Listening Project 2017 Report to the Congregation August 2017
Purposes of Listening Project 2017 Affirm Second s strengths Identify near-term opportunities Aid the Pastor Nominating Committee and prospective candidates Lay the foundation for long-term strategic planning after a new Senior Pastor has been called 2
Listening Project 2017 Timeline Phase 1: Mobilize Plan and Organize for the Project 2: Understand Collect Data from the Congregation 3: Dig Deeper Deepen Understanding of Audiences/Issues 4: Reflect Explore Implications and Opportunities 5: Document and Communicate Synthesize and Share the Results Timing February 2017 March 2017 April and May 2017 June thru August 2017 Congregational Summit June 10 Elder/Senior Staff Retreat August 12 May thru September 2017 Presentation of Findings August 27 (9:30a) & September 24 (11:00a) 3
Task Force Members Leader: Anne Nobles Co-Facilitators: John Koppitch Sandra Herron MiddlEdge Inc. Members: Charles Bolton Kathy Dannels Mandy Ernest Lewis Galloway Steve Haigh Keith Phelps Jim Purcell 4
Congregational Survey Detailed Findings March 2017
Survey Objectives Identify strengths and concerns from members perspectives Identify near-term opportunities Add nuance to statistical congregational profile for Senior Pastor candidates Identify longer-term topics to be addressed in strategic planning and by new Senior Pastor 6
Survey Topics About You About Your Relationship and Involvement with Second Your Personal Faith Journey Your Opinions about Second s Programs and Ministries Your Vision for Second Preferred Ministry Style of New Senior Pastor 7
951 respondents Response Summary 845 from emailed invitations (40% response rate) 84 from web link 22 paper copies 7,700 open-ended responses and comments 8
About the Survey Respondents
Affiliation 10
Years Attended (Church: 6%) (Church: 0%) (Church: 6%) (Church: 16%) (Church: 42%) (Church: 16%) (Church: 15%) 11
Age Range (Church: 3%) (Church: 16%) (Church: 6%) (Church: 12%) (Church: 11%) (Church: 17%) (Church: 16%) (Church: 19%) 12
Formal Education 13
Worship Attendance Answer Options 8:15 am Worship (Chapel) 9:30 am Worship (Sanctuary) 10:35 am Service of Communion & Wholeness (Chapel) 11:00 am Worship (Sanctuary) 5:00 pm Families@Five Worship (Chapel) 6:00 pm Second@Six Casual Worship (Sanctuary) Live stream or podcast of Worship Weekly 2-3 times per month Once a month Once or twice every few months On special holidays Rarely or never Response Count 27 32 19 58 8 466 610 191 207 80 108 32 161 779 5 6 14 63 19 472 579 197 167 59 100 32 186 741 4 4 2 19 12 524 565 12 35 27 121 23 415 633 7 39 30 133 12 415 636 14
Zip Code of Residence 15
Number in Household 16
Other Respondent Demographics Gender 60% female (church: 57%) 36% male (church: (43%) Relationship status 76% married/partnered (church: 60%) 23% single (never married, divorced, widowed) (church: 39%) 17
Key Finding #1 Second s traditional worship style and music program are key reasons respondents cited for attending, joining and remaining at Second Church There were clusters of respondents with differing preferences in worship style and music program 18
Top Reasons* Members Joined (n=859) Worship style (324) Liked the pastor(s) (298) Music and fine arts program (263) Sermons (255) Welcoming / sense of community (195) Denominational tie (185) *Respondents were asked to identify their top THREE reasons 19
Reasons Members Joined (n=859) Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Denominational tie 21.5% 185 Good compromise for family members with different religious backgrounds 5.1% 44 Friends/neighbors attend 9.4% 81 Welcoming / sense of community 22.7% 195 Sermons 29.7% 255 Worship style 37.7% 324 Music and fine arts program 30.6% 263 Children's programs 12.5% 107 Youth programs 12.6% 108 Family atmosphere and activities 10.9% 94 Invited by pastor or church member 6.5% 56 Sensed presence of Jesus Christ/Holy Spirit 14.3% 123 Liked the pastor(s) 34.7% 298 Mission/outreach emphasis 15.6% 134 Attracted to building/grounds 8.0% 69 Advertising, website and/or social media 0.0% 0 Live stream/podcast of worship 0.6% 5 ChristCare groups 0.3% 3 Liked the theology 15.6% 134 Other (please specify) 13.3% 114 20
Top Reasons* Non-Members Attend (n=87) Music and fine arts program (37) Worship style (31) Welcoming / sense of community (24) Liked the pastor(s) (23) Sermons (15) Mission / outreach emphasis (15) *Respondents were asked to identify their top THREE reasons 22
Reasons Non-Members Attend (n=87) Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Denominational tie 16.1% 14 Good compromise for family members with different religious backgrounds 3.4% 3 Friends/neighbors attend 3.4% 3 Welcoming / sense of community 27.6% 24 Sermons 17.2% 15 Worship style 35.6% 31 Music and fine arts program 42.5% 37 Children's programs 11.5% 10 Youth programs 5.7% 5 Family atmosphere and activities 6.9% 6 Invited by pastor or church member 3.4% 3 Sensed presence of Jesus Christ/Holy Spirit 12.6% 11 Liked the pastor(s) 26.4% 23 Mission/outreach emphasis 17.2% 15 Attracted to building/grounds 10.3% 9 Advertising, website and/or social media 1.1% 1 Live stream/podcast of worship 2.3% 2 ChristCare groups 0.0% 0 Liked the theology 13.8% 12 Other (please specify) 19.5% 17 23
