past year. It may be that things have changed or it may be that the perceptions of the two groups who took the survey were simply different. People who rated these items higher were more likely to say they feel supported using their gifts in the congregation and the world, as well as equipped to share their faith and invite others to church.
Congregational Vitality Index Ways Respondents Personal Experiences help them Connect with The World (only 2014) Encourage to use my gifts in this world Equipped to share my faith Comfortable inviting others to church Connected to Wider Christian Church Connected to ELCA/Synod 66% 68% 55% 78% 62% 27% 14% 28% 15% 13% 5 10 strongly disagree disagree agree strongly agree Areas where Respondents are Passionate and Wiling to Help others Connect with the World (only 2014) passionate willing to serve 10 8 6 4 2 41% 44% addressing social concerns 28% 27% 29% 36% 28% 31% 26% 27% 34% 26% equipping members to share their faith with others interacting with the local community partnering with other congregations in the area sharing information about the ELCA or synod helping members live out their faith in daily lives Regular activities helping respondents connect with the World. (only 2014) invite others to church 33% 34% 18% 6% have meaningful spiritual conversations with others 18% 6% 29% 31% 16% donate money beyond my pledge 7% 5% 27% 37% 24% advocate for social justice 38% 11% 19% 18% 14% volunteer in the community 21% 13% 26% 19% 22% 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9 Never Once At Least 2-3x Reguar Monthly
The Congregation's Overall Vitality 6 5 48% 4 3 3 36% 37% 2 7% 13% 3% 3% 12% Im not sure this congregation will survive much longer We are struggling but still viable We are stable We are strong and steady We are thriving Congregation's Leadership style leadership were people start most things 9% leadership that acts on goals that people here set 18% not sure 17% leadership that inspires people to take action 46% leadership that tends to take charge A congregation's leadership style may refer to the pastor and may also refer to its lay leadership. Prior research shows leadership that 'inspires people to take action' is associated with the most vital congregations including congregations that are growing. The 'leadership style' that has the most negative effect is no style at all. Studies show congregations with more people who say they are 'not sure' how to describe the leadership of a congregation are congregations with lower scale scores. Having some respondents say they aren't sure may reflect on the respondent's experience in the congregation. When more of them are 'not sure' it may reflect on a lack of clear leadership. Comparison with the Pilot In the summer of 2012, 73 congregations participated in a pilot test of this tool. In each congregation, everyone who came to church on the appointed Sunday received a survey to complete. This was not a representative sample of ELCA congregations, but rather a group chosen to reflect the broad range of congregations from struggling to thriving. Below, your congregation's scale scores compared to those of the pilot congregations. Scale Average from Pilot Connecting with God 4.4 4.3 Connecting with Each Other 4.1 3.9 4.0 Connecting with the World 3.9 3.9
Congregational Vitality Index Conclusions and Items for Discussion Luther Memorial continues to be a strong, congregation which appears to be in the Maturity phase of the Congregational Cycle. Once a congregation reaches this point it can remain there for decades. Mature congregations constantly go through a pattern of redefinition (innovation), stability/ plateau, tension (as programs/processes no longer fit new environments), evaluation and then begin again with redefinition. As long as congregations continue this pattern while focused on God s mission within their community, the ministry can be healthy indefinitely. Congregations that don t, slip into decline. Key Tasks of Mature Congregations Maintain focus on God and mission. Remain an important part of the local community. Integrate changing environment into the mission plan. Routinely evaluate programs and adjust plan and strategies/programs accordingly. Don t be afraid to let go of some programs that no longer fit. Maintain effective and efficient lay leadership and strong partnerships between lay, clergy and staff with clear roles. Make wise, timely, future oriented decisions about money, staffing, programming etc. Maintain professional standards for financial, personnel and other administrative functions. Continue to maintain or change/sell the facility based on emerging needs and mission focus. Address controversy (including major leadership transitions, hard decisions and dysfunctional behaviors) openly, respectfully and proactively. Do not avoid conflict. Publically and sacramentally heal distrust and pain caused by conflict. The biggest risk factor associated with this stage is losing a sense of mission or God centric focus. That can happen in many ways. Here are the most common: Resistance to change and desire to avoid conflict trumps mission and the need to keep up with changing environment. A specific controversy creates tension. Tension is avoided and thus mounts. Conflict/tension becomes all consuming. Preserving bureaucratic structures or focusing on self-preservation becomes more important than innovation and mission. Weak or poor partnerships among lay and rostered leaders or among staff make congregations vulnerable. Weak decision making bows to pressure to focus internally or avoid conflict. Congregation fails to engage and empower new generations. Eventually the torch of leadership is not passed between them effectively. May God continue to bless your work. 11
Guiding Principles of Congregational Mission Planning As people of faith, we trust that God is doing a new thing in the world and we long to be part of this work. Congregational mission planning is the process of discovering how each community of faith is called to live as the body of Christ. Mission planning can be accomplished in many and various ways. In some congregations, mission planning is a regular and ongoing topic for conversation. In some, mission planning is a new way to think about the ministry of the church. In all situations, there are a few guiding principles that can help congregations think about how to proceed with developing a mission plan. Mission planning involves three great listenings listening to God through scripture and prayer; listening to the community outside our doors; listening within the household of faith. What does this mean? Identifying what God is up to in the world and in the community and determining how we are called to be involved in God s work involves intentional and thoughtful listening. Mission planning is rooted in listening through scripture and prayer for the Holy Spirit s guidance and direction. Mission planning also listens to the voices of people in the community those within the faith community and those outside the doors of the congregation. Mission planning is relational and fosters partnerships. What does this mean? We are part of an interdependent body. Planning connects us with the wider church through synodical resources and programs (through the director for evangelical mission, and other available resources), to other congregations in the community (Lutheran, ecumenical partners, or others), to area social ministry organizations (such as Lutheran Social Services agencies), to church educational partners (colleges and schools) or to global companions. Building relationships with these partners takes time, energy and intention. Every congregation is uniquely gifted by God. What does this mean? God has gifted us greatly! Mission plans are grounded in the conviction that God has given us all we need in order to do what God calls us to do. Mission planning focuses on the assets, strengths, unique resources and opportunities that God has graciously shared with each congregation and invites us to identify how we will steward what God has entrusted to us, set priorities and monitor progress. Mission planning pays attention to context. What does this mean? Congregational mission plans are contextual, taking into account the cultural realities of the congregation s neighborhood and community, and being mindful of the socio-economic, ethnicspecific and multicultural dynamics of the congregation s setting. These realities apply in our engagement in our global context as well. Through baptism God has formed us into the body of Christ and enabled us to love and serve our neighbor. Mission planning gets us outside of the walls of our church and into the world where we seek to learn how to love God through our neighbor. Mission planning is a shared journey. What does this mean? Effective mission planning is the work of an entire congregation. There may be a small group of people involved in the hands-on work and planning activities, but the whole congregation is engaged through prayer, discernment and other forms of participation and support as well as sharing a commitment to the actions that emerge from the planning process. Mission planning is ongoing. What does this mean? We are always in the process of discerning how God is calling us to live together as a community of faith as well as how we will set priorities and steward the resources God has entrusted to us. Ongoing attention to mission planning gives congregations the opportunity to be attentive to shifts in congregational, community or neighborhood dynamics and to remain focused on the ways that living out our baptismal call continually changes. As you consider this report, may God bless your ministry for the sake of God s mission both in your community and on behalf of the entire ELCA. Additional Resources for Congregation Mission Planning are available at www.elca.org/missionplanning