Pastor Search Survey Text Analytics Results An analysis of responses to the open-end questions V1 June 18, 2017 Tonya M Green, PhD
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Based on the analytics performed on the PPBC Pastor Search Survey open-end comments, the following insights are observed: Fellowship is the primary reason why people come to PPBC, followed by the worship experience and teaching. An aging congregation, demographic differences between the church membership and the neighborhood population, and retention of our membership are three great challenges facing PPBC in the next 5-10 years. Many mention hope in the future of PPBC, with a thriving, multi-cultural congregation that is stronger, energetic, and vibrant. However, some foresee a downward trend if changes do not occur. There are mixed opinions on the future attendance of PPBC in 10 years. Overall, most are optimistic and project growth, with some hesitancy. Many mention specific dependencies on growth (and survival). Reaching the community is key to the ministry of PPBC in 10 years. Evangelism is key, along with teaching and preaching. Ministry is required to meet the needs of a diverse community, including the youth, families, and children. Our new pastor has a strong relationship with God and knowledge of the Bible. He has a heart for the church, people, and the community. He is a teacher, a preacher, a leader, and an evangelist, relating to the members of our congregation and diverse community. The pastor is an experienced leader, providing a vision and direction for our church. The pastor is personable, dynamic, and caring. 2
What do you feel keeps people coming to our church? 84% of the survey respondents answered this question. By reviewing the most frequent terms mentioned, the survey respondents from the congregation feel that the fellowship among the people at PPBC is strong. PPBC church members are friendly, welcoming people and building relationships. PPBC is a Bible-based church, where the teaching is key. Attendees hear Bible-based sermons by the Pastor and learn in Bible study. Music (including the choir) is a key element of worship at PPBC. PPBC has opportunities to serve. SAMPLE RESPONSES FELLOWSHIP AND GREAT BIBLICAL TEACHING fellowship, preaching, music, teaching A caring fellowship that involves a "teaching" class, A choir led worship service and God-centered preaching. GOOD PREACHING AND MUSIC AND WARM FELLOWSHIP SEEKING THE WORD OF GOD AND HEARING OUR CHOIR FANTASTIC PREACHING, FRIENDLY MEMBERS FEELING WELCOMED AND HEARING THE BIBLE TAUGHT. GOOD MUSIC GOSPEL PREACHING, FELLOWSHIP, MUSIC (CHOIR & ORCHESTRA) I love brother Ken's preaching and our worship ministry. I also feel connected to my Bible study group. I like [the] way our Pastor explains God, [Word] and the location is perfect for me. pastor - youth events location Strong prayer chain and strong worship in music. Strong Bible sermons. Good to better connection with active members enhancing fellowship that shows the Love of Chris and each other N=174 (of 207 returned surveys) 3
What keeps people coming to our church Categorization results Comment categorization identifies the fellowship, worship experience, and teaching as the most discussed topics when identifying why people come to PPBC. However, the Biblical focus is core to other topics (e.g., preaching, teaching). The below table identifies the major topics (categories), number of related comments, overall percentage, and sample keywords found in the comments. Category Count Total % Sample Keywords Fellowship 92 44.2 Fellowship, member, membership, people, congregation, sense of community, community feeling, church body, church community, community of believers, belong 1) Preaching subcategory: preaching, sermon, pulpit 2) Music subcategory: music, choirs, orchestra, hymns Worship 70 34.1 3) Format: traditional, contemporary, progressive Teaching 51 24.5 Teaching, teacher, study, bible teaching, learn, learning, instruction, to grow Personal 43 20.7 Friends, friendships, relationships, habit, serve, loyalty, love PPBC, convenient, faithful, love of church, opportunity to serve Bible 40 19.2 Bible-based, Bible study, hearing the Word of God, biblical doctrine, the Gospel, pastor s knowledge of scripture Staff 29 13.9 Pastor, Ken, staff Friendliness 25 12.5 Friendliness, welcoming, accepting, kind Ministries 18 9.1 Youth program, meets needs, children s ministry, family ministry, senior ministry, program diversity Location 5 2.4 Location Church History 4 1.9 Tradition, church influence, church reputation N=174 (of 207 returned surveys) 4
