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JKPC MISSION STUDY (5/5/2014)

JOHN KNOX MISSION STUDY REPORT

ABSTRACT In March of 2014, a Mission Study was conducted to prepare John Knox Presbyterian Church to call a new senior pastor. The study addresses three questions:

1. What characteristics of life at John Knox today are most valued and have proven most important to the spiritual growth of the congregation?

2. Looking to the future, what characteristics of congregational life should be strengthened?

3. What ministry strengths and personal characteristics are most important in the next senior pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church?

The first two questions were the primary focus of a 14-‐question survey administered both online and in hard copy format, and which a total of 247 people completed. The third question was addressed through two identical group discernment sessions. A total of 200 people participated in one of these sessions. The results of the survey and discernment sessions and the answers they provide to these questions are presented in this report. In summary, the current characteristics of the congregation most highly valued are its friendliness, willingness to help one another, and family friendly atmosphere. Worship, Sunday school, and Sunday morning sermons have contributed most to spiritual growth. The most important areas to strengthen for the future include local service/mission opportunities, youth ministry and small group Bible studies. By far the most important characteristic of the next senior pastor is effective preaching/teaching that is compelling, Biblically based, and applicable to every-‐day life. This person should also be innovative/energetic, spiritually mature, an effective leader, and possess an accepting/welcoming demeanor. The report also details how these perspectives differ among members of the congregation at different life stages.


INTRODUCTION At the annual Session Retreat of John Knox Presbyterian Church (January, 2014) a series of presentations and discussions were held about the steps to be taken in the selection of the next permanent senior pastor of the congregation. Particular attention was given to accepted “best practices” for national searches to fill senior positions and to recent experiences in pastoral searches of other congregations in Foothills Presbytery. The outgrowth of these activities was a decision to form a team of five members of the congregation to conduct a Mission Study. The members were Paul Ambrose, Guy Cloer, Jennifer Dixon, Jack Hansen (chair), and Jenna Livingston. Additionally, two other session members, Ann Rowland and Mark Lee, assisted the team in various phases of the study. Members of the pastoral and church administrative staff also provided support. SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY The team was charged with defining the focus and scope of the study, carrying out the steps necessary to realize the attendant objectives, and preparing a report of the results of the study. The team decided to structure the study around the following questions to support both the Pastor Nominating Committee in evaluating potential candidates and individuals considering the position of senior pastor at John Knox:

1. What characteristics of life at John Knox today are most valued and have proven most important to spiritual growth of the congregation?

2. Looking to the future, what characteristics of congregational life should be strengthened?

3. What ministry strengths and personal characteristics are most important in the next senior pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church?

Two complementary approaches were taken to answering these questions. The first was a group discernment process and the second a survey. All members and regular attenders age 15 and above were invited to participate in both of these processes. The group discernment process focused exclusively on the ministry strengths and personal characteristics of the next senior pastor. Each group discernment session was introduced by a presentation highlighting the importance to the search process of a carefully formulated statement of desired characteristics of the successful candidate, a description of the spiritual practice of discernment, and directions for engaging in this particular exercise. The large group was then divided into smaller groups, each led by a facilitator from the Mission Study Team or one of the two Session members mentioned above. Each group first engaged in a structured brainstorming session about what characteristics might be important, with emphasis on listening to one another and thereby to what God might be saying to the group. The intent of this part of the exercise was to get everyone’s thoughts and feelings out for consideration. Then, the group endeavored to identify a few overarching themes that tied together many individual comments and seemed most dominant and important. The facilitator and participants had a tangible record of


