The Study on Worship and Music at Christ the King Lutheran Church

The Study on Worship and Music at Christ the King Lutheran Church A Summary Report Spring 2015 1

Contents Introduction to the Study The Study s Purpose and Work Page 3 The Study s Processes Page 3 Themes and Findings Theme One CtK s Life and Ministry: Diverse Member and Congregational Histories, Experiences, and Life Stages Theme Two Worship and Music that Flows from CtK s Identity and Mission Theme Three Worship and Music: Common Commitments and Diverse Expressions Theme Four: Engaging Faith Practices Theme Five: Three Worship Orientations: Divergent Commitments and Approaches Theme Six Music and Worship Leadership-Strong and Differing Models Imagined Theme Seven Critique and Counsel Regarding Practices, Logistics, and Procedures Diverse Music Styles Distinctive Worship Formats Communion Sermons Schedule and Timing Adult Education Topics and Methods Technical Support Applause Congregational Procedures Attitudes and Workload of Pastors and Staff Dynamics of Change Page 5 Page 7 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 12 2

Introduction to the Study and This Report The Study s Purpose and Work Background: 2014-2015 has been a year of reconsideration of worship at CtK, with conversations about worship during summer 2014 and adjusted worship formats and schedules during the fall. Minister of Music Bruce Phelps retirement added music and the music program to the conversation. Thus the task force s work is an extension of a discussion and processes that were/are underway. Charge and Work: The charge of the task force was to gather information from across the congregation and communicate that information to the congregation, staff, congregational council, and program committees to assist them in developing effective worship and music ministry at CtK. With such a charge, the task force does not understand itself as a decisionmaking body. It is intended however that the task force s work will assist in: a) clarifying the purpose of and options for worship at CtK; b) identifying the place of music in CtK s ministries, most particularly its worship commitments and strategies; and c) discerning the role of the next leader of music and worship. The Study s Processes Authorization: The task force was constituted in consultation with CtK s staff and congregational council, who together with program committees and the congregation are aware of its work. The task force understood that it was to report its findings to each and all of these expressions of the congregation. Task Force Members: Joel Hoeger, Joann Knuth, Tina Brauer, Peter Hanson, Mark Edwards, Anne Van Bruggen, Jen Miller, and Roland Martinson. Surveys: The task force designed and implemented a ten-item survey. The survey was available electronically and in hard copy. It included both scripted scaled items and solicitation of comments. Total Survey Respondents: 152 respondents provided 102 pages of information that has been factor analyzed and summarized in this report. To put the 152 responses in perspective, the average weekly worship attendance at CtK is 517; CtK s total baptized membership is 1880. Demographics of survey respondents: Sex: 68% Female; 32 % Male Marital Status: 74% Married; 22% Single Age: 68% over the age of 50; 32% under the age of 50 Race: 95% White/Caucasian Membership: 35% have been members thirty years or more; 70% for ten years or more; 16% for five years of less 3

Focus Groups: Twenty focus groups were constituted representing a cross-section of the congregation. Those twenty focus groups were: Two Staff Groups Bell Choir Intergenerational Group Young Adults Bible Talk and Donuts Club45 and Third Graders Men s Bible Studies Congregational Council Two Choir Groups Worship and Music Committee Sunday School Parents High School Group Two Confirmation Groups Two Women s Bible Study Groups Long-term Members Music Leaders These twenty focus groups provided 51 pages of information that has been factor analyzed and summarized in this report. Factor Analysis: The factor analysis process utilized in this report began with coding each idea that appeared in the responses. Next, the related ideas and their frequency of occurrence were placed into clusters. Next, the clusters were gathered, with frequency noted, into themes that provide the order and structure of this report. Dissemination of Findings: The findings were shared with the congregation on Sunday, May 31 at 11:45 a.m. following the second service. The Worship and Music task force will report its finding at the first of two congregational forums. On June 7 at 10:15 a.m. following the first service, the Worship and Music task force will report its findings at a second congregational forum. Beginning June 1 and onward, a summary report of the findings will be available in hard copy at the church office and online at lifeatctk.org. In late May and June, the study s findings will be reported to the congregational council, the search committee for the new director, the Worship and Music Committee, other program committees, and CtK staff. Handoff of Information: The task force will coordinate with Pastor Peter and Kristin Goligowski, Congregational Council President, to hand off the ideas and counsel of the study to CtK s staff, congregational council, and appropriate program committees, including the search committee for the new director. It is envisioned that a process of ongoing consideration and communication be developed with regular messages to provide to the congregation. Thank you! Thank you! A huge thanks to everyone who completed surveys and participated in a focus group. 4

