HPPC - Mission Study Report and Survey Results by Highland Park Presbyterian Church

Highland Park Presbyterian Church

1. 1. How long have you been a member of Highland Park Presbyterian? Response

Response

Percent

Count

Not a member

1.3%

One year or less

2.4%

2 - 4 years

6.4%

5 - 9 years

9.8%

10 -19 years

16.1%

108

20 -39 years

38.2%

257

40 or more years

25.7%

173

answered question

672

skipped question

2. 2. How long does it usually take you to travel from home to church? Response

Response

Percent

Count

5 minutes or less

29.1%

195

6 - 10 minutes

24.9%

167

11 - 15 minutes

21.5%

144

16 - 30 minutes

20.3%

136

31 - 44 minutes

3.9%

45 or more minutes

0.3%

answered question

670

skipped question

1 of 52

3. 3. On the average, about how many times have you attended church worship during the past year? Response

Response

Percent

Count

None

2.1%

About once or twice a year

2.4%

Once or twice every three months

4.6%

About once a month

7.5%

About two or three times a month

31.4%

211

Four times a month or more

52.0%

349

answered question

671

skipped question

Response

Percent

Count

4. 4. Which worship service do you PRIMARILY attend?

8:15 Communion Service

7.1%

9:30 Traditional Service

23.5%

155

11:00 Traditional Service

41.5%

274

11:05 Contemporary Service

25.5%

168

11:00 All Nations Service

2.4%

answered question

660

skipped question

2 of 52

5. 5. If you routinely attend different services, which services do you attend? (Check all that apply) Response

Response

Percent

Count

8:15 Communion Service

24.1%

111

9:30 Traditional Service

43.9%

202

11:00 Traditional Service

51.3%

236

11:05 Contemporary Service

43.0%

198

11:00 All Nations Service

4.8%

answered question

460

skipped question

224

Response

Percent

Count

6. 6. Are you currently

An Active Elder

6.6%

A Reserve Elder

17.1%

114

A Deacon

16.2%

108

A Moderator of a Committee

2.8%

None of the Above

57.3%

382

answered question

667

skipped question

3 of 52

7. 7. In how many HPPC organizations, committees, and groups do you hold membership (not counting congregational membership itself)? Response

Response

Percent

Count

None

22.3%

149

One

24.7%

165

Two

24.2%

162

Three

17.2%

115

Four or more

11.7%

answered question

669

skipped question

8. 8. Has your involvement in the congregation increased, decreased, or remained about the same in the last few years? Response

Response

Percent

Count

Increased

32.7%

219

Remained the same

38.5%

258

Decreased

28.8%

193

answered question

670

skipped question

4 of 52

9. If your participation has INCREASED, which of the following are reasons for that? (check all that apply): Response

Response

Percent

Count

More time available

24.1%

Because of children

23.2%

62.5%

140

Better health

1.3%

Stronger faith

33.9%

21.9%

Accepted office or other new responsibility in the church

More positive attitude toward the church

Other (please specify)

5 of 52

answered question

224

skipped question

460

10. If your participation has DECREASED, which of the following are reasons for that? (check all that apply): Response

Response

Percent

Count

Less time available

32.1%

Because of children

11.7%

19.8%

Health problems

16.7%

Decreased faith

2.5%

40.1%

Given up office or other new responsibility in the church

More negative attitude toward the church

Other (please specify)

answered question

162

skipped question

522

11. 7. How many persons or families have you invited to visit or join the church in the past year? Response

Response

Percent

Count

None

35.1%

234

One

20.4%

136

Two

22.6%

151

Three

8.1%

Four or more

13.8%

answered question

667

skipped question

6 of 52

12. 8. How many of your closest friends attend our church? Response

Response

Percent

Count

None

13.0%

One

6.4%

Two

11.0%

Three

6.7%

Four or more

62.8%

421

answered question

670

skipped question

7 of 52

13. Listed below are a number of tasks that a local church is likely to perform. Please respond to each item by indicating whether you feel our congregation needs to give it more emphasis; whether you are very or generally satisfied with our congregation's current performance of the task; or whether you feel the task currently receives too much emphasis.

Needs More Emphasis

Very Satisfied

Generally Satisfied

Receives Too Much Emphasis

Response Count

1. Offering worship that provides a meaningful experience of God and

15.3% (98)

62.0% (398)

22.4% (144)

0.3% (2)

642

8.0% (51)

50.0% (317)

35.0% (222)

6.9% (44)

634

20.3% (125)

49.9% (307)

29.1% (179)

0.7% (4)

615

30.4% (189)

37.5% (233)

30.9% (192)

1.3% (8)

622

26.2% (157)

31.9% (191)

40.9% (245)

1.0% (6)

599

28.8% (172)

33.6% (201)

37.1% (222)

0.5% (3)

598

16.5% (102)

44.7% (277)

37.8% (234)

1.0% (6)

619

7.9% (47)

51.5% (306)

37.7% (224)

2.9% (17)

594

29.6% (189)

37.6% (240)

32.4% (207)

0.3% (2)

638

27.9% (177)

31.1% (197)

38.0% (241)

3.0% (19)

634

18.7% (117)

43.8% (274)

36.1% (226)

1.4% (9)

626

22.8% (141)

27.0% (167)

44.7% (277)

5.5% (34)

619

the Christian tradition 2. Providing worship that expresses the Gospel in contemporary language and forms 3. Providing Christian education programs for our children 4. Providing Christian education programs for our youth 5. Providing Christian education programs for our college students 6. Providing Christian education programs for our young adults 7. Providing Christian education programs for our adults 8. Providing Christian education programs for our senior adults 9. Helping members deepen their personal, spiritual relationship with God 10. Sharing the good news of the Gospel with the unchurched 11. Engaging in acts of charity and service to persons in need 12. Encouraging members to act on the relationship of the Christian faith to social, political, and

8 of 52

economic issues 13. Providing a caring ministry for the sick, shut-ins and the bereaved

19.4% (120)

42.5% (262)