the exercise in that each idea generated during the brainstorming period was written on a Post It and placed on a whiteboard. Then, as themes were discussed, individual Post Its were rearranged accordingly. The discussion of results shows that there was a high degree of similarity in key themes identified by the different groups in this process and the characteristics that dominated the survey responses. The survey focused primarily on areas of congregational life valued now and worthy of being strengthened in the future. The online version of the survey was administered using Survey Monkey. Appendix 1 is the survey as it appeared to the individual taking the survey in this manner. (Note that Appendices follow the text of the report.) Additionally, hard copies were made available to anyone who, for any reason, could not or did not wish to take the survey online. Slightly less than 10% of the survey participants elected to take the survey in this manner. The survey consisted of thirteen multiple-‐choice questions and one open-‐ended question. The first four questions were demographic in nature (age, gender, marital status, and family structure.) These questions were asked to permit assessment of differences in attitudes among different groups (e.g., age ranges.) Then questions 5 and 6 were about length of association with John Knox and type(s) of participation. Question 7 asked what two aspects of congregational life have been particularly important to spiritual growth, question 8 which three current congregational characteristics are most valued, and questions 9 and 10 the strengths and weaknesses of those elements of congregational life specifically highlighted in the church’s mission statement (worship, Scripture study, stewardship, fellowship, and evangelism.) Questions 11 and 12 asked what areas should be strengthened as we move into the future and willingness to be a part of making this happen. Question 13 deviated from the rest of the survey in asking individuals which three of eleven characteristics would be most important in the next senior pastor, and question 14 was an open-‐ended question allowing any other observation or comment to be made. While the survey results can be segmented by any one of the demographic variables, we found particular insight to the responses to a number of questions provided by segmenting results into three broad age ranges corresponding to three stages of adult life: 40 years of age and younger, 41-‐60 years of age, and 61 and over. Many in the first group are engaged in building a strong family and raising children. Likewise, the second group is engaged in launching young people and finding meaning beyond child-‐rearing responsibilities. And many in the third group are retired or working only part time and seeking sources of significance and time expenditure beyond work. From this perspective it should be expected, and is observed, that the priorities of the three groups differ in some respects. John Knox is committed to effective and growing ministry to individuals and families in each of these life stages, suggesting that consideration be given to the age-‐specific perspectives as well as to the cumulative responses to questions posed in the survey.


PARTICIPATION The group discernment process was conducted in identical form on two occasions (Wednesday night, March 12 and Sunday morning, March16). The total participation was approximately 200 people. The survey was available both online and in hard copy, and a total of 247 individuals completed the survey. In both cases, this participation level is considered quite good. For example, the survey participation represents 77% of the average Sunday morning attendance for 2013 and 31.9% of the number of individuals age 15 and over in the 2013 Church Census Report. Figure 1 shows the age distribution of the participants. (Note that all figures are in the final section of the report.) While the Mission Study Team is pleased with the participation from all age groups, we do note that individuals in the upper end of the age spectrum are overrepresented in the survey. Slightly over one-‐half of the responses are from individuals age 61 and over, with approximately 30% of the responses from those age 41-‐60 and 19% from the 40 and under cohort. By way of contrast, as shown in Figure 2, the 2013 John Knox Census Report shows that 29.6% of members eligible to participate in the survey (age 15 and above) are ages 15-‐40. Those between the ages of 41 and 60 constitute 35.0% of the eligible members. Individuals age 61 and over account for the remaining 35.4% of this population. Consequently, attention to the survey responses in each of these age ranges, as well as the cumulative responses, is necessary to fully gauge the attitudes of the congregation as a whole. Turning to other demographic variables, two thirds of those participating in the survey were women, 80% were married, 11% single, and 9% widowed. 38% of those participating have sons and daughters living at home, with the age distribution of these sons and daughters shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows the length of affiliation with John Knox of those responding to the survey. We note a healthy balance between individuals who have joined in the last five years and those who have been a part of the church for longer periods. RESULTS The characteristics of life at John Knox mot highly valued today are indicated by the response to question 8 of the survey: “What characteristics of the congregation do you particularly value (please indicate no more than three)?” The total number selecting each answer is shown in Figure 5. The three most valued characteristics, each picked by 50% or more of the survey participants are its friendliness, family friendly atmosphere, and willingness to help one another in time of need. Figure 6 shows the responses of all participants to survey question 7: “What programs or activities have been particularly important to your spiritual growth (indicate the two most important)? Figure 7 shows the percent in the age ranges 15-‐40, 41-‐60, and 61 and above who select each of the top three choices (worship,