Themes and Findings The report is organized around seven themes that emerged from the surveys and focus group information: Theme One CtK s Life and Ministry: Diverse Member and Congregational Histories, Experiences, and Life Stages CtK possesses rich and diverse member histories and is navigating a unique period in its life as it negotiates a changing community context. Unique Experiences and Diverse Histories In the surveys and focus groups, participants of varied lengths of membership referred to personal experiences and memories of CtK s music programs, worship formats, participation in choirs, instrumental leadership, and schedules of education, worship, and coffee fellowship on Sunday morning as background for their responses. For example, many comments referenced choir musicals, youth musicals, a particular liturgy (the Red Hymnal), certain types of hymns (Gospel and Traditional), and ways of receiving communion (kneeling and moving toward the altar) as important to their experience and expression of faith. The study clearly demonstrates that CtK s members bring a wide variety of histories and faith experiences to their expectations of worship and music. Furthermore, there seems to be a strong relationship between member histories and their expectations regarding worship and music. Five Generations Members representing five generations completed the survey and participated in the focus groups. These members regularly reflect the generational sensibilities of their age and times. For example, younger members regularly expressed boredom with worship that many older members see as consistent, sacred, and reverent. Service formats, such as Growing in Faith Together, were found engaging by younger members and experienced as distracting by some older members. No 20 to 30 year olds completed the survey. However, the young adult focus group called for more edgy, inclusive sermons that take a stand. Many longerterm, older members desire sermons that exposit Scripture and declare abiding truth and teach history. Most participants of all of the generations wanted sermons to be relevant to their differing daily lives. Many respondents referenced CtK s good fortune in having all generations in its membership, yet see the congregation struggling in its efforts to engage children, youth, and young adults in worship and music. People with Diverse, Expansive Expectations 5

The scales on key questions on the survey and comments from the focus groups regarding worship service formats and musical styles reflect wide varieties of convictions and opinions on nearly every point. A look at the responses to the survey scales on worship and music demonstrate a bit of this diversity: Overall, how satisfied are you with the regular worship services on Sundays? Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Satisfied 5.9% 11.8% 16.4% 46.1% 19.7% How satisfied are you with the present schedule? Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Satisfied 5.9% 23% 20.4% 31.6% 19.1% Worship Option: We should offer two similar blended services, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., with an education/fellowship hour at 9:30 a.m. Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree No Opinion Somewhat agree Strongly agree 15.8% 17.1% 17.8% 28.9% 20.4% Worship Option: We should offer two differently styled services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. with education/fellowship hour at 9:30. Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree No Opinion Somewhat agree Strongly agree 15.1% 21.7% 23.7% 25.7% 13.8% Worship Option: We should offer an alternative Sunday evening opportunity in addition to Sunday morning services. Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree No Opinion Somewhat agree Strongly agree 15.8% 13.8% 34.9% 23.7% 11.8% Worship Option: We should offer an alternative Wednesday evening worship opportunity in addition to Sunday morning services: Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree No Opinion Somewhat agree Strongly agree 14.5% 19.7% 37.5% 21.1% 7.2% How satisfied are you with music for our Sunday services? Very dissatisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Neutral Somewhat satisfied Very Satisfied 3.9% 11.8% 13.8% 47.4% 23% More of this diversity and the accompanying differing expectations will be evidenced in nearly every theme that follows in this report. A Period of Change and Multiple Transitions In the comments on the surveys and in the focus group discussions, participants noted the many changes taking place at CtK. Among the most often cited changes: a new senior pastor, Dawn Fernstrom s retirement, a new worship schedule and format, regularly changing worship elements, new communion processes, a different Sunday school time, the aging and decline in numbers of the sanctuary choir, diminishing numbers of children in worship and in the children s choirs, and the shifting New Brighton community demographics. For many respondents both the amount of change and its pace were disconcerting and in some cases unsettling and overwhelming. On the other 6