37.4% (231)

0.6% (4)

617

24.8% (152)

32.6% (200)

42.0% (258)

0.7% (4)

614

19.4% (122)

42.4% (267)

37.4% (235)

0.8% (5)

629

20.0% (126)

35.7% (225)

41.8% (264)

2.5% (16)

631

4.9% (31)

60.0% (378)

24.0% (151)

11.1% (70)

630

19.5% (122)

44.7% (280)

31.3% (196)

4.6% (29)

627

29.6% (184)

27.7% (172)

41.7% (259)

1.0% (6)

621

33.5% (209)

17.0% (106)

44.7% (279)

4.8% (30)

624

14. Providing pastoral counseling to help members deal with personal problems 15. Providing fellowship opportunities for members 16. Helping members understand their use of money, time and talents as expressions of Christian stewardship 17. Supporting the global mission of the church through short term missions and missionary support 18. Supporting the local/urban mission of the church 19. Helping members discover their own gifts for ministry and service 20. Participating in activities and programs with other local churches

9 of 52

answered question

648

skipped question

14. Overall, which ONE task does our congregation do best? Response

Response

Percent

Count

1. Offering worship that provides a meaningful experience of God and the

48.2%

288

7.0%

7.2%

2.2%

0.2%

2.7%

3.2%

2.8%

0.3%

1.5%

0.7%

1.3%

Christian tradition 2. Providing worship that expresses the Gospel in contemporary language and forms 3. Providing Christian education programs for our children 4. Providing Christian education programs for our youth 5. Providing Christian education programs for our college students 6. Providing Christian education programs for our young adults 7. Providing Christian education programs for our adults 8. Providing Christian education programs for our senior adults 9. Helping members deepen their personal, spiritual relationship with God 10. Sharing the good news of the Gospel with the unchurched 11. Engaging in acts of charity and service to persons in need 12. Encouraging members to act on the relationship of the Christian faith to social, political, and economic issues 13. Providing a caring ministry for the sick, shut-ins and the bereaved

10 of 52

14. Providing pastoral counseling to help members deal with personal

0.3%

2.3%

0.3%

17.1%

102

1.5%

0.7%

0.2%

answered question

597

skipped question

problems 15. Providing fellowship opportunities for members 16. Helping members understand their use of money, time and talents as expressions of Christian stewardship 17. Supporting the global mission of the church through short term missions and missionary support 18. Supporting the local/urban mission of the church 19. Helping members discover their own gifts for ministry and service 20. Participating in activities and programs with other local churches

11 of 52

15. Overall, which ONE task does our congregation do worst? Response

Response

Percent

Count

1. Offering worship that provides a meaningful experience of God and

8.5%

2.5%

2.1%

8.4%

1.8%

4.8%

1.4%

0.4%

5.5%

12.5%

1.6%

5.9%

2.5%

12 of 52

help members deal with personal

5.7%

3.6%

7.3%

0.4%

2.7%

6.9%

15.7%

answered question

562

skipped question

122

13 of 52

16. For the sake of your own personal involvement in your congregation, which ONE task would you most like to see strengthened? Response

Response

Percent

Count

1. Offering worship that provides a meaningful experience of God and

11.7%

1.7%

2.7%

9.9%

1.5%

3.4%

4.1%

1.2%

14.8%

5.8%

3.4%

5.0%

3.3%

14 of 52

14. Providing pastoral counseling to help members deal with personal

4.8%

5.7%

4.6%

2.1%

4.5%

7.2%

2.6%

answered question

583

skipped question

101

15 of 52

17. In order to carry out its tasks, every church must deal with certain organizational issues, such as making decisions, sharing information, and developing resources. Listed below are a number of statements describing such issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree that each statement describes our congregation? A "Don't Know" response is provided, but please use it only when absolutely necessary. Strongly

Moderately

Slightly

Agree

9.9% (63)

29.5% (187)

27.0% (171)

31.4% (199)

2.2% (14)

634

10.0% (63)

26.7% (168)

26.9% (169)

27.7% (174)

8.7% (55)

629

9.8% (61)

23.6% (147)

24.2% (151)

26.0% (162)

16.4% (102)

623

7.2% (45)

23.4% (147)

30.0% (188)

27.9% (175)

11.5% (72)

627

20.1% (126)

33.2% (208)

31.9% (200)

10.4% (65)

4.3% (27)

626

15.9% (100)

30.3% (191)

23.8% (150)

12.9% (81)

17.1% (108)

630

18.5% (116)

32.6% (204)

19.2% (120)

21.2% (133)

8.5% (53)

626

27.4% (171)

33.9% (211)

16.9% (105)

14.1% (88)

7.7% (48)

623

18.1% (113)

31.3% (195)

23.4% (146)

22.6% (141)

4.6% (29)

624

Disagree

Don't

Response

Know

Count

1. Members are well informed about what the various committees and groups in the church are doing. 2. The activities taking place in the congregation are well publicized to the surrounding community 3. Study of the needs of the congregation and the community is regularly undertaken as the basis for church planning 4. Members and groups get a lot of support and encouragement for trying something new in the congregation 5. Members are encouraged to discover their particular gifts for ministry and service 6. Lay leaders are provided the training they need for their committee and task assignments 7. Every member who is capable and interested has an equal opportunity to hold key leadership positions 8. The theological and biblical implications of important decisions are regularly discussed 9. Important decisions about the life of the church are rarely made without open discussion by church leaders and members

16 of 52

10. Disagreements and conflicts are dealt with openly rather than hushed up or hidden behind closed

7.5% (47)

16.6% (104)

22.9% (144)

44.3% (278)

8.8% (55)

628

10.5% (66)

22.1% (139)

28.9% (182)

31.8% (200)

6.7% (42)

629

40.7% (255)

36.6% (229)

16.9% (106)

2.2% (14)

3.5% (22)

626

8.3% (52)

17.0% (106)

33.8% (211)

30.4% (190)

10.6% (66)

625

5.1% (32)

19.0% (120)

24.9% (157)

47.9% (302)

3.2% (20)

631

5.6% (35)

17.7% (111)

27.5% (173)

44.1% (277)

5.1% (32)

628

doors 11. It is easy to summarize for visitors and non-members how our congregation differs from other congregations in the area 12. Members help each other out in times of trouble 13. Cooperative programs with churches of other denominations are highly valued in our church 14. The current morale of our church membership is high 15. There is a sense of excitement among members about our church's future answered question

638

skipped question

18. 1. 1 History and

7 2

Contemporary

Tradition Our church is more influenced by history and tradition OR by contemporary ideas and trends.

