Member Survey & Needs Web viewFrequency of worship attendance. Frequency of worship attendance. Membership in church committees, groups. Membership. in. church. committees, groups

MEMBER SURVEY & NEEDS ASSESSMENT – DECEMBER 2016

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Member Survey &Needs AssessmentDecember 2016


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Table of ContentsI. Overview ....................................................................... 5II. Methods ........................................................................ 5III. Participant Demographics ........................................... 6IV. Survey Results .............................................................. 7

Church Participation ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

Membership status ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Distance traveled to church ............................................................................................................................... 8

Frequency of worship attendance ..................................................................................................................... 9

Membership in church committees, groups .................................................................................................. 10

Level of involvement in church membership ............................................................................................... 11

Reasons for increased involvement ................................................................................................................ 11

Reasons for decreased involvement................................................................................................................ 12

Invitations to visit or join church .................................................................................................................... 13

Church friendships ............................................................................................................................................ 14

Tasks of the Church..................................................................................................................................................... 15

Satisfaction with emphasis on church tasks................................................................................................... 15

Church’s best overall task ................................................................................................................................. 16


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Task needing strengthened ............................................................................................................................... 17

Organizational Characteristics.................................................................................................................................... 18

Church’s organizational characteristics and issues ....................................................................................... 19

Congregational Identity ............................................................................................................................................... 20

Identity from traditional or contemporary ideas........................................................................................... 20

Member identity as similar to or different from churchneighbors ............................................................................................................................................................. 21

Identity as involved or uninvolved with close community ......................................................................... 22

Identity as member-serving or world-serving ............................................................................................... 23

Identity as one family or association of individuals/groups ....................................................................... 24

Identity as prestigious church or non-status church .................................................................................... 25

Social issues approach as educational or activist........................................................................................... 26

Individual salvation approach as gradual growth or conversion ................................................................ 27

Worship.......................................................................................................................................................................... 28


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Good worship service qualities........................................................................................................................ 28

Good sermon qualities ...................................................................................................................................... 30

Satisfaction with particular aspects of worship ............................................................................................. 31

Preference for Sunday worship time............................................................................................................... 32

Christian Education Program..................................................................................................................................... 33

Satisfaction with overall program .................................................................................................................... 33

Priorities for children’s program ..................................................................................................................... 34

Priorities for youth program ............................................................................................................................ 35

Interest in program events for adults ............................................................................................................. 36

Best times for adult programs.......................................................................................................................... 36

Worst times for adult programs....................................................................................................................... 37

Giving/Stewardship Development ........................................................................................................................... 38

Priorities for encouraging church giving ........................................................................................................ 38

Priorities for use of excess/abundant gift funding ....................................................................................... 39

Outreach ........................................................................................................................................................................ 40

Priorities for evangelism and recruitment ...................................................................................................... 40

Need for improving or increasing outreach


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.................................................................................................. 41

Willingness to become more involved in outreach ...................................................................................... 42

Preference for church newsletter format ....................................................................................................... 43

Evangelism .................................................................................................................................................................... 44

Reasons for originally coming to this church ................................................................................................ 44

Reasons for remaining at this church ............................................................................................................. 45

Religious Beliefs and Personal Practices................................................................................................................... 46

View of the Bible ............................................................................................................................................... 46

Level of agreement with belief statements..................................................................................................... 47

Engagement in personal practices ................................................................................................................... 48

V. Appendix A ................................................................. 49List of Figures and Tables........................................................................................................................................... 49

VI. Appendix B ................................................................. 50Survey Instrument ........................................................................................................................................................ 50


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OverviewFirst Baptist Church Chanute participated in an anonymous survey and needs assessment from late October to early December 2016 in order to help church leadership gain a better understanding of the church membership, and their views, needs, and interests. A total of 120 responses were received from FBCC members and guests.

MethodsThe survey instrument was adapted and modified from a survey developed by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research in Connecticut. The survey administrator utilized Qualtrics software provided by Purdue University for survey creation, administration, data collection, and data analysis.

For convenience and access, participants had two options for completing survey—online or on paper. Online surveys submitted without responses (blank surveys) were deleted. After collection, paper survey responses were entered into the online system in order to facilitate data compilation, analysis, and reporting.

Questionnaire topics categories included:• Church Participation• Tasks of the Church• Organizational Characteristics• Congregational Identity• Worship• Christian Education Program• Giving Development• Outreach and Evangelism• Religious Beliefs and Personal Practices• Background/Demographics

There were 120 surveys submitted; however, not all surveys were complete. Some of the participants skipped questions/did not respond to all of the items. In presenting the results, the total number of respondents are listed in parentheses.