Sunday School, and sermons.) Note the variability with age range. For example, Sunday school has been the most important contributor to spiritual growth of those age 40 and under, but least important to those age 61 and over. Questions 9 and 10 of the survey relate to the five areas of congregational life explicitly mentioned in the church mission statement (worship, Scripture study, stewardship, fellowship, and evangelism.) Question 9 asks which is strongest and question 10, which is weakest among these. As is evident from Figure 8, the perceived strength of these five areas ranges from very strong (fellowship and worship) to weak (Scripture study, stewardship, and evangelism.) The response to question 10 (which is weakest) is essentially the mirror image of the response to which is strongest, with 39% considering evangelism the weakest, 26% putting stewardship in this category, and 20 % selecting Scripture study. Additional insight into what elements of congregational life might be strengthened in the future is provided by the responses to question11: “As you look to the future, what one or two areas or programs do you feel are particularly important to strengthen?” The responses of all survey participants are shown in Figure 9. The three most frequently selected, in order, are local mission and service opportunities, youth ministry, and small group Bible studies. Congregational care and children’s ministry are of somewhat lower priority; and overseas missions is lower still. Figure 10 shows the responses by the percentage of individuals making each selection in the three age ranges 40 and under, 41-‐60, and 61 and above. Note that children’s ministry is given the highest priority for strengthening among the youngest of these groups. We turn finally to the question of the most desired characteristics of the next senior pastor. By far the most dominant ministry strength identified in the group discernment sessions related to excellence in preaching for the purpose of developing the spiritual maturity of the congregation. The clear priority was for a senior minister with the gifts, abilities, and personal spiritual maturity to consistently preach Biblically-‐based sermons that are captivating, challenging, clear, Spirit led, and relevant to modern life. A second consistent ministry strength theme was the need for real executive or leadership ability. In this context such elements were noted as the ability to lead in the development and implementation of a long-‐term vision through sermons, programs, etc.; build consensus within the congregation; and lead a multi-‐person staff. Some of these capabilities might be evidenced by previous experience as a senior pastor or as an effective associate pastor in a large congregation. Other evidences could be demonstrated ability to recruit membership and individuals for leadership roles and spiritual and financial health of congregations served. Another leadership strength mentioned was the ability to think creatively, to be an innovator. The most consistently mentioned personal characteristic was friendliness and ease in interpersonal relationships. Effectiveness in one-‐on-‐one interactions was a real


strength of our last senior pastor and is felt to very important in the next one. Other personal characteristics mentioned frequently included a real orientation toward continuing spiritual growth and learning, as well as an intention to serve the congregation for an extended period. A sense of humor was also often mentioned, as was having a family orientation. A representative sample of comments made during these discernment sessions, both within and beyond these dominant themes, is included as Appendix 2. In many respects these results of the group discernment process are manifested as well in the single question about senior pastor characteristics asked in the survey (question 13): “Please indicate which three of the following capabilities and characteristics you feel should be particular strengths of the next senior pastor to lead John Knox today and into the future.” The results are shown graphically in Figure 11. Note that by far the most frequently selected characteristic was strength preaching and teaching. The characteristics of innovative/energetic, spiritually mature, organization/administration, and accepting/welcoming were all rated about equally, with other characteristics that were named in the survey rated lower. Figure 12 shows the percentage of individuals in the age ranges 15-‐40, 41-‐60, and 61 who selected these highest rated characteristics. Excellence in preaching was uniformly high. But the secondary preferences varied significantly by age range. DISCUSSION The group discernment exercise and the survey together present a very clear message about the desired characteristics of the next senior pastor. Of by far the highest priority is excellence in preaching and teaching that is compelling, biblically based, and applicable to everyday life. Other important characteristics include real leadership ability and an open, welcoming demeanor. The views on current congregational strengths and desired future growth are a bit more complex. For example, identification of teaching from the pulpit and Sunday school as key contributors to spiritual growth seems somewhat inconsistent with the sense that Scripture study is a key area of weakness among the five mission statement areas of the church. A likely explanation for these two seemingly contradictory results, at least as relates to Sunday school, may be that spiritual growth in the Sunday school context has resulted from the sense of fellowship in these classes rather than from effective engagement with Scripture. This explanation is consistent with the high opinion of fellowship and sense of community at John Knox expressed in the survey. And it is consistent as well with the observations made by the Mission Study Team of a range of adult Sunday school classes. In our view, the sense that Scripture study is a weakness and that small group Bible studies should be strengthened suggests that the new senior pastor has a real opportunity to provide leadership in life-‐changing engagement with Scripture, both through preaching/teaching from the pulpit and through leading the