Ideas

24.9%

28.5%

19.9%

19.1%

4.1%

1.8%

(156)

(179)

(125)

(120)

(26)

(11)

17 of 52

1.6% (10)

Response Count

627

answered question

627

skipped question

19. 2. 1 Similar

7 Very 2

To Members are similar to OR very different from the people who live immediately around the church.

Different From

27.1%

24.8%

17.6%

20.0%

5.6%

3.2%

1.6%

(169)

(155)

(110)

(125)

(35)

(20)

(10)

Response Count

624

answered question

624

skipped question

20. 3.

1 Very Involved

Our church is very involved OR not at all involved with the community around the church.

7 Not at 2

all Involved

10.9%

17.8%

21.2%

24.7%

14.4%

7.4%

3.7%

(68)

(111)

(132)

(154)

(90)

(46)

(23)

Response Count

624

answered question

624

skipped question

21. 4. 1 Serving our

7 2

Members

Serving

Response

the

Count

World

Our church is primarily oriented to serving our members OR to serving the world beyond our

4.6% (29)

6.9%

13.7%

37.8%

16.9%

11.0%

9.1%

(43)

(86)

(237)

(106)

(69)

(57)

627

membership.

18 of 52

answered question

627

skipped question

22. 5. 1 One

7 Loose

Large

Knit

Family

Association

Response Count

Our congregation feels like one large family OR like a loosely knit association of individuals and

4.6%

7.2%

11.9%

17.0%

20.5%

23.6%

(29)

(45)

(75)

(107)

(129)

(148)

15.1% (95)

628

groups. answered question

628

skipped question

23. 6. 1 Known as

7 Not 2

Prestigious

"Status" Church

Response Count

Our church is known as a prestigious one in the area OR is not considered one of the "status"

43.1% (270)

27.2%

11.0%

8.5%

4.0%

3.2%

3.0%

(170)

(69)

(53)

(25)

(20)

(19)

626

churches in the area. answered question

626

skipped question

24. 7. 1 Educational

Response

Activist

Count

22.5%

16.4%

21.6%

12.4%

7.6%

4.5%

(140)

(102)

(134)

(77)

(47)

(28)

Our church's approach to social issues is basically educational, leaving any action to individual conscience OR is decidedly

15.0% (93)

621

"activist". We take stands on social issues as a congregation.

19 of 52

answered question

621

skipped question

25. 8. 1 Gradual

Growth

Response

Conversion

Count

Our congregation's approach to individual salvation emphasizes education, nurture and gradual

23.5%

27.2%

20.2%

15.7%

5.0%

4.0%

growth in faith OR stresses

(145)

(168)

(125)

(97)

(31)

(25)

4.4% (27)

618

conversion and a born-again experience. answered question

618

skipped question

26. 9. 7 1 Strong Denominational

Difficult

Response

Count

Know Our congregation gives strong expression to our denominational identity and heritage OR it's difficult to know to which

30.1% (188)

24.7%

14.3%

10.7%

9.6%

5.9%

4.6%

(154)

(89)

(67)

(60)

(37)

(29)

624

denomination our congregation belongs.

20 of 52

answered question

624

skipped question

27. 10.

1 Create Partnerships

7 Work 2

by Ourselves

Response Count

Our congregation strives to create partnerships with other local churches OR prefers to work by

8.0% (50)

14.6%

16.1%

24.1%

14.9%

14.8%

(91)

(100)

(150)

(93)

(92)

7.5% (47)

623

answered question

623

skipped question

ourselves.

28. All congregations have an identity, or a sense of who they are, that all members share in and yet any individual member stands somewhat apart from. Please rate your agreement or disagreement with the following statements from your perspective as an individual looking at our congregation's overall identity and vision.

1. Our churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity, as it is, is one with which I feel comfortable.

Strongly

Response

Disagree

Count

Strongly Agree

Agree

Disagree

29.5% (185)

48.7% (306)

17.4% (109)

4.5% (28)

628

22.8% (142)

44.1% (275)

28.6% (178)

4.5% (28)

623

36.5% (227)

47.9% (298)

13.2% (82)

2.4% (15)

622

36.2% (226)

48.9% (305)

12.0% (75)

2.9% (18)

624

43.0% (268)

39.6% (247)

14.0% (87)

3.4% (21)

623

59.7% (373)

32.5% (203)

5.8% (36)

2.1% (13)

625

2. It is easy for me to tell my friends what is unique about our church. 3. I have a clear understanding of what our church stands for. 4. An effective effort was made to instruct me in our church's mission. 5. I have a strong sense of belonging to this congregation. 6. Being at this church has made a difference in my spiritual life.