Note: The results reported can only be considered the self-reported information and opinions of the survey


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participants. These results should not be generalized to represent the entire congregation/population as a whole.


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Participant DemographicsOf the 120 respondents to the survey, 108 members provided answers to questions in the Background Summary section at the end of the questionnaire. However, they did not respond to all of the questions asked of them. The number of responses for the questions about education, employment, occupation, employment of others in home, household income, time of residency, likelihood of moving out of area, and denominational background ranged between 94 and 99.

The following overview data summarize the survey respondents’ self-reported demographics.

• Gender: 70% female• Racial/ethnic background: 93% White/Caucasian• Marital status: 81% married• Age: 24% age 25-44; 46% age 45-64; 26% age 65 or older• Household: 43% with children• Children ages: most school age—6-12 and 13-18 years• Highest level of formal education: 44% with some college – associates degree; 43%

bachelor’s degree or higher

• Employment: 30% retired; 68% employed FT/PT/self-employed• Occupation: 60% professional/technical and clerical• Someone else in home employed at least PT: 63%• Approximate household income: 59% in up to $74,999 ranges;

55% in $50,000-99,999 ranges• Years lived in area: 89% for 10 or more years• Likelihood of moving: 81% probably not/very unlikely• Denominational background: 45% Baptist; 15% Methodist; 17% Other Protestant/Other

Again, it is worthwhile to note that the self-selected sample of 120 respondents is approximately17% of a 700-member church. These demographics and survey data are representative of the participants but should not be generalized to the larger membership of the church. The survey results provide a snapshot of some of the members’ opinions—those members who were willing to


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answer the survey questions and submit their thoughts.


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Survey ResultsThe information that follows is an overview based on all of the participants’ responses. Unless otherwise noted, the results are not disaggregated in any way.

Church ParticipationIn this section of the questionnaire, members answered seven questions about their participation in this church. The questions asked about years of membership, travel time to church, frequency of attendance, participation on committees, involvement in church membership, inviting guests to church, and friendships in the church. Members who responded that their involvement in church membership had increased or decreased in the last few years answered an additional question as to the reasons for the change.

As a group, the church members who responded have attended FBCC for many years, live close to their church, and attend church worship regularly.

Membership status


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Figure1. Membership status (n = 119)


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Approximately 20% have been members for less than 4 years; 27% have been members for 9 years or less; and about 60% have been members of this church for more than 10 years.

Distance traveled to church

Figure 2. Distance traveled to church (n = 120)

Participants live close by—about 87% reported that they travel no more than 15 minutes to get to church. One-third of these members live 5 minutes or less from church.

Frequency of worship attendance


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Figure 3. Frequency of worship attendance (n = 120)

Participants attend church regularly; 90% reported attending two or more times a month. About half of the respondents said that they attend four times a month or more.

Membership in church committees, groups


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Figure 4. Membership in church committees and groups (n = 120)

As a group, about 56% of the survey participants are involved in organizations, committees, and groups within the church. About 44% are not involved in the committees or groups, and nearly 16% are members of one committee/group in the church.

Level of involvement in church membership


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Figure 5. Level of involvement in church membership (n = 120)

When asked about how their involvement in church membership has been in the last few years, over half of the participants say that it has remained the same. A total of 45% note that there have been changes in their church membership; Figure 5 shows that 25% report increased involvement, and20% report decreased levels of involvement in membership.

Reasons for increased involvement

Survey respondents who answered that their involvement in church membership had increased were presented a question asking them to check why from a list of 6 reasons. The question instructions directed them to check all that applied to their situation.

As shown in Figure 6, about 57% of those members who report being more involved in church membership selected stronger faith as the reason. About 33% of them chose more positive attitude toward our church as the reason. The reasons more time available and accepted office or other new responsibility in the church were tied at 27%.


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Figure 6. Reasons for increased involvement in church membership

Reasons for decreased involvement

Survey respondents who answered that their involvement in church membership had decreased were presented a question asking them to check why from a list of 6 reasons. The question instructions directed them to check all that applied to their situation.

Figure 7 below shows the respondents’ selected reasons. Half of those members who report being less involved in church membership chose less time available as the reason. About 42% of them selected health problems as the reason why they are less involved in church membership over the last few years.


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Figure 7. Reasons for decreased involvement in church membership

Invitations to visit or join church

Participants were asked to report the number of persons or families they had invited to church in the past year. Over 80% say that they have invited someone to visit or join church. About 37% report inviting 3 or more people.