hand, other respondents were hoping for more change, particularly in efforts to reach younger members and into the community. Theme Two Worship and Music that Flows From CtK s Identity and Mission Many comments referenced and called for worship and music that is congruent with CtK s identity and mission as well as faithful to God and proper understandings of music and its purposes. Among these comments: Music should honor and adore God; Worship is for feeling God s presence; Worship should be contemplative and quiet, a time of reverence in which to savor God; Worship is a time for peace and renewal; Worship and music are not about performance; We need to sing music that comforts; worship is about finding and knowing Christ. Someone summed up their sentiments and those of many others saying: We worship to grow in our faith. Several people and discussions asserted that strategies for worship and music should be decided and stuck to rather than be constantly changing. Several members stated that vision is important in discerning the direction worship and music should take. Some stated that vision and cohesion seem to be missing presently. Many members commented on their agreement with the five core values for worship and music stated at the beginning of the survey. The one exception to this affirmation was core value number four (Christian worship must not simply reflect its context but also critique its culture as an expression of God s prophetic call) around which there was considerable question and confusion as to its meaning and intention. Theme Three Common Commitments and Diverse Expressions and Expectations The study gathers alongside one another many comments that reflect common commitments regarding worship and music, as well as many comments that reflect the greatly diverse expectations for worship and music at CtK. Often these divergent expectations arise around the very elements of worship that are commonly held to be critically important, such as the hymns selected for Sunday worship. Common Values Regarding Worship and Music Worship that includes strong sermons, meaningful music, singable hymns, congregational participation, and relevant prayers is desired by a majority of the study s participants. A great many participants say these practices assist in their encounter with God, help them connect with others, and inform their daily lives. 7

Further, no matter the genre, quality music, whether choral, congregational, or instrumental, is important to nearly everyone. The Divergence The strong desire of each person and generation to worship in their working language and preferred forms leads to great differences. Many older persons desire consistent, traditional liturgy. Many middle age and younger people desire fresh language in the vernacular of the day in either liturgical services or more informal services. While music seems to be at the heart of worship for all, the variety sought is expansive. In just one area of the survey, the following breadth of music was suggested by the variety of persons responding: sacred, gospel, Bluegrass, Barber Shop, Jazz, old traditional hymns, classical, Spanish, praise, contemporary, New Orleans, and contemplative. Engage and Develop Young People and their Faith Large numbers of people in the focus groups expanded on what survey participants also regularly expressed concerning outreach to and development of faith in children, youth, and young adults. Even though participants in the focus groups often differed as to what approaches to take, most people of all ages see music and worship to be critical in the faith development of young people. They want them involved in worship in meaningful ways. They want them in choirs. They want worship and music to connect with young people. Provide Meaningful Worship for Older Members While youth are valued in worship and their participation in choirs is desired, many respondents stated they also want worship and music that serves the faith needs of older members. They see music and worship as an important component of ministry with seniors and don t want these seniors forgotten. Utilize the Congregation s Worship and Musical Gifts Many participants spoke of CtK s great musical assets and want the new director to identify and involve people with these gifts. While there is appreciation for the variety of the present adult groups and individuals offering music, there is strong support for encouraging a wider spectrum of individuals to participate in worship and music at all levels, most especially in the sanctuary choir. Theme Four Engaging Faith Practices A large number of survey comments from persons of all ages and many participants in the focus groups expressed strong desire for three engaging practices that feed or support their faith. Most respondents want these practices available on Sunday mornings if possible. Worship as Encounter with God Many participants desire worship that enables them to commune with God through sermons, liturgy, congregational connections, meaningful music, and prayer. A sense of God s presence and an attitude and spirit of reverence in the demeanor of worship leaders and musicians are keys to their experiencing 8