congregation to a more substantive Sunday school and small group Bible study program. Additionally, as noted above, the responses to the question of what areas of congregational life should be strengthened in the future are age dependent. Based on overall survey response, the highest priorities for strengthening are local mission and service opportunities, small group Bible studies, and youth ministry. But this cumulative result obscures the reality that younger survey participants assign a high priority to strengthening children’s ministry. In our view, it is important for both the Pastor Nominating Committee and the next senior pastor to give consideration to these age-‐specific perspectives, as well as to overall results. Only by honoring these perspectives of our members in various age ranges will John Knox be effective in meeting the spiritual needs of individuals and families in each of these life stages. Finally, a wide range of comments was offered in response to the final, open-‐ended question14 of the survey. Some comments related to PCUSA affiliation. They ranged from concern about stances taken on particular issues by the PCUSA to support for continuing affiliation with PCUSA. There were some comments about strengthening the children’s program and curriculum, expressions of both support and opposition to establishing a contemporary worship service, and the observation of the growing importance in society at large and in the church of the senior population. Appendix 3 contains a summary of frequently made comments in response to this question.


APPENDIX 1: SURVEY


APPENDIX 2: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEXT SENIOR PASTOR IDENTIFIED IN THE GROUP DISCERNMENT SESSIONS

Personal Characteristics Empathetic Personal and friendly Good sense of humor Integrity and authentic Compassionate, humble, and patient Able to assimilate names and faces quickly Calm demeanor Loving and caring Same personality in the pulpit as he normally is Empathetic and humility Outgoing/extrovert Listens first Sense of humor Can put suffering and death into perspective Reflective listener

Focus on Future Growth potential Flexible and open minded Creative Additions Understands the culture of the southeast Seasoned, perhaps middle age with children Traditional family values Ministry Strengths Education and Sermons Preaches the scripture Ability to make sermons applicable to everyday life Deep theological training (reformed) Strong command of the scripture Doctorate or willingness to obtain Enthusiastic and passionate sermons Powerhouse preaching


Executive/Management Skills Quick on feet, ability to move fast Leads by example Integrator and delegator Delegates, yet stays involved Builder and team builder Had large church success Leader of stewardship Maintains physical plant Strong Communicator Good networker Motivates leaders/congregation in establishing goals Knows when to lead and when to delegate Other Youth program activist Support to all and involvement in all groups Gift for getting people together Enthusiasm for all areas of the church Visitation Mission emphasis


APPENDIX 3: SUMMARY OF FREQUENT RESPONSES

TO QUESTION 14 OF SURVEY (Is there any other observation about the future of John Knox that you wish to share?)