Figure 8. Invitations extended to other people or families (n = 118)


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Church friendships

The final question in this category asked participants how many of their closest friends attend this church. Nearly half say that four or more of their closest friends attend church with them. About28% of respondents report between some friends attend this church (one, two, or three);approximately 23% say that none of their closest friends attend their church.

Figure 9. Number of closest friends who attend this church (n = 119)


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Tasks of the ChurchRespondents were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction with the church’s performance on ten tasks that a local church is likely to perform. Results are presented in Table 1 that follows.

These members report satisfaction (very satisfied or generally satisfied) with the emphasis the church has placed on the ten tasks. At the same time, several areas are ones that 20% or more of the respondents say need more emphasis. In rank order, those are helping members discover their own gifts for ministry and service (33.63%); helping members understand their use ofmoney, time, and talents as expressions of Christian stewardship and giving (30.36%);providing a caring ministry for the sick, shut-ins, and the bereaved (23.89%); helping members deepen their personal, spiritual relationship with God (23.01%); and providing pastoral counseling to help members deal with personal problems (20.72%).

Satisfaction with emphasis on church tasks

Satisfaction with emphasis on church tasks

Needs More

Emphasis

VerySatisfied

GenerallySatisfied

Receives Too

MuchEmphasis

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

5.26% 66.67% 27.19% 0.88%

2. Providing worship that expresses the Gospel in contemporary language and forms

6.19% 69.03% 19.47% 5.31%

3. Helping members deepen their personal, spiritual relationship with God

23.01% 47.79% 28.32% 0.88%

4. Engaging in acts of charity and service to persons in need

6.25% 68.75% 22.32% 2.68%


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5. Providing a caring ministry for the sick, shut-ins, and the bereaved

23.89% 35.40% 39.82% 0.88%


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6. Providing pastoral counseling to help members deal with personal problems

20.72% 37.84% 41.44% 0.00%

7. Providing fellowship opportunities for members

15.04% 44.25% 38.05% 2.65%

8. Helping members understand their use of money, time, and talents as expressions of Christian stewardship and giving

30.36% 27.68% 40.18% 1.79%

9. Supporting the global mission of the church/denomination

12.39% 47.79% 33.63% 6.19%

10. Helping members discover their own gifts for ministry and service

33.63% 22.12% 42.48% 1.77%

Table 1. Satisfaction with emphasis on church task performance (n = 114)[Not all 114 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 111-114.]

Church’s best overall task

One task church does best overallOffering worship that provides a meaningful experience ofGod and the Christian tradition

33.66%

Engaging in acts of charity and service to persons in need 29.70%

Providing worship that expresses the Gospel in contemporary language and forms

19.80%

Helping members deepen their personal, spiritual relationship with God

7.92%

Table 2. Best overall task performed (n = 101)

In response to the question of which one task the church does best overall, 34% of the members selected offering worship that provides a meaningful experience of God and the Christian tradition, consistent with their ratings of satisfaction on the prior question (very satisfied 66.67% and generally satisfied 27.19% for a total of 93.86%). The other tasks rated highly are in Table 2 above.


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Table 3 ranks responses on the final question in this section of the survey. The question asked respondents which one task they would most like to see strengthened for the sake of their own personal involvement in the church. As reflected in the task satisfaction question, 21% of participants selected helping members discover their own gifts for ministry and service. Additionally, the lower-ranked tasks in Table 3 are consistent with the top tasks needing more emphasis as per the earlier questions.

Task needing strengthened

One task would most like to see strengthened for own involvement in churchHelping members discover their own gifts for ministry and service 20.83%

Helping members deepen their personal, spiritual relationship with God

17.71%

Helping members understand their use of money, time, and talents as expressions of Christian stewardship and giving

13.54%

Providing a caring ministry for the sick, shut-ins, and the bereaved

12.50%

Providing pastoral counseling to help members deal with personal problems

11.46%

Providing fellowship opportunities for members 8.33%Table 3. Task most needing strengthened (n = 96)


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Organizational CharacteristicsThe organizational characteristics portion of the questionnaire asked members to read nine descriptive statements of organizational characteristics and issues and determine the extent to which those statements described the church. Participants were instructed to use “Don’t Know” only when absolutely necessary.

Table 4 summarizes the responses for this section. Respondents agree that: members are encouraged to discover their particular gifts for ministry and service (74.77%); members and groups get a lot of support and encouragement for trying something new in the church (71.17%); and the activities taking place in the church are well publicized to the surrounding community (71.17%).