21 of 52

answered question

628

skipped question

29. In your judgment how important do you think each of the following is in the ministry and services of the church? You may want to read the entire list, then go back and make your priority rankings. Very high priority

High priority

Moderate priority

Low priority

Response Count

1. Providing administrative leadership for the congregation's

22.8% (137)

42.9% (258)

28.7% (173)

5.6% (34)

602

25.5% (154)

50.0% (302)

22.2% (134)

2.3% (14)

604

51.7% (313)

36.0% (218)

10.7% (65)

1.5% (9)

605

47.8% (288)

37.9% (228)

12.8% (77)

1.5% (9)

602

27.2% (163)

44.6% (267)

23.4% (140)

4.8% (29)

599

18.2% (110)

32.8% (198)

34.1% (206)

14.9% (90)

604

12.5% (76)

32.6% (198)

39.7% (241)

15.2% (92)

607

8.2% (49)

20.2% (121)

42.3% (254)

29.3% (176)

600

63.3% (386)

30.2% (184)

6.1% (37)

0.5% (3)

610

55.6% (339)

36.9% (225)

6.4% (39)

1.1% (7)

610

23.7% (143)

42.5% (257)

26.2% (158)

7.6% (46)

604

9.0% (54)

22.2% (134)

37.8% (228)

31.0% (187)

603

22.7% (137)

35.5% (214)

32.8% (198)

9.0% (54)

603

44.8% (273)

38.2% (233)

13.0% (79)

4.1% (25)

610

ministry 2. Actively and visibly supporting the church's stewardship program 3. Shaping the vision of the church 4. Implementing the vision of the church 5. Directly involving laity in the planning and leadership of church programs and events 6. Planning and leading a program of new member recruitment 7. Participating in local community activities, issues and problems 8. Holding social justice issues before members 9. Planning and leading worship services 10. Emphasizing the spiritual development of members 11. Visiting the sick, shut-in and bereaved 12. Visiting members at their homes 13. Pastoral counseling of members having personal, family and/or work related problems 14. Supporting religious education programs for children and youth

22 of 52

15. Leading adult education programs 16. Supporting the world mission of the church 17. Participating in PC(USA) activities beyond the local church 18. Preparing and preaching sermons

21.0% (127)

39.9% (241)

30.0% (181)

9.1% (55)

604

37.3% (227)

38.5% (234)

19.9% (121)

4.3% (26)

608

14.2% (86)

21.3% (129)

32.0% (194)

32.6% (198)

607

75.7% (463)

19.6% (120)

3.6% (22)

1.1% (7)

612

answered question

615

skipped question

30. Of the 18 tasks listed above, please list the three numbers which should be the highest priority of our Senior Pastor:

First highest

Second highest

Third highest

23 of 52

Response

Average

Total

Count

25.71

15,349

597

16.70

9,922

594

20.93

12,392

592

answered question

597

skipped question

31. In your judgment, how important do you think each of the following skills is for the Senior Pastor of our church? You may want to read the entire list, then go back and make your priority rankings. (Please limit your selection of Very High Priority to no more than 8 skills) Very High Priority 1. Administration of Programs

High Priority

Moderate Priority

Low Priority

Response Count

7.2% (41)

28.2% (160)

46.4% (263)

18.2% (103)

567

2. Administrative Leadership

25.7% (149)

39.7% (230)

27.5% (159)

7.1% (41)

579

3. Communication (Written/Oral)

66.4% (386)

27.4% (159)

4.8% (28)

1.4% (8)

581

9.9% (56)

44.8% (254)

40.0% (227)

5.3% (30)

567

19.0% (108)

49.4% (281)

26.9% (153)

4.7% (27)

569

39.6% (227)

44.3% (254)

15.2% (87)

0.9% (5)

573

39.9% (227)

38.0% (216)

19.5% (111)

2.6% (15)

569

57.8% (336)

30.3% (176)

10.8% (63)

1.0% (6)

581

10.5% (60)

36.7% (209)

40.5% (231)

12.3% (70)

570

6.5% (37)

23.9% (136)

44.2% (251)

25.4% (144)

568

19.9% (114)

45.8% (262)

29.0% (166)

5.2% (30)

572

39.5% (230)

44.1% (257)

14.1% (82)

2.4% (14)

583

10.9% (62)

30.8% (175)

44.8% (255)

13.5% (77)

569

10.2% (59)

31.4% (181)

41.5% (239)

16.8% (97)

576

14.3% (82)

38.6% (222)

36.5% (210)

10.6% (61)

575

16. Leadership Development

29.7% (170)

45.8% (262)

21.9% (125)

2.6% (15)

572

17. Leadership of Staff/Volunteers

31.8% (181)

46.8% (267)

18.4% (105)

3.0% (17)

570

7.3% (42)

24.0% (138)

49.5% (284)

19.2% (110)

574

4. Community/Local Ministries 5. Conflict Management/Mediation Skills 6. Congregational Fellowship 7. Congregational Redevelopment/Revitalization 8. Corporate Worship/Sacraments 9. Counseling 10. Cross Cultural Collaboration/Cultural Proficiency 11. Evaluation of Program and Staff 12. Evangelism 13. Financial Management 14. Hospital and Emergency Visitation 15. Involvement in Mission Beyond Local Church

18. New Church Development

24 of 52

19. Organization/Administration

10.0% (56)

36.8% (206)

40.0% (224)

13.2% (74)

560

21.0% (118)

45.8% (257)

27.3% (153)

5.9% (33)

561

25.6% (145)

44.1% (250)

26.1% (148)

4.2% (24)

567

28.2% (160)

34.2% (194)

24.8% (141)

12.9% (73)

568

92.7% (547)

6.8% (40)

0.3% (2)

0.2% (1)

590

35.9% (205)

52.0% (297)

11.2% (64)

0.9% (5)

571

25. Public Relations

22.5% (128)

49.9% (284)

22.1% (126)

5.4% (31)

569

26. Spiritual Development

62.6% (366)

33.7% (197)

3.8% (22)

0.0% (0)

585

6.5% (37)

34.2% (195)

44.0% (251)

15.4% (88)

571

15.3% (88)

47.0% (270)

31.0% (178)

6.6% (38)

574

29. Strategic Planning

34.4% (197)

49.7% (285)

13.6% (78)

2.3% (13)

573

30. Teaching

38.0% (219)

37.4% (216)

19.6% (113)

5.0% (29)

577

20. Organizational Leadership and Development 21. Pastoral Care 22. PC(USA) Polity/Constitutional Knowledge 23. Preaching 24. Problem Solving/Decision Making

27. Staffing/Human Resources 28. Stewardship and Commitment Program

25 of 52

answered question

597

skipped question

32. Of the 30 skills listed above, please list the three numbers which should be the highest priority of our Senior Pastor: Response

Response

Average

Total

Count

First highest

Second highest

30.68

17,398

567

412.73

231,954

562

22.08

12,366

560

answered question

567

skipped question

117

Third highest

33. 1.