Why You Remain / What You Value 25
Satisfaction with Worship Experience (n=832) Time for silent prayer/reflection 59% 35% 5% Genres/styles of music performed by others Genres/styles of hymns/song sung by Congregation 64% 56% 28% 23% 9% 12% Order/style of worship 72% 21% 5% Sermons 64% 24% 9% Time to greet others 63% 33% 4% Emotionally moving 46% 40% 11% Intellectually challenging 59% 30% 9% 27
Satisfaction with Worship Experience (n=832) Communion 64% 25% 8% Use of technology 51% 37% 9% Children s sermon 59% 34% 5% Quality of music performed by others 83% 13% 4% Prayers 68% 29% 3% Worship space 88% 11% Spiritually uplifting 61% 30% 7% 28
Key Finding #2 There was strong agreement on today s congregational identity There were clusters of respondents with differing opinions on the way forward 34
Congregational Identity I have a clear understanding of Second s mission, vision and core values/principles. 60% 35% 4% I feel comfortable with Second's identity in light of my personal theological, social and political views. 62% 27% 8% It is easy for me to tell my friends what is unique about Second. 58% 34% 6% I have a sense of belonging to this congregation. 65% 25% 7% Being affiliated with Second has made a difference in my spiritual life. 68% 27% 3% 35
View of Bible The Bible is an important piece of literature, but it is largely irrelevant in our lives today. The Bible is the historical record of many people's experiences with God and a useful guide for individual Christians in their search for basic moral and religious teachings. The Bible is the Word of God, and its stories and teachings provide powerful motivation as we work toward God's reign in the world. The Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God that is without error in all that it says about faith and morals. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, without error not only in matters of faith, but also in historical, scientific, geographic and secular matters. 36
View of Bible Comparison of 2017 and 2006 Survey Responses Respondents View of Bible 2017 2006 Important piece of literature; largely irrelevant today.3% 0% Historical record; useful for basic moral/religious teachings Word of God; teachings provide powerful motivation Inspired, authoritative Word of God; without error regarding faith and morals 25.8% 24.2% 48.9% 46.4% 16.2% 18.4% Inspired Word of God; without error in all matters 8.7% 11.0% 37
Vision for Second 38
Preferred Ministry Style of New Senior Pastor 42
Preferred Ministry Style of New Senior Pastor 43
Preferred Ministry Style of New Senior Pastor 44
Preferred Ministry Style of New Senior Pastor 45
Key Finding #3 Respondents expressed high satisfaction with their personal faith development and a sense of support from the Second community of faith 48
Satisfaction with Faith Journey 49
Second Community of Faith Helps Me Sustain/Strengthen my Faith 50
Participation in Spiritual Practices Individual prayer and/or meditation Daily Weekly 68% 21% Personal Bible reading/study 28% 25% Group prayer and/or Bible study (with family or small group) 6% 30% 51
How Second Might Encourage/Assist in Spiritual Practice Engagement Timing/frequency/mode of opportunities Stronger existing offerings New opportunities and resources Communication 52
Top Areas for Spiritual Growth 1. Develop a closer personal relationship with God/Jesus Christ (48%) 2. Increase my knowledge of the Bible (45%) 3. Build relationships and spiritual community (41%) 4. Deepen my prayer life (38%) 5. Understand my vocation and God s purpose for my life (30%) 56
Passion for Working on Solutions 1. Hunger / homelessness / income disparity / poverty (55%) 2. Education (45%) 3. Racism / discrimination (35%) 4. Interfaith understanding (30%) 5. Health care (26%) 57
Areas of Personal Concern 1. Personal stress (36%) 2. Life direction (33%) 3. Marriage / family relationships (26%) 58
Key Finding #4 Membership growth challenges and retention risk are on respondents minds 59
Regular Participation by Area Giving (80%) Worship and music (57%) Fellowship / hospitality / small groups (35%) Local / global mission (29%) Discipleship / Christian education (26%) 60
Regular Participation by Area 61
Involvement Change (3 years) 62
Engagement-Determining Factors 1. Time commitment (length, frequency, day/time of meetings) 2. Make an impact on a cause I believe in 3. Opportunity for spiritual growth 4. Community/opportunity to get to know others 5. Asked or invited 63
Engagement-Determining Factors 64
Individuals/Families Invited in Past Year 65