Participants are split about the statement that members are well informed about what the various committees and groups in the church are doing (SA/A 49%, D/SD 50%). Three statements resulted in approximately 30-36% of the participants expressing disagreement (D/SD) and don’t know: the theological and biblical implications of important decisions are regularly discussed (36.61%); important decisions about the life of the church are rarely made without open discussion by church leaders and members (33.64%); and every member who is capable and interested has an equal opportunity to hold key leadership positions (30.64%).

Two other statements were ones that participants had divided views on. Study of the needs of the church membership and the community is regularly undertaken as the basis for church planning had 45.45% agreement, 29.09 disagreement, and 25.45% don’t know responses. The statement lay leaders are provided the training they need for their committee and task assignments was more divided—37.83% agreement, 39.64% disagreement, and 22.52% don’t know.


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Church’s organizational characteristics and issues

Statements about church as an organization

StronglyAgree

Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree

Don'tKnow

Members are well informed about what the various committees and groups in the church are doing

7.14%

41.96%

41.96%

8.04%

0.89%

The activities taking place in the church are well publicized to the surrounding community

14.41%

56.76%

20.72%

1.80%

6.31%

Study of the needs of the church membership and the community is regularly undertaken as the basis for church planning

8.18%

37.27%

26.36%

2.73%

25.45%

Members and groups get a lot of support and encouragement for trying something new in the church

14.41%

56.76%

16.22%

2.70%

9.91%

Members are encouraged to discover their particular gifts for ministry and service

14.41%

60.36%

14.41%

4.50%

6.31%

Lay leaders are provided the training they need for their committee and task

3.60%

34.23%

31.53%

8.11%

22.52%

Every member who is capable and interested has an equal opportunity to hold key leadership positions

13.51%

55.86%

15.32%

5.41%

9.91%

The theological and biblical implications of important decisions are regularly discussed

9.82%

53.57%

20.54%

5.36%

10.71%

Important decisions about the life of the church are rarely made without open discussionby church leaders and members

17.27%

49.09%

18.18%

3.64%

11.82%

Table 4. Organizational characteristics and issues and this church (n = 112)[Not all 112 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 110-112.]


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Congregational IdentityFor the eight questions on church identity, each question had a set of alternatives that touched on important dimensions of a church’s identity. The alternatives were on a 7-point scale with 1 meaning most like the characteristic on the left, and 7 meaning most like the characteristic on the right. A score of 4 would mean a mix of both characteristics. Participants were instructed to check the number that best describes this church. Figures 10 – 17 depict the survey results for these questions.

Identity from traditional or contemporary ideas

1History and

Tradition

Figure 10. Church identity based on history and tradition versus contemporary ideas (n = 112)

7Contemporary

Ideas

On the historical/traditional influences versus contemporary ideas question, 31% of the respondents say the church is influenced by a mix of history/tradition and contemporary ideas. Another 32% describe the church’s identity as a 5. Ratings of 6 and 7, contemporary ideas, were selected by about


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26% of the participants.

Member identity as similar to or different from church neighbors


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Figure 11. Church members identity as similar to area residents versus dissimilar (n = 109)

Looking at the bar chart in Figure 11, the majority of respondents (65%) describe their identity as similar to the residents in the area around the church. About 28% selected a mix of similar to and different from the residents.

These responses are consistent with the earlier responses about distance traveled to church. With33% living within 5 minutes of the church and another 30% living 6-10 minutes from church, many of these church members would likely consider themselves similar to residents near the church.

Identity as involved or uninvolved with close community


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Figure 12. Church as very involved with close community versus not involved (n = 111)

Participants see the church as involved with the close community. Over 70% selected the alternatives reflecting a high level of involvement with the community around the church.

Identity as member-serving or world-serving


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Figure 13. Church serving own membership versus serving others in the world (n = 110)

On the question of service orientation, participants were asked to select where on the continuum the church fits in serving its members versus serving the world beyond the church membership. About27% see the church as serving its members, 35% perceive a mix, and 37% say the church is oriented to serving the world beyond its members.

Identity as one family or association of individuals/groups


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Figure 14. Church as one family versus association of individuals and groups (n = 111)

As a group, the participants reported the congregational identity as being spread between feeling like one large family and like a loosely knit association of individuals and groups: 36% say the church feels like a large family, 39% perceive a mix (levels 4 and 5), and 25% think the church feels more like a loose association of members.

Identity as prestigious church or non-status church


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Figure 15. Church reputation as prestigious versus not as a status church (n = 110)

In answering the question on the reputation of the church, nearly 65% describe the church as known as prestigious and nearly 25% as a mixture of prestige and not status reputations.