Strongly

Slightly Prefer

Prefer Biblical

Biblical

Spiritual

41.4% (243)

30.2% (177)

18.7% (110)

Strongly Prefer Spiritual

Response Count

Expertise in Biblical and theological matters OR a strong emphasis on

9.7% (57)

587

spiritual development.

26 of 52

answered question

587

skipped question

34. 2. Strongly Prefer Thoughtprovoking

Slightly Prefer Thoughtprovoking

Slightly Prefer Comforting

Strongly Prefer Comforting

Response Count

Interactions tend to be thoughtprovoking and challenging OR

35.9% (209)

38.8% (226)

17.7% (103)

7.6% (44)

582

comforting and reassuring. answered question

582

skipped question

102

35. 3.

Usually emphasizes the Bible OR contemporary issues.

Strongly

Slightly Prefer

Strongly

Prefer Bible

Bible

Issue

Prefer Issue

Emphasis

59.9% (351)

26.1% (153)

11.1% (65)

2.9% (17)

Response Count

586

answered question

586

skipped question

36. 4. Strongly

Slightly Prefer

Strongly

Prefer New

New

Always Been

Prefer Always

Approaches

Done

Been Done

26.8% (157)

48.5% (284)

20.0% (117)

4.6% (27)

Response Count

Welcomes new approaches and ideas OR the way things have

585

always been done.

27 of 52

answered question

585

skipped question

37. 5.

Strongly Prefer Decisive

Slightly Prefer Decisive

Slightly Prefer Encourages Congregation

Strongly Prefer

Response

Encourages

Count

Congregation

Tends to be a strong and decisive force in decisions OR encourages congregational and lay leadership

14.6% (85)

34.0% (198)

14.8% (86)

36.7% (214)

583

decision-making. answered question

583

skipped question

101

38. 6.

Has a relaxed interpersonal style OR a formal interpersonal style.

Strongly

Slightly Prefer

Strongly

Response

Prefer Relaxed

Relaxed

Formal

Prefer Formal

Count

46.1% (270)

39.9% (234)

11.9% (70)

2.0% (12)

586

answered question

586

skipped question

39. 7. Strongly Prefer Regardless of Cost

Slightly Prefer

Strongly

Regardless of

Cost Sets

Prefer Cost

Cost

Priorities

Sets Priorities

30.5% (173)

44.1% (250)

16.6% (94)

Response Count

Achieves set goals regardless of cost where ends justify the means OR the cost of goals sets priorities

8.8% (50)

567

where means determine the ends.

28 of 52

answered question

567

skipped question

117

40. 8. Strongly Prefer Figure Out

Slightly Prefer

Strongly

Response

Figure Out

Advises

Prefer Advises

Count

41.2% (239)

29.1% (169)

6.9% (40)

Helps people figure things out for themselves OR advises people

22.8% (132)

580

what to do. answered question

580

skipped question

104

41. 9. Strongly Prefer Reserved Is reserved and reflective OR outgoing and socially engaging.

1.4% (8)

Slightly Prefer

Reserved

Outgoing

12.2% (72)

43.9% (258)

Strongly Prefer Outgoing

42.5% (250)

Response Count

588

answered question

588

skipped question

42. 10. Strongly Prefer Private Life

Slightly Prefer Private Life

Slightly Prefer

Strongly

Gives Whole

Prefer Gives

Self

Whole Self

35.7% (209)

12.5% (73)

Response Count

Maintains a private life of family, friends, personal and professional development OR gives whole self

13.8% (81)

37.9% (222)

585

to the life of the church and work as pastor.

29 of 52

answered question

585

skipped question

43. For you, personally, how important are each of the following in the mix of qualities that make a good worship service? (Please limit your selection of Essential to no more than four of your choices.)

1. Providing time for members to greet one another 2. Providing worship that is emotionally moving 3. Providing worship that is intellectually challenging 4. Attention given to sacraments 5. Lay participation in leading worship 6. Use of inclusive, non-sexist language 7. Use of creeds or statements of faith 8. Silent prayer/meditation 9. Having parts of the worship especially for children 10. Use of new or unfamiliar hymns 11. Corporate prayer in which the entire congregation participates 12. Providing worship at times other than Sunday morning

Not very

Downright

Response

important

distracting

Count

47.8% (279)

29.6% (173)

9.8% (57)

584

35.1% (203)

48.0% (278)

15.5% (90)

1.4% (8)

579

54.9% (322)

41.2% (242)

3.9% (23)

0.0% (0)

587

40.7% (237)

50.9% (296)

8.4% (49)

0.0% (0)

582

7.7% (45)

41.5% (241)

48.4% (281)

2.4% (14)

581

7.8% (45)

21.5% (124)

47.0% (271)

23.7% (137)

577

42.1% (244)

48.3% (280)

9.7% (56)

0.0% (0)

580

31.0% (180)

58.0% (337)

11.0% (64)

0.0% (0)

581

17.4% (100)

53.1% (305)

27.2% (156)

2.3% (13)

574

2.4% (14)

16.2% (94)

56.7% (330)

24.7% (144)

582

24.4% (142)

53.9% (313)

19.1% (111)

2.6% (15)

581

7.2% (42)

39.7% (230)

49.5% (287)

3.6% (21)

580

58.7% (343)

36.1% (211)

4.5% (26)

0.7% (4)

584

45.7% (262)

46.1% (264)

7.0% (40)

1.2% (7)

573

Essential

Important

12.8% (75)

13. The music (choir, organ and contemporary band) during Sunday worship 14. The way your spiritual needs are being met in the worship service

30 of 52

answered question

593

skipped question

44. For you, personally, how important are each of the following in the mix of qualities that make a good sermon? (Please limit your selection of Essential to no more than four of your choices.) Not very

Downright

Response

important

distracting

Count

38.1% (220)

