congregational self study (members survey...

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Congregational Self Study (Members Survey Report)

Prepared For: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Date: 7 July, 2016

Purpose

This report has been prepared for the congregation of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Prior Lake. This reports

purpose is to “summarize the results” of the congregational member survey that was conducted in June

of 2016. The survey was conducted in support of calling a new pastor and is intended to provide a snap

shot of the congregations present values, ministries, and expectations for a new pastor.

Overview

Most of the questions included in the survey and reflected in this report were provided by the Lutheran

Church – Missouri Synod Minnesota South District. Question number I.11 and survey response

demographics questions were added by the St Paul’s Call and Study committees to better understand

additional values and participation of the congregation.

Data Collection and Consolidation

Data from the returned individual surveys was collected, recorded, consolidated, and reported to the

LCMS MN South District office, at a level of detail that was requested. Data reflected in this report

provides additional detail beyond what was reported to the district. Level of detail in this report was

deemed valuable for the congregation’s awareness and understanding while respecting and protecting

the feedback from the individual survey responders.

Where applicable survey response ranking information was consolidated and summarized based on the

‘average’ of all individual responses.

For survey questions that allowed ‘open responses’, individual responses were categorized and then

counted by category. This categorization process was performed and verified by the available ‘Study

Committee’ members and does introduce a minor degree of interpretation and subjectivity. In some

cases individual responses could not be categorized due to their uniqueness or ambiguity. All responses

have been retained to support any improvement actions the congregation decides to take in response to

the findings reflected in this report.

Data Reporting Format

The remainder of this report if formatted to identify the ‘Survey Question’, ‘Responses provided to the

District’, ‘Basis of Response’, and summary of ‘survey data’.

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Survey Question: Section I.1.a

Please complete the following. Place an [X] between the two extremes as you think about the culture of

our congregation as a body of believers.

Response Provided to District:

Basis of Response - Charted Response Data:

There were a total of 63 responses to this survey question. The average and most frequent response

indicate a neutral position on our congregation’s growth.

Survey Data

Stagnant - - X - - Growing

Count 4 12 30 15 2

a) Stagnant - - X - - Growing

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Survey Question: Section I.1.b






indicate we see ourselves a friendly congregation.

Survey Data

b) Unfriendly - - - X - Friendly

1

5

16

28

14

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

- - - X -

Unfriendly ________________________Friendly

Unfriendly - - - X - Friendly

Count 1 5 16 28 14

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Survey Question: Section I.1.c






indicate a neutral position on our congregation’s courageous strength. Indications are being more

toward timid than courageous.

Survey Data

Timid - - X - - Courageous

Count 2 23 27 7 4

c) Timid - - X - - Courageous

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Survey Question: Section I.1.d






indicate we recognize our self as an older congregation.

Survey Data

Older - X - - - Younger

Count 6 29 26 4 0

d) Older - X - - - Younger

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Survey Question: Section I.1.e






indicate a neutral position on our congregation’s perception of empowerment.

Survey Data

Limiting - - X - - Empowering

Count 2 11 29 15 3

e) Limiting - - X - - Empowering

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Survey Question: Section I.1.f






indicate a neutral position on our congregation’s unity. Indications are we are more unified than

conflicted.

Survey Data

Conflicted - - X - - Unified

Count 1 12 25 18 6

f) Conflicted - - X - - Unified

1

12

25

18

6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

- - X - -

Conflicted _________________________ Unified

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Survey Question: Section I.1.g






indicate a neutral position on our congregation’s evangelism. Indications are we see ourselves as more

Evangelistic than Self-serving.

Survey Data

Self-serving - - X - - Evangelistic

Count 3 10 29 17 5

g) Self-serving - - X - - Evangelistic

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Survey Question: Section I.1.h


our congregation as a body of believers




indicate a neutral position on our congregation’s generosity. Indications are we see ourselves as more

generous than stingy.

Survey Data

Stingy - - X - - Generous

Count 3 7 26 19 8

h) Stingy - - X - - Generous

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Survey Question: Section I.1.i






indicate a neutral position on our congregation’s position on change. Indications are we see ourselves as

leaning more to an openness to change.

Survey Data

Closed to Change - - X - - Open to Change

Count 3 11 25 20 5

i) Closed to Change - - X - - Open to Change

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Survey Question: Section I.1.j






indicate we are a hopeful congregation that leans toward being neutral on the topic.

Survey Data

Pessimistic - - - X - Hopeful

Count 2 5 21 27 9

j) Pessimistic - - - X - Hopeful

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Survey Question: Section I.1.k






indicate a neutral position on our congregation’s vision.