Social issues approach as educational or activist


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Figure 16. Church approach to social issues as educational versus activist (n = 110)

On social justice issues, the question was whether the church’s approach to these issues is educational, leaving action to individual conscience, or decidedly activist with the church taking stands as a congregation. Figure 16 shows most of the respondents perceive the church’s approach as educational to mixed (totaling 86.37%).

Individual salvation approach as gradual growth or conversion


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Figure 17. Church approach to individual salvation as gradual growth versus conversion (n = 112)

The last question in the section on church identity referred to the church’s approach to individual salvation. The alternatives were between an approach that emphasizes education, nurture, and gradual growth in faith versus an approach that stresses conversion and a born-again experience. Figure 17 shows that 24% of the respondents see the approach as being in the middle, 49% think the approach leans toward gradual growth, and the other 27% perceive the church’s approach as a conversion and born-again emphasis.


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WorshipParticipants rated the importance of qualities that make a good worship service and a good sermon, as well as the extent they are satisfied with specific aspects of the church worship. The final question in the Worship section asked about members’ preference for Sunday worship start time. Results are presented in Tables 5 and 6 and Figures 18 and 19.

Table 5 presents the participants’ views on the importance of qualities in a good worship service. As summary, the top 8 qualities of a good service as selected by members are listed below. The table of13 qualities and results follow the top 8 list.

Top 8 good worship service qualities (rated as very important/needs more emphasis or important)

1. Providing worship that is intellectually challenging (85.33%)2. Attention given to sacraments (84.11%)3. Providing worship that is emotionally moving (81.66%)4. Use of contemporary worship styles, music, and language (78.18%)5. Silent prayer/meditation (75.23%)6. Providing time for members to greet one another (72.73%)7. Having parts of worship especially for children (70.65%)8. Lay participation in leading worship (70.40%)

Good worship service qualities

Important qualities for a good worship service

Very Important/ Needs to Have More Emphasis

Important

Not VeryImportant

Not Important/

Receives Too Much

AttentionProviding time for members to greet one another

3.64%

69.09% 17.27% 10.00%

Providing worship that is emotionally moving

19.27% 62.39% 17.43% 0.92%

Providing worship that is intellectually challenging

22.94% 62.39% 14.68% 0.00%

Attention given to sacraments

12.15% 71.96% 14.95% 0.93%


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Lay participation in leading worship

4.59%

68.81% 22.02% 4.59%


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Use of inclusive, non- sexist language

6.54%

46.73% 41.12% 5.61%

Use of creeds or statements of faith

10.19% 37.96% 50.93% 0.93%

Silent prayer/ meditation 13.76% 61.47% 23.85% 0.92%Having parts of

worship especially for 15.60% 55.05% 28.44% 0.92

%Use of new or unfamiliar hymns

6.36%

38.18% 46.36% 9.09%

Corporate prayer in which the entire church membership participates

11.11% 48.15% 38.89% 1.85%

Providing worship at times other than Sunday morning

15.74% 40.74% 40.74% 2.78%

Use of contemporary worship styles, music, and language

11.82% 66.36% 12.73% 9.09%

Table 5. Importance of qualities that make a good worship service (n = 110)[Not all 110 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 117-110.]

Next, respondents were asked to rate the personal importance of a list of 12 qualities that make a good sermon. Participants rated 7 of the 12 qualities at 90% (essential and important) or higher.

Essential or important qualities of good sermons

1. Is challenging and thought-provoking (100%)2. Sets forth a clear faith position as a guide for making decisions and living a faithful life

(99.09%)3. Is biblically based and uses biblical examples (98.17%)4. Makes me reflect on issues and events that go beyond my personal life and local community

(95.37%)5. Touches directly on my everyday life (93.58%)6. Based on a clear, unambiguous religious authority (91.74%)7. Obviously flows from the depth of the preacher’s own

personal faith and spiritual convictions (90%)


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Table 6 with respondent data on all 12 of the qualities of a good sermon follows.


