I30-page 1 SEGMENT I30: STOCKCARS AND STATE PARKS Mission Impact Focusing your heartburst for the people around you Mission Impact Guide V 2.0 Middle-class couples and families living in more remote rural communities Resource: Mosaic by Experian General Spiritual Insight: Stockcars and State Parks is part of the Lifestyle Group I (Family Union). Please refer to the description of Group I for the larger context of this segment's potential relationship with the church. Religious Perspective: "Religious Practices Cherish Our Past and Can Empower My Future" Key Behaviors: Multi-Cultural, Networks with Family and Friends, Strong Work Ethic Strong Impressions: Inclination & Attitudes: Sociable, Affluence More Important Than Simplicity Mood & Values: High Drive for Affluence, High Commitment to Career
F22-page Q62-page G25-page 2 1 I30-page 2 Comments: The church is perhaps the one community organization these rural couples and older families will join. Their extended family and scattered friends absorb the rest of their attention. They have conservative politics and social values, and they will vote "religiously", but they are not likely to join civic organizations, attend rallies, or join groups. Their roots go deep into their rural communities, and so does their church allegiance. The church reinforces their values, provides them a sense of belonging, and is a center for social activities beyond the home. These couples are primarily empty-nesters, although some will have older children living and working at home. Despite their relatively isolated homes, their extended family and network of friendships keeps them connected. They don't use internet or social media very much, but they connect by phone and a variety of gatherings, and often invite friends and family into their homes. The pastor is always welcome, and is expected to visit now and again. These days their small local church may be part of a circuit of preaching points. The pastor may or may not be ordained and the church may be independent or denominational. They rely a lot on lay leadership, and there are spiritual leaders among them who can preach, teach, and (depending on church policy) baptize. Aside from regular worship, they celebrate special Christian festivals like Christmas and Easter. There is lots of fellowship, and people tend to gather in gender-based groups for women and men. Food and fun is always accompanied by scripture and prayer.
I30-page 3 Relevant Ministry Choices: Leadership Hospitality Enabler, Care Giver, Mentor Today the pastor for this church is very likely younger, or in their first position as clergy. Since the church may be part of a circuit of small churches, this pastor needs to have good time management skills and stamina. The pastor does not need to be a great expository preacher, but should speak from scripture, communicate the strength of their personal faith, and make eye contact. Speaking without notes is a plus. Ministry Choices: This pastor is always available in emergencies, and is a good visitor in homes and institutions. The pastor maintains excellent relationships with local and regional social services, schools, and correctional centers. Pay attention to lifecycle changes and family inter-relationships. Leadership People in this segment are traditionalists. The challenge for clergy is to make a spiritually authoritative connection with the congregation. Respect and genuine love for the people goes a long way. Be proactive to train and support both male and female lay readers to assist in worship, large and small groups, and outreach ministries. The Basics These folks have lived the same basic lifestyle of fresh air, outdoors activities, potluck dinners, state fairs and country music festivals, and church attendance for generations. That lifestyle includes an obsession with cars and trucks. They drive and repair sturdy domestic pickup trucks, and enjoy facing off between people who love Ford s or Chevy's. They like off-road travel to hunting and fishing camps, but they will also travel some distance to watch NASCAR races of all kinds. The same people that enjoy these activities are likely to be sitting next to them in church on Sunday... and their conversations over refreshments are apt to follow the above topics. Greeters and other helpers just need to be enthusiastic and respectful. Provide basic refreshments, with a mix of homemade treats and homegrown vegetables and fruits, along with basic hot or cold coffee and tea. Many families eat fast food or frozen entrees, so quantities of take-out food are welcome. Add lemonade in the summer, and serve refreshments outdoors whenever possible. Provide helpers for the elderly, young mothers, and anyone physically handicapped. Education Adult Sunday school has traditionally been strong in this lifestyle segment, and whole families would come early to participate in education before worshipping together later in the morning. However, this tradition is beginning to wane in many places, causing some debate about concurrent Sunday school.
F23-page G25-page 4 I30-page 4 Relevant Ministry Choices: Worship Education Inspirational, Care-Giving Families have grown up in the church for generations, and value continuity with the past. "Traditional" worship is whatever the particular local version of denominational heritage is, so fresh ideas out of seminary are not always welcome (even if they are endorsed by the denomination). Sunday worship is predictable in structure, and leaders need to be all the more intentional about authenticity and sincerity. Worship may be structured, but it is somewhat informal. People will tend to wear their "Sunday Best" to worship, but they will still be laid back. No one is disturbed by babies crying, or older folks stepping out of the sanctuary for a moment. Many churches recognize birthdays and anniversaries, and honor the passing of family members with flowers and prayers. Spend time with announcements and passing the peace. Make the sermon shorter so the intercessory prayers can be longer. If Eucharist is important, it is often served as people kneel at the communion rail. Both infant and adult baptisms are big celebrations and central to worship. Curricular, Biblical, Generational People in this segment love their children and tend to spoil them. They also admit that their home lives are often disorganized and undisciplined. They expect a children's Sunday school to not only provide a foundational knowledge of scripture, but also provide a model for disciplined living, teamwork, and respect for older generations. The curriculum may have been "recycled" over the years, and they may be cautious about introducing new material. Bible stories and moral maxims are most important. Small churches may not be able to group children by age, but they usually separate infants and toddlers, K-5th grade, and then pre-teens. There may or may not be a youth group, although there will likely be several "youth events" during the year that provide opportunities to teach and model Christian values. Lay leadership is important. Teachers often serve for a long time. They may be elderly and are often loved and respected. Basic training probably won't work, but ongoing coaching does. Try to encourage older teachers to apprentice younger leaders. Worship Classic hymns and camp songs are popular, and the hymnal is often an old version. People know many songs by heart, and the words are memorably part of their private devotions and sources of personal strength. They are inspired by favorite hymns, and usually enjoy singing. Be wary about introducing new music. Hospitality Special occasions deserve special refreshments, and that may be the time to encourage pot luck and home cooking. If you thank one person, be sure to thank everyone. The pastor should mingle with people if he or she does not have to rush off to the next church service.