What do you feel are the greatest challenges facing PPBC in the next 5-10 years? 81% of the survey respondents answered this question. By reviewing the most frequent terms mentioned, numerous issues are identified, including an aging congregation, demographic differences between the church membership and the neighborhood population, and retention of our membership. The need for growth is discussed, by reaching out and attracting the youth, young families, and a diverse population. Most agree change is necessary to grow. SAMPLE RESPONSES Growth, retention, reaching young families REACHING OUT AND BRINGING IN YOUNGER PEOPLE GROWTH, EXPECIALLY YOUNG FAMILIES. CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AND CAN THE CHURCH BE SUSTAINED FINANCIALLY Stewardship, growth, facility maintenance... MAKING THE CHANGES NEEDED TO REACH THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH IN A DIVERSE NEIGHBORHOOD GETTING YOUNGER FAMILIES TO REGULARLY ATTEND AND BE ACTIVE the aging congregation/changing demographics Reaching and retaining a younger demographic reaching younger generation upkeep of our property Expanding membership in a diverse culture. WE HAVE AN AGING CONGREGATION AND AGING BUILDINGS. THE [CHANGING] ETHNICITY OF IRVING AGING MEMBERS, NOT ENOUGH YOUNG FAMILIES N=167 (of 207 returned surveys) 5
Greatest challenges facing PPBC in the next 5-10 years - Categorization results Comment categorization confirms issues with church membership, including the aging congregation and the demographic differences in the congregation and neighborhood. Outreach (to young people, young families, and young couples) is identified as a major challenge, but necessary for growth. Financial challenges are discussed, along with issues related to church facilities maintenance and location. There is discussion of the need to change to support growth. The below table identifies the major topics (categories), number of related comments, overall percentage, and sample keywords found in the comments. Category Count Total % Sample Keywords Membership 68 32.7 Demographics, aging, ethnicity, diversity, Hispanic, anglo, older members, generation Outreach 61 29.3 Reaching the community, young people, young families, young couples, children, younger generation Growth 38 18.3 Growth, church growth, growing, new members, attracting families, grow memberships Finances 26 12.5 Finances, financial, financial needs, tithe, budget, funding Change 21 10.1 Change, changes, community changes, ethnicity change Ministry 17 8.2 Ministry, ministries, teaching, learning, downsizing ministry, benevolence Retention 14 6.7 Retention, leave, keeping members, keeping younger generation, keeping millennials Facilities 12 5.8 Facility, facilities, location, property N=167 (of 207 returned surveys) 6
How do you envision our church looking in 5-10 years? 74% of the survey respondents answered this question. By reviewing the most frequent terms mentioned, the survey respondents from the congregation envision a church that is diverse, with a younger membership, and growing with families and young people. Some mention hope in the future with a thriving, multi-cultural congregation that is stronger, energetic, and vibrant. Some foresee a downward trend if changes do not occur. SAMPLE RESPONSES It must change to look like the community or in 20 years it will not be here. We cannot continue to build a church of 50 years ago in a community of growing diversity. [DOWNWARD] IF CHANGES AREN'T MADE SOON UNLESS SOMETHING CHANGES, I THINK WE WILL WATCH IT SLOWLY DIE OFF More diverse, younger congregation Hispanic majority, active youth programs. Vibrant and active FEWER OLD WHITE MEMBERS AND MORE YOUNG HISPANICS I see a mosaic church made up of both young and older families, singles, youth MORE INVOLVEMENT OF YOUNG ADULTS AND FAMILIES Multicultural, diverse age groups, a little more advanced in technology and bold for Christ. growing physically & spiritually on fire HOPEFULLY GROWING IN ALL CULTURES HOPEFULLY REJUVINATED AND STRONGER THAN EVER MORE YOUNG FAMILIES, VIBRANT PROGRAMS AND MINISTRIES, CHARISMATIC STAFF N=153 (of 207 returned surveys) 7
How you envision our church looking in 5-10 years - Categorization Results Comment categorization identifies the anticipated changes in the church membership during the next 5-10 years as the top topic. Respondents discuss diversity in a multi-cultural community and the need for change in the congregation. The survey respondents from the congregation envision a growing church that is diverse, with a younger membership, and growing with families and young people. Some mention hope in the future due to outreach and change, but there is mention of an anticipated downward trend if changes do not occur. Issues related to church facilities are also mentioned. The below table identifies the major topics (categories), number of related comments, overall percentage, and sample keywords found in the comments. Category Count Total % Sample Keywords Membership 94 45.7 Diverse, Hispanic, younger, ethnic, culture, multi-cultural, mosaic, diversity, Spanish, age Growth 20 10.1 Growing, growth, grow church, new members Outreach 20 10.1 Reaching young people, reaching families, lost people, winning souls, reaching community Ministry 12 6.3 Minister, ministering, ministry, teaching, learning, group Bible study, counseling, assisting community Change 9 4.8 Change, changes, community change, transition Retention 9 4.8 Retention, leave, die, recovery of membership, member loss Facilities 9 4.8 Facility, facilities, maintenance, clean, location, property, technology N=153 (of 207 returned surveys) 8