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Good sermon qualities

Important qualities for a good sermon

Essential

Important

Not VeryImportant

DownrightDistracting

Sets forth a clear faith position as a guide for making decisions and living a faithful life

67.27%

31.82% 0.00% 0.91%

Based on a clear, unambiguous religious authority

46.79%

44.95% 7.34% 0.92%

Touches directly on my everyday life

44.04%

49.54% 6.42% 0.00%

Contains scholarly or literary examples

14.68%

46.79% 37.61% 0.92%

Is biblically based and uses biblical examples

82.57%

15.60% 1.83% 0.00%

Makes me reflect on issues and events that go beyond my personal life and local community

39.81%

55.56% 4.63% 0.00%

Is challenging and thought- provoking

48.18%

51.82% 0.00% 0.00%

Obviously flows from the depth of the preacher's own personal faith and spiritual convictions

39.09%

50.91% 9.09% 0.91%

Is comforting and reassuring 24.32%

37.84% 36.94% 0.90%

Is carefully composed and skillfully delivered

23.15%

55.56% 21.30% 0.00%

Is spiritually moving and inspirational

40.91%

45.45% 10.00% 3.64%

Sets forth various sides of an issue without advocating one position as the only Christian

14.81%

44.44% 27.78% 12.96%

Table 6. Importance of qualities that make a good sermon (n = 111)[Not all 111 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 108-111.]


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As a group, the survey participants are satisfied with the music during Sunday worship (89.91%), the Sunday worship other than the music (93.63%), and the way their spiritual needs are being met during service (88.07%). These results are presented in Figure 18.

Satisfaction with particular aspects of worship

Figure 18. Satisfaction with particular aspects of worship service (n = 110)[Not all 110 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 109-110.]


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Preference for Sunday worship time

Participants were asked what time they would prefer for Sunday worship start time if they could choose any time on Sunday morning. The results in Figure 19 show that 55% prefer a 10:30 AM start time for worship service, 21% would choose 10:00 AM, and 20% prefer start times between8:00 AM and 9:30 AM.

Figure 19. Preference for worship start time (n = 109)


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Christian Education ProgramThis section of the survey asked participants to evaluate the church’s Christian education program. First, respondents selected their level of satisfaction with aspects of the overall program. Then, they evaluated priorities of the children and youth programs. Last, participants shared their interest in attending various types of adult-focused programs and chose the best and worst times for those activities.

Satisfaction with overall program

Members report satisfaction with the children’s program (92.24%), the youth program (87.13%), and the adult program (86.67%). The scheduled days/times of programs are viewed favorably also (92.16%). Lower rates of satisfaction are apparent in the total number of people in education programs (63.46%) and in the training provided for teachers (68.27%). Figure 20 shows theseresults.


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Figure 20. Satisfaction with aspects of Christian Education program (n = 105)[Not all 105 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 101-105.]


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Priorities for children’s program

For the children’s program (0-5th grade), participants rated priorities from a list of 6 descriptions. Figure 21 below depicts the priority levels.

Figure 21. Priorities for Christian education for children (0-5th grade) (n = 108)[Not all 108 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 105-108.]

The members participating rated the priorities as high or moderate as follows:

• Teaching children about the Bible and the church: 99%• Giving children the feeling that they are loved by God and the church: 100%• Developing in children a sense that Christian love includes respect for and service to others:

99%• Providing examples of what it means to be a Christian in today’s world: 98%• Offering enjoyable fellowship activities: 88%


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• Including the children in the worship service: 75%


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Priorities for youth program

Participant priorities for youth in grades 6-12 are shown below in Figure 22.

Figure 22. Priorities for Christian education for youth (grades 6-12) (n = 108)[Not all 108 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 105-108.]

The percentages of respondents who selected the priority level as high or moderate are noted here.

• Educational programming that is biblically centered: 100%• Educational programming that helps youth clarify values and beliefs: 99%• Programming that involves youth in serving others: 99%• Providing fellowship opportunities for youth to have fun in Christian setting: 97%• Youth choirs or other kinds of musical groups: 80% (36% high

priority, 44% moderate priority)• Including the youth in the worship service: 90% (48% high priority, 42% moderate priority)


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Interest in program events for adults

For Christian education geared toward adults, participants were asked to identify whether they would attend if the more or better programs were offered.

By far, respondents were most interested in study groups with the Bible and theology (80.95%) and least interested in literary/cultural groups. Table 7 below shows the overall interests of theparticipants.

Adult program interests WouldAttend

Would Not

AttendStudy groups with the Bible and theology 80.95% 19.05%Study and discussion groups dealing with contemporary issues, topics, and problems

59.62% 40.38%

Prayer, meditation, and spirituality groups 50.96% 49.04%

Support groups in which members share with each other at the level of feelings and personal experience

38.10% 61.90%

Fellowship events or hobby groups 62.86% 37.14%Evangelistic outreach and visitation groups 50.00% 50.00%Social concern groups for planning and working on projects directed at community or social issues/problems

59.05% 40.95%

Recreation/athletic activities 40.38% 59.62%Literary/culture groups 23.08% 76.92%

Groups and classes that explore marriage, the family, and parenting issues

48.57% 51.43%

Table 7. Interests in programs for adults (n = 105)[Not all 105 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 104-105.]