1.9% (11)

0.0% (0)

577

42.1% (239)

52.1% (296)

4.8% (27)

1.1% (6)

568

32.5% (186)

55.9% (320)

11.2% (64)

0.3% (2)

572

11.9% (67)

51.3% (290)

35.6% (201)

1.2% (7)

565

79.1% (459)

20.3% (118)

0.5% (3)

0.0% (0)

580

23.3% (132)

66.3% (376)

9.3% (53)

1.1% (6)

567

47.4% (272)

49.0% (281)

3.7% (21)

0.0% (0)

574

35.2% (199)

53.4% (302)

11.1% (63)

0.4% (2)

566

11.4% (65)

44.2% (252)

41.4% (236)

3.0% (17)

570

38.6% (223)

53.6% (309)

7.5% (43)

0.3% (2)

577

43.4% (250)

50.2% (289)

6.3% (36)

0.2% (1)

576

5.1% (29)

27.3% (155)

39.7% (225)

27.9% (158)

567

Essential

Important

60.0% (346)

1. Sets forth a clear faith position as a guide for making decisions and living a faithful life 2. Based on a clear, unambiguous religious authority 3. Touches directly on my everyday life 4. Contains scholarly or literary illustrations 5. Is Biblically based and illustrated 6. Makes me reflect on issues and events that go beyond my personal life and local community 7. Is challenging and thoughtprovoking 8. Obviously flows from the depth of the preacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own personal faith and spiritual convictions 9. Is comforting and reassuring 10. Is carefully composed and skillfully delivered 11. Is spiritually moving and inspirational 12. Sets forth various sides of an issue without advocating one position as the only Christian position

31 of 52

answered question

587

skipped question

45. Please assess each of the following facilities areas in terms of size. Needs Excellent

Adequate

attention, but not immediately

Needs immediate attention

Response Count

Worship space

72.6% (427)

18.0% (106)

6.3% (37)

3.1% (18)

588

Educational space

35.7% (209)

44.2% (259)

14.3% (84)

5.8% (34)

586

Fellowship space

43.1% (251)

47.2% (275)

8.7% (51)

1.0% (6)

583

Office space

22.2% (123)

60.0% (333)

15.7% (87)

2.2% (12)

555

3.1% (18)

23.1% (136)

37.2% (219)

36.6% (215)

588

Parking

32 of 52

answered question

590

skipped question

46. Please assess each of the following facilities areas in terms of general condition and aesthetic appeal. Needs Excellent

Adequate

attention, but not immediately

Needs immediate attention

Response Count

Worship space

84.1% (498)

12.5% (74)

2.0% (12)

1.4% (8)

592

Educational space

34.1% (199)

51.7% (302)

10.6% (62)

3.6% (21)

584

Fellowship space

47.1% (278)

43.6% (257)

7.3% (43)

2.0% (12)

590

Office space

21.5% (120)

64.4% (360)

13.2% (74)

0.9% (5)

559

5.0% (29)

31.2% (182)

32.4% (189)

31.4% (183)

583

73.5% (428)

23.2% (135)

2.7% (16)

0.5% (3)

582

Parking Exterior and grounds

33 of 52

answered question

592

skipped question

47. In thinking about what ORIGINALLY attracted you to this congregation, select from the list below those reasons that best match your reasons for coming. You may select more than one. Response

Response

Percent

Count

The location

49.2%

290

My family is here

35.7%

210

The senior pastor

43.8%

258

My friends are here

26.5%

156

The church's reputation

33.3%

196

The staff

13.8%

Sermons/ preaching

50.8%

299

Adult education program

15.4%

Child and youth program

29.2%

172

The music program

29.5%

174

The social outreach

6.1%

The worship style

40.6%

239

The self-help groups

0.8%

The denominational ties

22.4%

132

Facilities/ campus

18.5%

109

Caring congregation

17.7%

104

Sharing of Gospel with me

14.8%

answered question

589

skipped question

34 of 52

48. In thinking about what KEEPS you as part of this congregation, select from the list below those reasons that best match your reasons for remaining here. You may select more than one. Response

Response

Percent

Count

The location

44.4%

260

My family is here

41.0%

240

The senior pastor

34.1%

200

My friends are here

55.6%

326

The church's reputation

20.6%

121

The staff

34.6%

203

Sermons/ preaching

50.7%

297

Adult education program

27.3%

160

Child and youth program

18.8%

110

The music program

33.6%

197

The social outreach

9.7%

The worship style

45.7%

268

The self-help groups

0.9%

The denominational ties

14.2%

Facilities/ campus

18.6%

109

Caring congregation

38.2%

224

Sharing of Gospel with me

21.8%

128

answered question

586

skipped question

35 of 52

49. Which one of the following best expresses your view of the Bible? Response

Response

Percent

Count

The Bible is an ancient book of history, legends and cultural stories recorded by man. It has little value

0.0%

0.5%

1.5%

24.2%

141

66.4%

387

7.4%

answered question

583

skipped question

101

today except as classic literature. The Bible is a valuable book because it was written by wise and good people. I do not believe it is really God's word but it can teach us many moral precepts. The Bible is the record of many different people's response to God and because of this, people and churches today must interpret the Bible's basic moral and religious teachings for themselves. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and its basic moral and religious teachings are clear and true, even if it reflects some human error. The Bible is the Word of God, the first and final authority for faith and life. The Bible is the actual Word of God and is to be taken literally.