the sacred. Many respondents desire worship that engages them and moves them at an emotional level (some respondents called this the spiritual level). For most this happens more often when worship is cohesive, interactive, and flows well. Many members commented that applause interrupted this spirit and flow and was often confusing and distracting. Faithful and Effective Learning that Sustains Faith and Life The adult education scale of the survey gives a sense of the participants hopes for adult education, enrichment, and learning. Adult Education/Enrichment/Learning: Should well-taught offerings be offered on timely subjects provided on: Sunday Mornings Wednesday Evenings Other 55.3% 42.8% 27.6% A great many participants in the focus groups and the surveys want more tools to study and interpret the Scriptures as well as to practice faith in daily life. Both Sunday morning adult forums and Higher Ground are missed. A great many participants hope these adult education opportunities will be re-instated. A good many surveys suggested pertinent topics that would be of interest and importance to their spiritual life. Consistent Connections within the Community A great many participants in the survey and focus groups wrote or spoke of how the support of others sustains their faith. This support seems to take a variety of forms and expressions. For some, it s having time after services over coffee. For others, it s seeing other people in worship and hearing them sing. For still others, it's the shared experience of worship itself. Passing the peace was identified more than once. For many, the present tight schedule reduces the time and possibilities for this connection on Sunday morning. On the other hand, some appreciated the present schedule because it afforded them the opportunity to be with people from both services. Theme Five Three Worship Orientations: Divergent Commitments and Approaches The survey respondents and focus group participants expressed orientations and strong commitments to differing ways of worship and diverse forms of music. These persons reflect at least three differing approaches to worship and they often call for distinctly differing styles and dynamics of music and worship. Orientation One: Consistency of Traditional Liturgical Worship This group of respondents expressed strongly and often that they prefer traditional liturgical worship that remains mostly the same Sunday to Sunday. They commented: I need formal worship; Services should only include traditional liturgical expressions; I want historical teaching and learning about worship and church seasons; 9

Consistency is important in worship; Use the old traditional hymns; and I want more traditional liturgy. While not exclusively so, this group was made up largely of older members who responded to the survey. Orientation Two: Experimentation and Expansion of Worship Traditions This group of respondents expressed their need for liturgical worship structure, but with innovation and experimentation. The 46.1% who are somewhat satisfied and the 19.7% who are very satisfied with the present blended worship services on Sundays seemed to be among this group. The persons with this orientation commented: I like the blending of music styles; The mix of hymns is good; I like the involvement of all ages in the service; The Growing in Faith Together Sundays add energy and more children to worship; The variety of forms of music and participants keeps my interest; and I appreciate the digging deeper that s underway. Orientation Three: Alternative, Informal Forms, Languages and Music This group of respondents misses a contemporary worship service alternative, while at the same time many of them are critical of the recent past s Celebrate service. Some of their comments: I need a greater variety of music, including praise music, but not only praise music, include also more edgy music that addresses my experience of God and the world; I need a band that generates more energy; I need more congregational interaction in worship; I d like a more conversational style of preaching; High quality alternative services are needed to reach young people; and I need worship that utilizes current language that I can understand and that engages me. Divergence: Even as these three orientations inform and feed the faith of the persons with differing convictions, they are difficult to integrate into the common life of a congregation or offer on a Sunday morning. Theme Six Music and Worship Leadership: Strong and Differing Models Imagined Strong Leadership and Differing Models There is much counsel regarding the role, credentials, character and capabilities of all those who would lead worship and music at CtK, especially the soon to be called director. This rich, thick, diverse, and sometimes conflicting counsel appears in both the surveys and the focus groups. 10