Best times for adult programs

Participants were asked to select the three best times for attending adult programs. Figure 23 shows that these members’ best time slots would Sunday mornings, weekday evenings, or Sunday evenings.


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Figure 23. Three best times for adult programs (n = 106)

Worst times for adult programs

The participants’ worst times for attending programs were weekday mornings, weekday afternoons, and Saturday mornings. See Figure 24 below.

Figure 24. Three worst times for adult programs (n = 106)


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Giving/Stewardship DevelopmentIn this survey section, participants were asked to evaluate the stewardship development program, particularly about priorities to encourage giving and priorities for using funds raised in excess of budgeted amounts. The results are depicted in Figures 25 and 26.

Priorities for encouraging church giving

Members are supportive of strong appeals from the pulpit to encourage giving (83%). As reflected in earlier survey responses, these participants give priority to adult education programs on the meaning of Christian giving and stewardship (89%).

Figure 25. Priorities for encouraging church giving program (n = 108)[Not all 108 answered both questions; responses on one item totaled 106.]


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Priorities for use of excess/abundant gift funding

If the church were able to raise significantly more money than currently budgeted, participants prioritize increased support for community and social services programs over denominational or world mission support. Figure 26 shows these response percentages.

Figure 26. Priorities for use of excess/additional gift funding (n = 108)[Not all 108 answered each question; responses on one item totaled 106.]


40

OutreachIn evaluating the evangelism and outreach program of the church, participants prioritized efforts to share the “good news” of the Gospel and to recruit new members for the church. They responded to questions about the church’s need to increase outreach and their personal willingness to get involved in that endeavor. Participants were also asked about their preference for receiving the church newsletter.

Priorities for evangelism and recruitment

Figure 27 shows how participants feel about priorities for evangelism and recruitment. High to moderate priorities include:

• Stressing from the pulpit the importance of members inviting others to visit our church:

84%• Appeals to members to make a personal witness about their faith to others: 92%• Mailing church literature to newcomers in your community: 79%• Pastoral or lay visits to newcomers in your community: 84%• The use of a church website: 78%


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Figure 27. Priorities for sharing the “good news” of the Gospel and recruiting new members (n = 108)[Not all 108 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 105-108.]


41

Need for improving or increasing outreach

As a group, participants think that the church needs to improve or increase outreach to an extent.

Figure 28. Need for church to improve/increase outreach efforts (n = 106)


42

Willingness to become more involved in outreach

Along with their support of more outreach activity, participants express a willingness to become more personally involved in the effort as seen in Figure 29 below.

Figure 29. Willingness to get involved in church outreach work (n = 108)


43

Preference for church newsletter format

The participants in this survey prefer to receive their copy of the church newsletter via email. See the other preferences in the chart in Figure 30 below.

Figure 30. Preference for church newsletter format (n = 109)


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EvangelismThis section of the questionnaire asked respondents to recall the reasons why they were originally attracted to the church and the reasons that keep them as part of the church. Respondents were permitted to select more than one reason for each question. The results for this section are in Figures 31 and 32.

Reasons for originally coming to this church

The reason that originally attracted members to the church was the minister (56.48%). Other reasons and the percentages are rank ordered in Figure 31.

Figure 31. Reasons that originally attracted member to this church (n = 108)


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Reasons for remaining at this church

When asked to select the reasons for staying at this church, 71% of the respondents chose the worship style. The minister is also an important reason to stay with 57.94%. Figure 32 outlines the remainder of the reasons.

Figure 32. Reasons that keep member as part of this church (n = 107)


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Religious Beliefs and Personal PracticesQuestions in this section were about members’ view of the Bible, their level of agreement with belief statements, and how often they engage in specific practices. Figure 33 and Tables 8 and 9 providethe breakdown of responses.

View of the Bible

There were 5 statements referring to the Bible for the participants to choose from. They were asked which one of the statements best expresses their view of the Bible. The two highest responses were:

• The Bible is the actual Word of God and is to be taken literally: 51%• The Bible is the inspired Word of God, and its basic moral and

religious teaching are clear and true, even if it reflects some human error: 46%

Figure 33. Statement that best expresses member view of Bible (n = 107)


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Level of agreement with belief statements

Participants were then asked their level of agreement or disagreement with 7 belief statements shown in Table 8.

Clearly, the respondents agree with statements about belief in Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation and the resurrection of Jesus as an actual event. They less strongly believe that the Bible has answers for life’s basic questions. These members express less certainty and more disagreementwith social justice being at the heart of the Gospel. Other more mixed views are in the table below.