Survey Data

Unclear Vision - - X - - Clear Vision

Count 8 7 25 14 8

k) Unclear Vision - - X - - Clear Vision

87

25

14

8

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

- - X - -

Unclear Vision __________________ Clear Vision

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Survey Question: Section I.1.l






indicate a congregation with clear values.

Survey Data

Unclear Values - - - X - Clear Values

Count 2 5 13 22 21

l) Unclear Values - - - X - Clear Values

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Survey Question: Section I.2

List up to five of the most significant events in our church during the last five years.



Survey Data

There were 189 responses to this question. Of those responses, 157 were recurring in nature and

placed into 10 categories for counting and prioritization.

32 responses were not categorized due to their uniqueness or were determined to be not within the

scope of the survey question.

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

Building Expansion / Roof Repairs

Sanctuary Remodel

Hiring Youth Leader

Pastor 25th Anniversary / Retirement recognition

The 'Story' Bible Study

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Who are the traditional leaders of our church? That is, to whom do congregants look most for wisdom and leadership? List at least three by name here. Note that these people may not be serving in an elected position at this time.



Survey Data

There were 162 responses to this question. Of those responses, 149 were recurring in nature and placed

into 17 categories for counting, prioritization, and charting.

The following 6 individuals received a single response of recognition; Tom Hanson, LeArnold Klingberg,

Jerry Thorsfeldt, Dave Wolter, Ben Armitage, Sue Buckingham. 7 responses were determined to be not

within the scope of the survey question as they referred to groups and not individuals.

a)

b)

c)

Pastor Vaughn

Bruce Borchardt

Elders

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Besides calling a new pastor, what are the three greatest challenges facing our congregation at this

time?


a) Volunteerism - Stewardship

b) Finances

c) Growing the Congregation


Survey Data


into 11 categories for counting, prioritization, and charting. 15 responses were not categorized due to

their uniqueness or were determined to be not within the scope of the survey question.

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Our administrative structure consists of the ‘Board of Directors and supporting ministry teams’, ‘Board

of Elders’, ‘Church Staff’, and ‘School Staff’. List any recommendations you feel would improve this

administrative structure.



Survey Data


into 9 categories for counting, prioritization, and charting. 9 responses were not categorized due to their

uniqueness or were determined to be not within the scope of the survey question.

a)

b)

c)

Better Communication

More congregation involvement.

Better Coodination

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List three things in our congregation that work and need to be amplified.



Survey Data




a)

b)

c)

Bible Studues

Youth Leadership / youth involvement

VBS / Sunday School

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

10

8

1

12

11

7 7

6

3

5

2

8

2

5

0

What Works (Amplify)

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List three things in our congregation that are broken and need to be fixed.


a) Congregation Involvement (Volunteerism)

b) Facilities | Maintenance

c) Common Goals / Unity


Survey Data




0

5

10

15

20

25

8

22

9 10

3

14

11 10 11

7

2

What's Broken and Needs to be Fixed

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List three things in our congregation that have died and need to be gently put to rest.



Survey Data




a)

b)

c)

Past Conflicts (Split)

LWML

Service Style Conflicts

0

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

4

2 2 2 2

4

3 3

5

3

Gently Put To Rest

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List three things our church is not doing now that it should be doing.



Survey Data




a)

b)

c)

Community Involvement (outreach)

Member Socialization

Communication

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What are the greatest opportunities for outreach and service in our community?



Survey Data



their uniqueness or were determined to be not within the scope of the survey question

a)

b)

c)

Community Event Participation

Adult Outreach

School

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What are the top three factors that would make people want to join St. Paul’s.

Responses:

Data collected from this question was for Call committee informational purposes and Congregation self-

assessment only. This data was not requested by or submitted to the District.


Survey Data

There were 144 responses to this question. All responses were recurring in nature and placed into 11

categories for counting, prioritization, and charting.

a)

b)

c)

Friendly / Congregation

Teaching the Word

Worship Service Options / Biblical Message

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Survey Question: Section II. Pastoral Expectations

Please rank the following 25 pastoral traits, functions, and abilities according to what you believe our congregation needs most at this time from its pastor. Rate the most valuable on the list as “1,” the second most valuable as “2,” all the way through “25” for the least valuable trait on the list. Note that traits are valuable and we are seeking your priority of these traits.