• Comments about PCUSA affiliation and directions

o Five comments supporting continued affiliation with PCUSA o Six comments expressing concern with the current direction of the

PCUSA o Three comments asking that the Session communicate

denominational issues to the congregation o One expression of concern about PCUSA issues distracting time and

energy from other areas of ministry, and several other comments expressing the importance of acceptance of diverse perspectives

• Current and future pastoral leadership o Four comments about need for sermons to be strong, inspiring, and

Biblically-‐based o Several comments relating to the need for next senior pastor to have

the gifts and perspectives to lead a large congregation o Two comments in support of making the current interim pastor

permanent. o Two observations about how the associate pastors compliment one

another o Two compliments about current leadership and future importance of

a strong youth program o Three comments expressing the need for strengthening the children’s

program and curriculum • Other comments

o Contemporary service, two in favor and one opposed o Two comments about attentiveness to changing demographics and

continued involvement of all ages o Two comments supporting increased attention to upkeep of physical

plant

FIG. 1: AGE DISTRIBUTION OF SURVEY PARTICIPANTS

15 to 20

21 to 30

31 to 40

41 to 50

51 to 60

61 to 70

71 to 80

81 or older

FIG. 2: 2013 MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE

l2013 MEMBERSHIP (15 and above)

15-‐20

21-‐30

31-‐40

41-‐50

51-‐60

61-‐70

71 and up

•  Average Sunday aJendance (two morning services) : 324

•  Membership: 1093 –  794 eligible for survey (15 and above)

–  Percent of these members in age ranges of focus in survey analysis •  15 to 40: 29.6% •  41 to 60: 35.0% •  61 and up: 35.4%

FIG. 3: AGES OF CHILDREN OR YOUTH LIVING IN THE HOME (38% OF RESPONDEES)

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Post-‐high school

High school

Middle school

Primary school

Birth thru kindergarten

FIG. 4: LENGTH OF MEMBERSHIP OR PARTICIPATION

5 years or less

6-10 years

11-15 years

16-20 years

More than 20 years

FIG. 5: VOTES FOR MOST VALUED CHARACTERISTICS OF CONGREGATION

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180

STEWARDSHIP

ACCEPTANCE OF DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

MISSION FOCUS

DIVERSITY OF AGE AND LIFE EXPERIENCE

FAMILY FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

FRIENDLINESS

WILLINGNESS TO HELP ONE ANOTHER

FIG. 6: TOTAL VOTES FOR MOST IMPORTANT TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

RETREATS

MISSIONS/SERVICE

SMALL GROUPS

SERMONS

SUNDAY SCHOOL

WORSHIP

FIG. 7: IMPORTANCE TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH (PERCENT IN EACH AGE RANGE)

0 20 40 60 80 100

WORSHIP

SERMONS

SUNDAY SCHOOL

61 AND ABOVE

41-‐60

15-‐40

FIG. 8: MISSION STATEMENT AREA OF GREATEST STRENGTH

Worship

Scripture study

Stewardship

Fellowship

Evangelism

FIG. 9: VOTES FOR MOST IMPORTANT AREA TO STRENGTHEN

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

CHILDRENS MINISTRY

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES

YOUTH MINISTRY

LOCAL MISSIONS/SERVICE

FIG. 10: AREAS TO STRENGTHEN IN PERCENT FOR THREE AGE RANGES

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

LOCAL MISSIONS/SERVICE

YOUTH MINISTRY

SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

CHILDRENS MINISTRY

61 and over

41-‐60

15-‐40

FIG. 11: SENIOR PASTOR CHARACTERISTICS (NUMBER OF VOTES)

0 50 100 150 200 250

MISSIONS

STEWARDSHIP

COUNSELING

PASTORAL CARE

SEASONED/EXPERIENCED

ACCEPTING/WELCOMING

ORGANIZATION/ADMINISTRATION

SPIRITUALLY MATURE

INNOVATIVE/ENERGETIC

PREACHING

FIG. 12: SENIOR PASTOR CHARACTERISTICS (PERCENT IN EACH AGE RANGE)

0 20 40 60 80 100

ACCEPTING/WELCOMING

ORGANIZATION

SPIRITUALLY MATURE

INNOVATIVE/ENERGETIC

PREACHING

60 and over

41-‐60

15-‐40

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