Strategic Planning Team State of the Church Report St. John s MCC BOD Meeting November 7, 2011 Page 1 of 39
Page 2 of 39 Respondent Demographics 107 Survey Responses Represented
Page 3 of 39 Respondent Demographics 107 Survey Responses Represented
Respondent Demographics 107 Survey Responses Represented Page 4 of 39
Page 5 of 39 Culture and Beliefs
What We Believe Culture and Beliefs We are a Christian church that embraces the basic doctrines of Christianity. We confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and seek to encourage one another to live in accordance with Jesus' teachings. Beyond these basics, however, we leave it to each individual to work out the details of the Christian faith in accordance with her or his interpretation of Scripture. At St. John s MCC, we seek to create an environment where each person is encouraged to explore the hard questions of faith without fear of criticism. We are persuaded by Scripture that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people are beautiful creations of God, who are invited to live in communion with God on the same basis as all other people. We are also persuaded that women should play an equal role in the church. We are the only Christian denomination where women comprise more than half of all ordainedclergy. We believe St. John s MCC is called to be a prophetic voice sharing the Gospel and advocating justice for all, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people, as well as women and other minorities. We are committed to encouraging one another to live out the Christian faith from day to day in every aspect of our lives. Core Tenets For those who are in desperate need of spiritual healing, strength and empowerment, For those who have been denied full access to the message of thegospel of Jesus Christ, For those who have been alienated, shunned and rejected because they dare to live openly, honestly and authentically, For those who are struggling with the burdens of life that have left them feeling battered, bruised and bitter, For those who desire to be part of a community of doers and not just a church of believers, For all those who are looking for Christian Fellowship where theword of God is proclaimed, the name of Jesus Christ lifted up and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are welcomed, For those who desire to be part of a ministry where somebody is telling anybody about The One who loves everybody, Page 6 of 39
Rites of the Church Culture and Belief Facts Baptism by water and the Spirit, as recorded in the Scriptures, shall be a sign of the dedication of each life to God and God s service. Through the words and acts of this sacrament, the recipient is identified as God s own child. Holy Communion is the partaking of the blessed bread and fruit of the vine in accordance with the words of Jesus, our Sovereign. This is my body... this is my blood. (Matthew 26:26-28). All who believe, confess, repent and seek God s love through Christ may freely participate in the communion meal, signifying their desire to be received into community with JesusChrist, to be saved by Jesus Christ s sacrifice, to participate in Jesus Christ s resurrection, and to commit their lives anew to the service of Jesus Christ. Duly authorized ministers of MCCs perform the following Rites: Ordination Membership Holy Union and Holy Matrimony Funeral or Memorial Service Laying on of Hands for Healing Blessing of Persons, Things and Relationships Themes used in communication/marketing for St. John s: Living OUT Loud Together in Faith and Faithfulness Proclaiming Christ by Celebrating, Building Community by Serving, Transforming Lives by Growing We Are Here Called by God to Find Them Bring Them In, Grow Them Up and Send Them Out In Jesus Name Live OUT Loud (with Laugh Love Learn Launch) Page 7 of 39
St. Johns is... Page 8 of 39
I have a clear understanding of St. Johns mission. Page 9 of 39
I feel our church activities embody our mission. Page 10 of 39
Thinking of my experiences at the church, church events, via phone, and through the internet i.e. websites, emails, and social medias: I feel Page 11 of 39
The mission statement of St. Johns is: Page 12 of 39
I feel the following statement BEST describes me: Page 13 of 39
Page 14 of 39 Activities
Activity Facts Activity AA Meetings AIDS Testing Bible Study Children s Ministry Deaconate Hospitality Lunchboxes of Love NA Meetings NC Pride Communion Praise Team Topics At Ten Usher Ministry Worship Ministry Frequency Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Fourth Saturday Sunday, Tuesday Second and Fourth Sunday As needed Sunday Monthly Wednesday Annually Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Page 15 of 39
My spiritual needs are met through worship at St. Johns. Page 16 of 39
I leave St. Johns worship services and programs feeling refreshed and ready to tell everyone about my experience Page 17 of 39
I feel our church activities support our mission in the community. Page 18 of 39
I feel welcomed and invited to actively participate in church activities of my choice Page 19 of 39
I am learning to be with other people of various faiths and beliefs, and feel excited to share my experience and knowledge of God's accepting love. Page 20 of 39
Page 21 of 39 Financial
Financial Facts Monthly Expense Amount Operating Cost $10,940 Utility Cost $950-1,000 No monies are budgeted for ministry areas in 2011 except for worship As of August 2011, we are approximately 8.52%down on tithes/offerings to budget As of August 2011, year to date we are negative $4,776to the bottom line As of August 2011, we have met 91% of our budget. Page 22 of 39
I know how much money is needed to operate the church for one month. Page 23 of 39
The finance/generosity team has helped me learn and understand more about personal and church finances through workshops, call to offerings, covenants, etc. Page 24 of 39
The way we collect money and raise funds inspires me to give. Page 25 of 39
What percentage of our 2011 budget have we met as of June? Page 26 of 39
I feel I have a financial responsibility to the church. Page 27 of 39
I feel giving money to the church is part of my larger spiritualconnection. Page 28 of 39
I trust the church to use my money for the betterment of our larger community. Page 29 of 39
Page 30 of 39 Building and Facilities
Page 31 of 39 Building and Facility Facts
Page 32 of 39 Building and Facility Facts
St. Johns, our building, is a place I enjoy coming to, and it makes me feel excited about inviting others to join me. Page 33 of 39
Our building is divided up well to accommodate our current community needs. Page 34 of 39
Our building is well maintained. Page 35 of 39
The furniture and fixtures in our building are pleasing and welcoming to attendees. Page 36 of 39
I find it is easy for me to navigate the building: getting from place to place, knowing where activities are located, and where to find essential supplies and materials. Page 37 of 39
Our space is adequate to accommodate my needs. Page 38 of 39
Our building evokes a sense of spiritual connection for me. Page 39 of 39