I30-page G24-page 5 5 Relevant Ministry Choices: Small Group Designated Leaders, Curriculum or Affinity Between physically demanding jobs, outdoor lifestyles, and recreational passions, people in this segment may not have a lot of time for midweek small groups. Some will participate in midweek Bible study groups, especially if the pastor leads them. Many women have always participated in affinity groups related to crafts or domestic activities, and some men gather in workshops to do repairs on vehicles and outdoors gear. These might be converted into more intentional small groups that include prayer and deeper conversation. The challenge will be leadership. People prefer a designated leader whose age, experience, and spirituality deserve respect. However, many adults do not feel they qualify, and do not want to be presumptuous to volunteer. They are unlikely to use video technology as a supplement. Pastors will need to be very intentional to select, train, and provide ongoing coaching for potential leaders. Small Group Larger groups based on gender and ages are still important. Women's groups are common, but it may be difficult to sustain men's groups without a male pastor. The solution will lie in mentoring very strong male lay leaders. Outreach For Themselves: Survival, Quality of Life For Others: Survival, Quality of Life, Recovery People in this segment are not particularly active in civic affairs. They rely on professionals to provide necessary social services, but tend to be slow to volunteer. They will rally to protect traditional family values, and endorse care giving programs. Despite their outdoors lifestyles, they are not particularly worried about the environment... unless the big city or industry tries to invade their territory to create a garbage dump, quarry, or industrial site. They especially appreciate outreach ministries that address basic needs for shelter, food, and clothing. In the past they have been unconcerned about crime, but increasingly worry about personal and home security. They support programs that counsel or support military veterans. As the rural economy struggles, there is increasing alcohol and drug abuse, and an increasing interest in recovery programs. These people are remarkably sacrificial in the event of any family crisis or natural disaster. They give with extraordinary generosity, and volunteer their time and energy. Many will even risk their lives or the stability of their own homes for the sake of neighbors. Outreach Parish Nurse and other healthcare support programs are often connected with the church. Wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, and basic physiotherapy are under-funded by the state and welcomed in association with a church.
I30-page 6 Relevant Institutional Strategies: Property and Technology Stewardship/Financial Management Ecclesiastical or Utilitarian, Christendom, Modern Stock Cars and State Parks may not have sophisticated or artistic sensibilities about church architecture, but they do have a strong sense of sacred space. Church buildings may be small, and are often older, but they are well maintained and readily identifiable as Christian. The doors are often left unlocked so that people in need of prayer can visit any time... but parishioners and neighbors all keep an eye on the building to make sure it is safe. The symbols are classically Christian, and tend to repeat the motifs of cross, open Bible, and scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Catholic churches will also have symbols of the Eucharist. The Stations of the Cross may be rustic or even handmade, but are refurbished and readily accessible. Pulpits, altars or communion tables, communion ware and baptismal fonts are traditionally designed, but not fancy. Property and Technology Large "Reading Bibles" are older, authorized versions. Since that is what most generations have memorized, they continue to use them. All memorials are important, because the donor families are usually still active in the church. Unified Budgets, Lifestyle Coaching People are loyal to the church and trust their pastor and board to use money wisely. They prefer to donate to a single budget, but may provide a large discretionary fund for the pastor. Trust is high, and any financial malfeasance is a great scandal. Members do not usually require detailed financial statements, unless there is some unusual problem regarding property maintenance or pastor salary and benefits. Stewardship campaigns are generally viewed as unnecessary. Costs are fixed and only require inflationary increases. Depending on their local faith tradition, they may practice tithing. They will address any financial shortfalls with generous giving at the end of the year. A single "town meeting" will generally fix the budget and plan the future. Although committed to the church, people in this segment tend to be pretty self-indulgent with their discretionary income. They spend a lot on cars and trucks, outdoors equipment, and occasional trips to NASCAR races and state fairs. They do appreciate advice on Christian family financial management... or rather, how to juggle their money to give more to God without curtailing their personal passions and habits too much. Stewardship/Financial Mgmt. People do tend to be skeptical of denominational payments because they think the overhead costs unnecessary or question changing denominational policies. Clergy are often torn between the expectations of their superiors and the skepticism of their members.
I30-page 7 Relevant Institutional Strategies: Communication Telephone, Gatherings, Print The internet may be a source of information and commerce, but people in this segment do not tend to surf websites and don't expect the church to have one. Many rely on corded telephones at home and only watch television occasionally. Many have a satellite dish so that they can tune in on sports, car races, and the occasional rerun of a favorite family show. The church best communicates with these people through gatherings and verbal announcements. They will read newspapers and newsletters, and mass mailings may also reach them. They will carry away brochures, refrigerator magnets, key rings, and other objects that remind them of the church or provide them with devotional aids. Reinforce announcements with telephone calls to the home... but there may or may not be an answering machine, and you may need to try several times. Communication If the schedule changes for any event, anticipate that people will come at the wrong time anyway because they didn't get the message. Receive them warmly and without criticism, and help them make whatever adjustments are necessary. Resources: Download MissionInsite s Impressions Report for your mission field through http://www.missioninsite.com (Predefined Reports) Really Relevant (and) Always Faithful: How Churches and Ministries Target Mission In An Explosion of Diversity by Thomas G. Bandy (Available through Amazon) Download the MOSAIC Guide from Experian Explore the Interactive MOSAIC Guide from Experian