Faith, Spirit, and Competency of All Leading Worship and Music Many respondents reflected on the importance of all worship and music leaders as instruments of God s Spirit and that these persons exercise their leadership as an expression of their faith. These roles are clearly understood as ministries bearing the presence and activity of God within the congregation. These respondents made comments like these: A leader s sense that worship is communing with God is important; Worship leaders should give us a sense that it is God s Spirit that is gathering the congregation; and A good flow of worship creates a sense of God s presence. Role, Capacities, and Character of the Next Worship and Music Leader Most of the respondents are seeking a new director with a deep personal faith and a sense of reverence. They are looking for a director who has knowledge and skill in worship and music; they want a leader who is a catalyst for others worshipping and singing. Many respondents and participants stated the importance of this person being inter-generationally competent. Key words from participants comments: The director must be able to develop extend expand coordinate sustain innovate with the sanctuary choir, choirs for children, congregational singing, the musical gifts of the congregation, differing genre of music, traditions of worship, and across generations. A Leader Guiding a Team A few survey respondents and focus group participants suggested that a new leader be a specialist focusing on a core area of music and worship, such as a choir director who could direct all the choirs or just the sanctuary choir. A large majority stated their conviction that whatever else the new director would do, they need to give attention to the larger music and worship ministry and gather both the existing staff and many volunteers around them to accomplish this ministry. They seem to be saying this role is too large for one person, that a team is needed, and CtK has the talent among its membership to create such a team. Redevelopment of a Broad, Expansive Music Ministry Many respondents in the surveys and some in the focus groups spoke of the importance of a strong music ministry to the identity and mission of CtK. They commented: Many people have been drawn in the past to CtK because of its music; Strong music will assist CtK in reaching out into the community; Our choirs, especially our children s choirs, need support; Music is critical if we are to engage young people; and Young adults commented on the importance of music in connecting with their peers. 11

Theme Seven Critique and Counsel Regarding Practices, Logistics, and Procedures A great many clusters of comments provide critique and counsel regarding how best to exercise the practices, logistics, and procedures of worship, music, education, and church affairs. Diverse Music Styles Complaint and counsel regarding music appeared in nearly every aspect of the surveys and focus groups. The music scale in the survey gives an indication of the wide variety of opinion within the congregation: How satisfied are you with music for our Sunday services? Very dissatisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Neutral Somewhat satisfied Very Satisfied 3.9% 11.8% 13.8% 47.4% 23% The many sensibilities regarding music at CtK seem to fall along a spectrum with those who possess a strong desire for sacred music at one end with persons toward the middle who desire a mix of music styles to those who possess a desire for a wide variety of current music styles on the other end. The Sacred Spectrum: There is a strong call for only sacred music and accompaniment in worship. Many commenters supported this: I need sacred choral music and traditional hymns; Let s do more familiar hymns; piano, organ and brass support good liturgy and worship; I commit hymns to memory; We need more piano and organ; Choir singing quality sacred choral music is much appreciated; Sacred music well presented and robustly sung greatly enhances worship. A Mix of Music Styles: There is a strong expression of appreciation for a mix of music styles needed to expand faith and outreach. Many commenters support this: A variety is desired; I need a breadth of music; A broad mix is needed to get more people involved; Piano, organ, brass, guitar, drums, strings, all have a place and expand our capacities to worship God; I like all the variety; and, versatility is good and needed to reach out to the community. A Call for Contemporary: There is a strong call for filling the void left by the elimination of the contemporary worship service. Many commenters identified this loss and expressed an ongoing need for alternative music. Some spoke of the need for a band or a variety of instrumental and choral groups that do crosscultural, ethnic, folk, gospel, praise, Christian Rock and arrangements with edgy lyrics; many said they miss the contemporary worship option. Others spoke of needing this music to reach the diversity of peoples at CtK and in the community. 12

Distinctive Worship Formats Citing the diverse persons, sensibilities, and mission challenge of CtK, many respondents either called for, or themselves desire, distinctly different worship formats either on Sunday morning or during the course of the week. A sample of their comments: We need distinctly different services to reach our diverse membership and others in the community; We need a more traditional and a more contemporary/informal service; t The latest edition of the Celebrate service didn t engage young people we need a more edgy alternative. Others commented on the need for a more traditional liturgical service with sacred music and familiar hymns (e.g. more traditional than the present blended service, a worship service that a great many people commented they much appreciate). Communion Comments regarding the frequency and process of serving communion emerged throughout the surveys and focus groups. A representative sample of the greatly diverse comments: Presently communion is too rushed; I desire more formal, less rushed communion; Communion is my connection with God; Communion every Sunday is not necessary; Offer communion only at key times and events; I like communion every Sunday; A service without communion seems empty; I would like to kneel; I don t like children passing out communion; Leaving and re-entering the sanctuary is distracting (cited many times); The timing of first communion for children is a concern; I want real bread and also grape juice; I would like to receive communion from the pastors; and We need to better train communion assistants. Sermons Preaching was referred to as one of the most important elements of worship. In the surveys and focus groups much counsel was offered. What follows is a representative sample: Work on children sermons (they are important, they are good, they can be better); Sermons need to be Biblical and thoughtful; They need to be passionate; Sermons need to be relevant; the relatability of sermons is important; Sermons need to take a stand; they need to be edgy; They need to engage apply to life; Sermons are the most important element of worship; and Growing in Faith Together sermons engage me and my children. 13