36 of 52

50. Please rate your agreement or disagreement with the following belief statements. Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral or Unsure

Disagree

Strongly

Response

Disagree

Count

1. There is no other way to salvation but through belief in

85.7% (504)

9.0% (53)

3.4% (20)

1.4% (8)

0.5% (3)

588

92.0% (541)

6.1% (36)

1.4% (8)

0.3% (2)

0.2% (1)

588

1.4% (8)

5.2% (30)

9.5% (55)

20.1% (117)

63.9% (372)

582

58.6% (344)

31.5% (185)

5.3% (31)

4.1% (24)

0.5% (3)

587

16.1% (92)

28.4% (162)

27.0% (154)

20.2% (115)

8.2% (47)

570

11.9% (69)

39.5% (229)

8.3% (48)

31.6% (183)

8.8% (51)

580

16.2% (95)

30.6% (179)

19.0% (111)

21.4% (125)

12.8% (75)

585

22.9% (133)

33.3% (194)

16.7% (97)

19.4% (113)

7.7% (45)

582

Jesus Christ 2. Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; resurrection from the dead was an actual event 3. All religions are equally good ways of helping a person find ultimate truth. 4. The Bible has answers for all of the basic questions of life 5. Social justice is at the heart of the Gospel 6. It is often difficult to live out my faith in daily work, leisure and community life. 7. My denominational affiliation as a Presbyterian is an important part of my identity as a Christian. 8. If I were to move to a new community, I would look for a congregation that fits my needs regardless of denominational affiliation.

37 of 52

answered question

590

skipped question

51. Please rate how often you engage in the following practices. Few times

Once a

Few times

Seldom or

Response

a week

week

a month

never

Count

68.2% (399)

26.5% (155)

2.1% (12)

2.2% (13)

1.0% (6)

585

36.3% (214)

39.4% (232)

13.2% (78)

8.3% (49)

2.7% (16)

589

3.3% (19)

17.7% (103)

34.6% (202)

26.8% (156)

583

6.5% (38)

16.3% (95)

15.3% (89)

37.4% (218)

24.5% (143)

583

answered question

589

skipped question

Daily

1. How often do you spend time in private devotional activity such as prayer or meditation? 2. How often do your read the Bible or other spiritual books? 3. How often do you volunteer your time serving others through an HPPC sponsored ministry?â&#x20AC;? 4. How often do you volunteer your time serving others outside of HPPC?

38 of 52

52. Recently, I have done the following to maintain my personal relationship with God. (Choose all that apply)

1. Personal Bible reading 2. Memorizing and/or Bible meditation 3. Personal prayer 4. Participated in a small group at our church 5. Attempted to live by Biblical principles 6. Informally helped others in their spiritual growth 7. Helped others grow through a church program 8. Participated in Sunday School or a Bible Study class 9. Given sacrificially of my time, talents or money to any ministry

39 of 52

Response

Percent

Count

83.7%

493

30.2%

178

96.1%

566

56.2%

331

83.7%

493

55.9%

329

26.3%

155

72.2%

425

73.9%

435

answered question

589

skipped question

53. Recently, I have done the following to spread the Gospel. (Choose all that apply)

1. Had discussions about spiritual

Response

Percent

Count

48.1%

254

60.4%

319

36.9%

195

7.4%

38.8%

205

62.5%

330

7. Served in a local mission

24.2%

128

8. Gone on a mission trip

17.4%

answered question

528

skipped question

156

Response

Percent

Count

values with non-Christians 2. Personally shared my beliefs about Christ and the Gospel 3. Personally shared my faith story 4. Taken someone to an evangelistic event 5. Invited someone not from our church to our church 6. Financially supported a mission trip

54. Gender?

Male

43.0%

249

Female

57.0%

330

answered question

579

skipped question

105

40 of 52

55. Age? Response

Response

Percent

Count

Under 20

0.3%

20 - 24

1.0%

25 - 34

9.4%

35 - 44

10.3%

45 - 54

20.9%

122

55 - 64

25.7%

150

65 - 74

16.1%

75 or over

16.3%

answered question

584

skipped question

100

Response

Percent

Count

56. Racial/Ethnic Background?

White

97.6%

566

African American

0.0%

Immigrant African

1.9%

Hispanic

0.0%

Asian American

0.5%

Immigrant Asian

0.0%

Other (please specify)

41 of 52

answered question

580

skipped question

104

57. Marital Status? Response

Response

Percent

Count

Single, never married

4.8%

Living in a committed relationship

1.0%

Married

82.7%

483

Widowed

5.5%

Separated or divorced

6.0%

answered question

584

skipped question

100

Response

Percent

Count

58. Number of children living at home?

Age 0 - 5

Age 6 - 12

Age 13 - 18

Age 19 and over

42 of 52

61.9%

218

39.5%

139

37.5%

132

35.5%

125

answered question

352

skipped question

332

59. Which best describes your current household? Response

Response

Percent

Count

One person living alone

11.5%

A couple without children

29.7%

174

One adult with child/children

1.2%

33.8%

198

21.0%

123

2.7%

answered question

585

skipped question

Response

Percent

Count

Two or more adults with child/children One or more adults with grown children Several adults living in the same household

60. What is your highest level of formal education?

Less than high school graduate

0.2%

High school graduate

0.2%

6.5%

College degree

40.9%

241

Post graduate work or degree

38.4%

226

Legal Degree

10.5%

Medical Degree

3.4%

answered question

589

skipped question

Some college, trade or vocational school

43 of 52

61. Are you? Response

Response

Percent

Count

Retired

18.4%

107

Employed full time

49.7%

288

Not currently employed

1.7%

Employed part time

13.6%

Full time "houseperson"

15.9%

Student

0.7%

answered question

580

skipped question

104

Response

Percent

Count

62. Are you self-employed or an independent business person?

Yes

30.7%

164

69.3%

371

answered question

535

skipped question

149

44 of 52

63. If married, is your spouse employed? Response

Response

Percent

Count

Yes, full time

52.0%

249

Yes, part time

11.5%

36.5%

175

answered question

479

skipped question

205

64. What is your household (family or single living alone) income range? Response

Response

Percent

Count

Under $25,000

1.3%

$25,000 - $49,999

8.0%

$50,000 - $74,999

11.4%

$75,000 - $99,999

13.1%

$100,000 - $149,999

18.1%

$150,000 - $249,999

22.7%

119

$250,000 - $499,999

15.6%

$500,000 and above

9.7%

answered question

525

skipped question

159

45 of 52

65. Approximately, how much does your household contribute to our church per year? (If single or widowed, you as an individual?) Response