Suburban Sprawl Respondents live in over two dozen zip codes About 1/3 of respondents live in four zip codes adjacent to Second 25% of respondents live in Carmel zip codes 66
Anticipate Moving Out of Area 67
Considered Leaving in Past Year 68
Reasons Cited for Considering Leaving (n=330) Political stance Denominational stance Location / distance Lack of community Specific program concerns 69
Key Finding #5 Numerous opportunities were identified for near-term program/ministry improvements 74
Core Tasks of the Church In Worship, we are called to glorify God through a variety of worship opportunities that express gratitude, demonstrate commitment to the reformed faith, and engage the gifts and talents of the people of God. In Mission, we are called to invite each member to join an outreach ministry or ministry team. In Discipleship, we are called to mentor spiritual leaders for the church, community and world. In Giving, we are called to equip the members of the congregation to identify, develop and serve as Christ's servants in the world. In Fellowship, we are called to develop and strengthen small group ministries that address the needs and interests of the congregation and community. 75
Program/Ministry Satisfaction 1. Adult education classes (87% satisfied) 2. CenterPoint (97%) 3. Children s Circle (99%) 4. Children s Ministry (96%) 5. ChristCare/Bible studies (88%) 6. Christmas Benevolence (98%) 7. FootSteps (99%) 8. Great Banquet (93%) 9. Men s Ministries (89%) 10. Midweek Programs (87%) 11. Mission and Outreach (94%) 12. Music and Fine Arts (92%) 13. Northside Ministries (97%) 14. Pastoral Care/Visitation (94%) 15. Presbyterian Women (92%) 16. Sages of Second (88%) 17. Seasonal/Special Programs (97%) 18. Sunday Worship Experience (90%) 19. YoungAdults@Second (84%) 20. Youth Ministries: High School (91%) 21. Youth Ministries: Middle School (90%) 76
Organizational Effectiveness Most Effective Communication Mission and benevolence Leadership Areas for Improvement Innovation and change Volunteer engagement 80
Organizational Effectiveness 81
Communication Most Effective Worship announcements Worship bulletin Spire magazine Least Effective Posters around the church Table in McFarland Hall Church website 82
Communication 83
Themes: KEEP doing Remain focused on Second s stated mission (worship, mission, discipleship, giving, fellowship) Meaningful worship Mission / outreach / community service 84
Themes: Do MORE or BETTER Attract, engage and retain members Alternative worship experiences More opportunities to engage and grow 88
Themes: STOP doing Politics Trying to be all things to all people Being cliquish or unwelcoming 98
Summary of Key Findings 1. Traditional worship style and music program 2. Congregational identity 3. Personal faith development and sense of support 4. Membership growth challenges and retention risk 5. Opportunities for near-term improvements 105
Congregational Summit Objectives Share and reflect on findings of congregational survey Identify near- and long-term action priorities Gain consensus on near-term priorities Invite congregational participation Communicate what s next 106
Congregational Summit Highlights 168 participants 60 near-term action priorities (consolidated into 24 action items) 80+ interested volunteers 107
Ideas: Near-Term Action Priorities New members Research Hospitality Education Communication Music Outreach Fellowship Engagement Mission / Service 108
Leadership Retreat Highlights Focus: moving from ideas to short-term action planning 44 participants (Staff, Elders, Listening Project Task Force) 4 near-term action priorities fleshed out (to supplement existing and already-planned new programming) 109
9-Month Action Priorities Responsible Committee Congregational Life Mission Planning and Communication Spiritual Life Action Priority: August 2017 thru April 2018 Create a more friendly, open and welcoming environment Restructure and refocus the Mission Committee and implement new processes to increase member engagement Create a uniquely better experience for Second s website users by enhancing the site s ability to inspire and equip Define a more robust and complete path to engaging members in Spiritual Life opportunities 110
Implementation Timeline Implementation Step Step 1: Translate Near-Term Action Priorities into Actionable Initiatives Step 2: Create Blueprints for Action Step 3: Align and Allocate Resources to Support Implementation Step 4: Mobilize Ministry Teams Accountable Party Pastors + Cmte Chairs Leadership Team Leadership Team Pastors + Cmte Chairs Timeline for Completion By Aug 12 Aug 12 and ongoing Aug 12 and ongoing September Step 5: Monitor Progress Planning Cmte Ongoing 111
Long-Term Strategic Issues Discipleship paths Diversity of all types Fellowship activities Neighborhood engagement New member shepherding Resources for aging congregation Staffing model and transition planning Volunteer engagement Website Worship and music alternatives 112
Thank you for your engagement in Listening Project 2017!