Vision and Assessment Team Update August 2022
Results of the Ministry and Ministerial Assessment
A.
Worship Service –
a.
Asked
to identify aspects of services that members like, 78% named sermons, and 65%
music. 30% mentioned the church community being together. 22% noted the
appropriate length of sermons.
b.
28%
reported liking prayer time; 25% cited communion as important.
c.
Asked
what would make services better, 35% cited an end to Covid restrictions. 29%
answered more people in the sanctuary. 16% reported satisfaction with services
as they are.10% asked for better sound.
B.
Leadership
a.
Participation
as a member or as a leader in activities is considered very important by 56%
and somewhat important by 28%.
b.
84%
praised the work of Reverend Melanie and Skyland’s leadership during the
pandemic: keeping us together and calming fears. Two members noted an excess of
caution. One stated that outreach was inadequate.
c.
Asked
what the pastor and leadership do well, 40% mentioned communication. Others
said keeping members safe, consideration for elderly persons, and Reverend
Melanie’s guidance and availability.
C.
Community
Engagement
a.
77%
of respondents want to add community-gathering activities. 19% stated “don’t
know or unsure.” 4 % prefer to continue as is.
b.
52%
would like to share meals and have Revision events with meals.
c.
26%
favor activities for families, especially those with children.
d.
Other
ideas: Harvest Festival (11%), events like Soothing Series (7%), book club
(7%).
e.
57%
volunteered limited help or no help with events. 20% identify as willing to
help but not organize. 10% would help with meals.
D.
Pastoral
Care
a.
94%
reported that their needs were met, many expressing enthusiasm.
b.
96%
stated that requests for pastoral care were always fulfilled.
c.
One
member questioned the sufficiency of pastoral care.
The more detailed results have been
discussed with the Deacons in addition to the Council. Jackie Seymour (representing Vision and
Assessment), John Heyes (representing Pastoral Relations) and John Conkle
(representing the church leadership) will meet with Rev. Melanie when she
returns from her vacation.
Although the process was arduous,
its importance was abundantly clear. Many thanks for helping our church to
strengthen and grow.
The Vision and Assessment Team,
Jackie Seymour, Paula Leary, Mike
Mahrle and Lesley Louden