Where do you see attendance of PPBC in 10 years? 71% of the survey respondents answered this question. By viewing the most frequent terms mentioned, you can see the mixed opinions on the future attendance of PPBC in 10 years. Responses varied from numerical projections to general statements of trending. The projected estimates ranged from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 10,000, with a median of 500-700. Some suggested attendance could double. One suggested an optimistic 20% increase, but a pessimistic change of +/- 5%. Overall, most are optimistic and project growth, with some hesitancy (i.e., Hopefully). Many mention specific dependencies on growth (and survival). Trending* Count Up 82 No change 9 Down 26 It depends 13 I don t know 4 * Assuming a baseline of 400 attendees SAMPLE DEPENDENCIES Ability to accept change Right leadership A vision Reaching the community New believers More young families and youth Cultural inclusion N=146 (of 207 returned surveys) 9
What do you see the primary ministry for PPBC in 10 years? 69% of the survey respondents answered this question. By reviewing the most frequent terms mentioned, reaching the community is key to the ministry of PPBC in 10 years. Evangelism is important, introducing Christ to the lost. Teaching and preaching the Word are key to growing spiritually, plus discipling new believers. Ministry is required to meet the needs of a diverse community, including the Hispanic in our surrounding neighborhood. Ministries for the young, families, and children are key. Leadership is needed to reach the community and ensure spiritual growth. SAMPLE RESPONSES REACH OUT THE COMMUNITY REACHING, TEACHING, WINNING & DEVELOPING CHILDREN, YOUTH AND ADULTS Witnessing and winning souls in the local community. Serving the needs of the membership and community outreach. PASTORAL CARE, HISPANIC OUTREACH NEIGHBORHOODS/FAMILIES ALWAYS THE GREAT COMMISSION, GO, BAPTIZE, MAKE DISCIPLES, TEACHING THE WORD TEACH AND PREACH THE GOSPEL Hispanic focused- its our demographic We must minister embrace the demographics of the city or move so another church can do it. Today's family need basic Bible knowledge. Families of the 21st century are ignorant of the stories that older people take for granted. N=143 (of 207 returned surveys) 10
What do you believe our congregation should be looking for in our new Senior Pastor? 75% of the survey respondents answered this question. By reviewing the most frequent terms mentioned, the survey respondents from the congregation are looking for a pastor that has a strong relationship with God and extensive knowledge of the Bible. He has a heart for the church, people, and the community. The pastor is a teacher, a preacher, a leader, and an evangelist, relating to the members of our congregation and community. The pastor is an experienced leader, providing a vision and direction for our church, based on Biblical principles and aligned with our Baptist faith. The pastor is personable, dynamic, and caring. The pastor is also focused on reaching the diverse community, including the Hispanic, young, and families. SAMPLE RESPONSES A COMMITTED PREACHER/TEACHER WITH A HEART FOR THE NEEDS OF IRVING, TEXAS A GODLY MAN WHO PREACHES GOD'S WORD WITH A HEART FOR PEOPLE A godly man who is able to discern God's call for our church--& will lead A person that loves the Lord, people, and has a vision for the future! Someone with strong leadership skills who preaches from the Bible and has a vision for reaching others for Christ and as members of a committed body of believers A leader that shares God's word in a [relatable] way that encourages growing families N=157 (of 207 returned surveys) 11
What do you believe our congregation should be looking for in our new Senior Pastor? Traits, Strengths, Leadership Qualities, and Areas of Focus referenced in comments Responses were analyzed against the traits, strengths, leadership qualities, and areas of focus measured in the survey questionnaire. Top topics mentioned for each item are identified below. TRAITS Topic % * People-oriented 44% Godly 38% Visionary 19% Winsome 11% Civic-minded Community active Intentional Focused Honest & Trustworthy N= 92 Overall category % = 45% 9% 9% 7% * Within category STRENGTHS LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AREAS OF FOCUS Topic % * Theologian 46% Director (Leader) 29% Teacher 27% Preacher 23% Pastoral Care 13% Evangelist 10% Visionary 9% N=77 Overall category % = 37% Topic % * Attract new members 33% Vision-caster 32% Education 19% Experience 15% Communicator 11% Conflict management 9% Mentor Discipler 6% Passionate 4% Topic % * Teaching Weekend experience 48% Outreach Evangelism 22% Attract new members Retention 20% Vision for church 19% Pastoral care 15% Meet needs of community Passion for youth young families N=54 Overall category % = 26% N= 69 Overall category % = 34% 12 13% 12%