Timing and Scheduling This item of the study received widespread and suggestive comment across the surveys and focus groups. There follows a representative sample of these great many comments: Presently we are too rushed; Communion is too rushed; We need more time for education and fellowship; The schedule is tight; parking is congested; We need more community-building time; More time is needed between services 30 minute minimum; Start the first service earlier; We are rushing through the first service; We need more time to get to know each other; and We need options for education. Sunday School is too late. There were several comments regarding worship and Sunday School: Some wondered might children be in worship for the beginning of the service and then go to Sunday School and be finished when parents are finished with worship and/or coffee and conversation; and In the present arrangement parents are getting to church, kids to Sunday School, but children aren t getting to worship nor adults to education. Adult Education Topics, and Methods The survey scale on page nine of this report indicates that there is very strong interest in adult education on Sunday morning (over 50%) and on Wednesday evening (over 40%). Many survey respondents and focus group participants commented on adult education. Here s a sample of what they said: Presently there is a lack of options for adults; We need a dedicated time for education that is separate from worship; We need more variety or options for adults; A dedicated time between services would be ideal; I miss Higher Ground; I suggest a time when youth can go to Sunday School and parents to adult education and focus on their concerns as parents; We need a variety of teaching methods not only lecture; and We need to work with members to discern the most relevant, timely topics. Technical Support A small but persistent flow of comments regarding technical support for worship appeared in the surveys and focus groups. A representative sample of those comments: Gaffs are disruptive; The power point is often out of sync; Include the music with the lyrics on the screen; The images during sermons are sometimes distracting and not helpful; There is good use of video material prior to the service. Do more of this. 14

Applause A significant and persistent number of participants commented regarding applause after musical presentations. They reflected: It s not necessary; Does it add or detract? We need to think this through; It s confusing and distracting; and It promotes a sense of music as performance rather than generating a spirit of reverence in God s presence, Congregational Procedure Expectations and Concerns There was ongoing concern about how the information gathered in the study will be utilized, comments especially in regard to whom is going to make decisions going forward. More explanation of worship and music decisions and directions taken would be appreciated and helpful in garnering participation and support. A great variety of counsel regarding organizational procedure emerges in the study. Some stated that staff should decide the direction we are taking in worship and music, and be transparent about their intentions as to why and what of those directions. Others said: communicate, communicate, communicate. A group of parents said: a regular meeting of Sunday School parents regarding directions to be taken would be appreciated. Many said keep mission in mind as you move forward. There was wonderment expressed about how decisions are made and counsel that the task force be clear about the worship and music survey not constituting a vote, rather a process of information gathering. There was concern that louder voices would be given more attention than warranted. Attitude, Demeanor, and Workload of Pastors and Staff Many respondents appreciate the non-defensive stance of pastors and staff during these changes and this worship and music study. There was strong encouragement to leadership that they continue to communicate widely and often so that CtK can go through these changes together. Many appreciate the courage of our staff to support this worship and music study process, and concern was voiced that if we add worship options, there will be more work for pastors and staff. Dynamics of Change A few respondents cited the challenge of present multiple transitions at CtK. A sample of their comments: Change is hard especially for older members; We ve experienced a high volume of fast-paced change in this latest period of time and it has been difficult; I like change, but it s been over the top lately; and We need to work together to navigate these changes, thus communication is critical. 15