Response

Percent

Count

Zero

1.3%

$1 - $499

6.8%

$500 - $999

6.8%

$1,000 - $2,499

16.1%

$2,500 - $4,999

17.7%

$5,000 - $9,999

22.4%

123

$10,000 - $14,999

15.0%

$15,000 - $24,999

6.6%

$25,000 and above

7.5%

answered question

548

skipped question

136

46 of 52

66. How many years have you lived in this general area? Response

Response

Percent

Count

One year or less

0.9%

2 - 4 years

4.4%

5 - 9 years

7.8%

10 - 19 years

13.8%

20 - 39 years

35.0%

205

40 or more years

38.1%

223

answered question

586

skipped question

67. How likely is it that you might move out of this general area within the next few years? Response

Response

Percent

Count

Definitely will move

1.0%

Probably will move

2.7%

Might move (50/50)

8.4%

Probably will not move

27.1%

158

Very unlikely to move

60.8%

355

answered question

584

skipped question

100

47 of 52

68. In what denomination were you raised? If you were involved with more than one denomination when you were growing up, with which did you have the greatest identification? Response

Response

Percent

Count

Baptist

13.1%

Bible church

2.4%

Disciples of Christ

3.1%

Episcopal

3.9%

Lutheran

2.7%

Methodist

14.8%

Presbyterian

48.5%

285

United Church of Christ

1.7%

Unitarian/Universalist

0.2%

Other Protestant

1.2%

Roman Catholic

3.2%

None

2.6%

2.7%

answered question

588

skipped question

Other (please specify)

48 of 52

69. Now that you have had the opportunity to reflect on God's church, your beliefs, and the qualities you value in a pastor, we return to one final way of sharing with the search committee and congregation the kind of pastor you would like to see called. Listed below are ten images or dominant roles in terms of which clergy variously orient their ministry. To what extent would you like to see the pastor of your congregation emphasize or embody each of the roles? Would you say it is essential, very important, moderately important, not very important, or would you prefer the pastor to not emphasize the role at all? Response

Essential

Very

Moderate

Not very

None at all

75.0% (425)

19.8% (112)

4.2% (24)

1.1% (6)

0.0% (0)

567

8.9% (51)

28.8% (164)

39.6% (226)

19.6% (112)

3.0% (17)

570

4.2% (24)

16.8% (95)

37.0% (209)

28.3% (160)

13.6% (77)

565

5.9% (33)

19.3% (109)

48.4% (273)

23.2% (131)

3.2% (18)

564

45.0% (256)

33.9% (193)

15.5% (88)

5.4% (31)

0.2% (1)

569

50.7% (287)

36.9% (209)

11.1% (63)

1.2% (7)

0.0% (0)

566

Count

1. Minister of the Word and Sacraments: Finds primary fulfillment in preaching and teaching and is attracted to a congregation with a strong educational emphasis 2. Church Administrator: Fulfillment comes in administering and managing a productive, varied and effective church program and organization 3. Social Activist: Ministry centers in relating the Gospel to the social context, enjoys being on the cutting edge of social concerns and involvement in community affairs 4. Group Facilitator: Centers ministry around work with small groups of people, helping them relate particular interests and needs to the Gospel; organizes the church around a variety of interest, study and task groups 5. Celebrant/worship Leader: Is most at home in leading the congregation in worship; deep appreciation for ritual and ceremonial in both formal and informal settings 6. Spiritual Guide: Encourages development of all membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spiritual lives; works intensely with

49 of 52

those interested in pursuing spiritual disciplines; minister has exemplary spiritual life 7. Witness/Evangelist: Focus of ministry is sharing the Gospel with those in and outside the church; developing the church's

27.7% (157)

34.1% (193)

31.1% (176)

6.4% (36)

0.7% (4)

566

8.1% (46)

19.8% (113)

44.6% (254)

24.0% (137)

3.5% (20)

570

3.5% (20)

13.5% (76)

33.6% (190)

35.4% (200)

14.0% (79)

565

41.0% (234)

30.8% (176)

18.7% (107)

6.5% (37)

3.0% (17)

571

evangelistic witness is a primary task 8. Counselor/Healer: Spends a major part of each week in pastoral counseling and visiting in homes and/or hospitals; finds fulfillment in helping people face their crisis 9. Community Chaplain: Finds fulfillment in civic roles and leadership; often serves on community committees and task groups; may be chaplain to community groups 10. Friend/Fellow Traveler: Warm and loving person who relates to us as an ordinary human being; compassionate and good listener; not afraid to reveal personal pain and struggle

50 of 52

answered question

575

skipped question

109

70. Which of these ten roles do you feel it is most important for the pastor of your congregation to fulfill?

1. Minister of the Word and

Response

Percent

Count

63.6%

355

2. Church Administrator

1.3%

3. Social Activist

0.2%

4. Group Facilitator

0.2%

5. Celebrant/worship Leader

10.6%

6. Spiritual Guide

12.0%

7. Witness/Evangelist

4.5%

8. Counselor/Healer

0.2%

9. Community Chaplain

0.2%

10. Friend/Fellow Traveler

7.3%

answered question

558

skipped question

126

Sacraments

51 of 52

71. Which of the ten roles do you feel is least important?

1. Minister of the Word and

Response

Percent

Count

0.7%

2. Church Administrator

12.7%

3. Social Activist

34.9%

193

4. Group Facilitator

6.5%

5. Celebrant/worship Leader

1.1%

6. Spiritual Guide

0.2%

7. Witness/Evangelist

2.9%

8. Counselor/Healer

6.3%

9. Community Chaplain

28.0%

155

10. Friend/Fellow Traveler

6.7%

answered question

553

skipped question

131

Sacraments

72. Now that you have spent this time reflecting on the congregation present situation, think for a bit about your vision for the future of this church. Please take a few final minutes and discuss your hope for the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future. What are your dreams, desires, and wishes for the church over the next five years? Response Count 452

52 of 52

answered question

452

skipped question

232