13 Tactful 24

10 Patient 9

11 Take Initiative 6

14 Creative 8

2 People Skills 1

5 Servant Leader 25

16 Involved in Community 17

12 Evangelist 23

3 Dynamic Preacher 21

4 Engaging Teacher 7

18 Pastoral Counseling 15

22 Administrator 19

20 Vision Caster

Family Ministry

Reaches Younger Generation

Communicator

Faithful to the Scriptures

Healer

Empowers Lay Ministry

Intercessor

Small Group Ministry

Passionate

Humble

Flexible

Makes House Visits

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

Fait

hfu

l to

th

e Sc

rip

ture

s

Peo

ple

Ski

lls

Dyn

amic

Pre

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er

Enga

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Serv

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Lead

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Rea

ches

Yo

un

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Pas

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Fam

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Take

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ler

Priority by Trait Responses

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Survey Data

Priority of pastoral expectations was based on data inputs from 66 surveys. Ratings from the individual

surveys were consolidated, averaged, and analyzed from three perspectives to support a consistent

forced ranking of the 25 traits. The three ranking perspectives utilized are reflected in priority order as

follows:

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

Fait

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Rank by number of Surveys

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

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Number of Responses by Trait

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1. Priority by Trait Response: This reflects the average ranking of a trait based on the sum of the

rating values divided by the number of responses for that trait. Interpretation is that the lower the

value the higher that trait is rated. (Lower means higher priority)

2. Rank by Number of Surveys: This reflects the average ranking of a trait based on the sum of the

rating values divided by the total number of surveys submitted. Interpretation is that the lower the

value the higher that trait is rated on the same basis as the other traits. (Lower means higher

priority)

3. Number of Responses Per trait: The number of times a trait was rated. Interpretation is that more

important traits will receive more ratings. Here the more responses is an indicator of higher

priority or importance.

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Survey Question: Section III. Other Information

Add to this study other information gathered from a focus group and from a community survey,

identifying community prayer requests and perceived needs.

Responses:

The following reflects other information submitted by survey respondents:

Be patient. God has a plan. It is better to wait than to get a pastor out of urgency & go through many pastors. I want another pastor to be here& call this his home for another 20 years.

A pastor who will first observe the congregations culture and context then ask questions about St Paul’s culture and context. Lastly a pastor who will work to shepherd the people and advance Gods kingdom.

Pray for the people in the decision / calling of a new leader and the transition. Specifically to be open for something new.

younger Pastor

We do not need a young Pastor. We need a middle aged, experienced Pastor. We need someone who can get people moving and involved.

Don’t neglect the seniors - the youth are the future but right now it’s the seniors who are participating in the church.

Pastor Vaughn came to our congregation at a time of great confusion and turmoil. He is a true leader that has made a big difference in the lives of so many in our congregation, and the church as a whole. Please find someone with similar skills that can lead St. Paul's into the future in a positive way for another 26+ years.

A pastor willing to grow with the congregation and flexible enough to consider Elder's recommendations.

Good sense of humor

Someone who will work well with the church and school in growth opportunities.

Thank you to the study committee. No doubt very large shoes to fill… through prayer and God's grace there is someone out there to serve St. Paul's.

We have been so blessed by our church, congregation, and school. It is a large part of our family and our lives. Pastor Vaughn has always been there for us. Our congregation has helped and blessed us through difficult and joyous times we lovingly refer to our church family and look forward to Sunday and when we have the opportunity to serve together.

That he is a relaxed speaker and his messages are always bible based.

We need somebody who believes in our school! Participates in our school. Interacts with kids and parents to get them excited about SPLS.

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Survey Question: Section IV: Survey Demographics

Survey respondents were requested to identify themselves by gender, age group, and worship style

preference. Data was requested to determine the diversity and cross section representation of the

congregation participating in the survey.

Responses:

Data collected from this question was for Call committee informational purposes and Congregation self-

assessment only. This data was not requested by or submitted to the District.

Approximately 350 surveys were distributed and 68 completed surveys returned. Approximately 77

members were represented by the 68 surveys (Some surveys clearly represented the input of a couple

or family).

Male Female

Count 68 28 47

Percentage 37.3% 62.7%

Surveys

Returned

Gender

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Age Group

Under 18 18 -29 30 - 39 40 - 49 50 - 59 60 - 69 70 - 79 80 +

Count 2 6 9 5 21 11 13 10

Percentage 2.6% 7.8% 11.7% 6.5% 27.3% 14.3% 16.9% 13.0%

Responses were received across all age groups representing 77 members.

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Service Style Preference

Traditional Contemporary Blended No Preference

Count 33 24 23 5

Percentage 38.8% 28.2% 27.1% 5.9%

There was a balanced representation of service style preferences. There were multiple responses

indicating a combination of style preferences (Traditional and Contemporary; Traditional and Blended,

Cotemporary and Blended).

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