SAMPLE COMMENTS Category Subcategory Sample Comments Traits N=92 45% Strengths N=77 37% People-oriented Godly Visionary Entrepreneurial Winsome Theologian Director (Leader) Teacher Preacher A pastor who will love people of all races Primarily that he love the Lord will all of his heart and that he loves people sacrificially and desires to shepherd them God's leadership evidenced in his life. A person that loves the Lord, people, and has a vision for the future! Excellent preaching and pastoral care; a vision to grow our church in the next 10 years. To be dynamic, engaging and 100% devoted to scripture. A Biblical sound teacher; a vision of reaching young families A WELL ROUNDED 40-50 YEAR WITH A THEOLOGY DEGREE AND EXPERIENCE AS A SENIOR PASTOR A godly man who is able to discern God's call for our church--& will lead SOMEONE WITH PROVEN EXPERIENCE AND MATURITY TO LEAD WITH MULTIPLE CHALLENGES SOUND BIBLICAL TEACHING STRONG BIBLE TEACHER AND WARM, CARING PASTOR CONTINUED EXCELLENCE IN PREACHING AND MINISTRY GREAT PREACHER AND COMMUNICATOR 13
SAMPLE COMMENTS, continued Category Subcategory Sample Comments Areas of Focus N-69 34% Leadership Qualities N=54 26% Teaching Weekend experience Outreach Evangelism Attract new members Retention Vision for the church Attract new members Vision-Caster Communicator Bible based teacher and a person who values the support of a choir Someone who the members can relate to from the pulpit (humor, real-life examples) Most need to connect to the Pastor on Sundays before we lean on him for pastoral care. BIBLICAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE ABILITY TO REACH OUT WITH THE WORD OF GOD TO ALL HE COMES IN CONTACT WITH Someone that can effectively reach Irving's diverse community and bring them into the fold of the main church. The pastor should be biblically sound because biblical truth will translate to all cultures and languages. AN EXPERIENCED PASTOR WHO CAN PROMOTE THE CHURCH TO ATTRACT YOUNG MARRIEDS AND THE MUSIC PROGRAM. A person that has a track record of growing a church in an inner city area. A person that loves the Lord,people, and has a vision for the future! a young dynamic man with a passion to grow our church. Someone with a following. I really feel like we need a pastor who represents what we're trying to grow. A man in his 30's, preferably with small children or a family of some kind, with a heart for the people of this church and for young families. A spirit-led prayerful leader who seeks God's will personally and for the church. A visionary leader. GREAT PREACHER AND COMMUNICATOR 14
APPENDIX A ANALYTICS PERFORMED Both manual and automated text analyses were performed on the survey data for 6 of 10 open-end questions exported from Survey Monkey. The IBM SPSS Text Analytics for Surveys software was used to analyze the text, to construct classification models, and to evaluate results. No existing classification model is used for the analysis of this text. Categories and subcategories are derived from a review of the survey questionnaire and a sample of the survey responses. Appendix B includes a more detailed overview of the process and an example of the classification rules for one subcategory. Classification is an iterative process and time was limited for this project. Please note that the automated text analytics process is not a substitute for reading the comments. ANALYTICS TIMEFRAME 2017 June 15-18 Tonya M Green, PhD Twitter: @just_tonya Email: tmgreen_tx@yahoo.com 15
Appendix B: Sample keywords for the People-oriented subcategory of Traits Number of records Keywords (comments) * people person * 3 * concerned * 1 * friendly * 2 * heart * & * people * 7 * warm * 2 * relatable * 2 * personality * 3 * story * & * conversation * 0 * popularity poll * 1 (* love * * like * ) & * people * 9 * able to speak * & * people * 1 * social * 1 * personable * 2 * listener * 2 * friend * 1 * outgoing * 1 * relate * 7 * congenial * 1 * people drawer * 1 * compassionate * 3 * caring * 0 * loving * 0 Using text analytics software (with natural language programming capabilities), the computer can be trained to automatically classify text, based on a model that is set up within the program. During model development, keywords, operators (AND, OR, NOT), and other parameters (e.g., wild-card characters) are defined (and refined) to classify text. Often terms must be added to the resource library in order to be recognized by the software (e.g., tithe is not in the basic general dictionary of terms automatically recognized and extracted). Categories and subcategories can be defined in the tool. Multiple categories and subcategories may be identified on a single record (e.g., survey comment). The table shows the related keywords that were extracted by the software and set up for the People-Oriented subcategory (or topic) of Traits for the seventh open-end question (i.e., What do you believe our congregation should be looking for in our new Senior Pastor?) Number of keyword sets: 22 Number of unique records found: 41 16