Belief statements StronglyAgree

Agree Neutral or Unsure

Disagree StronglyDisagree

There is no other way to salvation but through belief in Jesus Christ

93.40% 4.72% 0.00% 1.89% 0.00%

Human beings have developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life

1.89% 9.43% 18.87% 11.32% 58.49%

Jesus' resurrection from the dead was an actual

96.26% 1.87% 0.93% 0.93% 0.00%

All religions are equally good ways of helping a person find ultimate truth

0.94% 8.49% 16.98% 20.75% 52.83%

The Bible has answers for all the basic questions of

74.77% 18.69%

3.74% 2.80% 0.00%

Social justice is at the heart of the Gospel

17.92% 27.36%

26.42% 12.26% 16.04%

It is often difficult to live out my faith in daily work, leisure, and community life

6.60% 36.79%

6.60% 34.91% 15.09%

Table 8. Level of agreement with belief statements (n = 107)[Not all 107 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 106-107.]


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Engagement in personal practices

The last block of questions in this section was about frequency of particular personal practices. Members rated how often they spent time engaging in devotional readings, using the Internet, using email, viewing social media, looking at religious Internet sites, and volunteering in communityservice. Those results are in Table 9 below.

Personal practices Daily Few Times

a

Once aWeek

Few Times

a

Seldom or Never

Spending time in private devotional activity such as prayer, meditation, reading the Bible or other spiritual books

45.79%

37.38% 3.74% 10.28% 2.80%

Using the Internet/Web at home, office, or school

82.08%

9.43% 0.00% 2.83% 5.66%

Using email 79.63%

8.33% 2.78% 1.85% 7.41%

Viewing your social media account on Facebook

56.48%

14.81% 4.63% 0.93% 23.15%

Looking at/visiting religiousInternet sites

8.49% 22.64% 12.26%

23.58% 33.02%

Volunteering your time in social/community service

4.67% 16.82% 20.56%

32.71% 25.23%

Table 9. Frequency of engagement in particular personal practices (n = 108)[Not all 108 answered each question; responses on each item ranged from 106-108.]

As a group, these participants frequently use the Internet and email. They engage in private devotional time. They use social media regularly. Most of the respondents volunteer in the community. Many look at religious Internet sites.


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Appendix AList of Figures and TablesFiguresFigure1. Membership status .......................................................................................................................... 7Figure 2. Distance traveled to church .......................................................................................................... 8Figure 3. Frequency of worship attendance ................................................................................................ 9Figure 4. Membership in church committees and groups ......................................................................10Figure 5. Level of involvement in church membership .........................................................................11Figure 6. Reasons for increased involvement in church membership .................................................12Figure 7. Reasons for decreased involvement in church membership ................................................13Figure 8. Invitations extended to other people or families ....................................................................13Figure 9. Number of closest friends who attend this church ................................................................14Figure 10. Church identity based on history and tradition versus contemporary ideas ....................20Figure 11. Church members’ identity as similar to area residents versus dissimilar ..........................21Figure 12. Church as very involved with close community versus not involved ...............................22Figure 13. Church serving own membership versus serving others in the world ..............................23Figure 14. Church as one family versus association of individuals and groups ..................................24Figure 15. Church reputation as prestigious versus not as a status church .........................................25Figure 16. Church approach to social issues as educational versus activist ........................................26Figure 17. Church approach to individual salvation as gradual growth versus conversion ..............27Figure 18. Satisfaction with particular aspects of worship service ........................................................31Figure 19. Preference for worship start time ............................................................................................32Figure 20. Satisfaction with aspects of Christian Education program .................................................33Figure 21. Priorities for Christian education for children (0-5th grade) ..............................................34Figure 22. Priorities for Christian education for youth (grades 6-12) ..................................................35Figure 23. Three best times for adult programs ......................................................................................37Figure 24. Three worst times for adult programs ....................................................................................37


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Figure 25. Priorities for encouraging church giving program ................................................................38Figure 26. Priorities for use of excess/additional gift funding ..............................................................39Figure 27. Priorities for sharing the “good news” of the Gospel and recruiting new members .....40Figure 28. Need for church to improve/increase outreach efforts ......................................................41Figure 29. Willingness to get involved in church outreach work ..........................................................42Figure 30. Preference for church newsletter format ...............................................................................43Figure 31. Reasons that originally attracted member to this church ....................................................44Figure 32. Reasons that keep member as part of this church ................................................................45Figure 33. Statement that best expresses member view of Bible ..........................................................46

TablesTable 1. Satisfaction with emphasis on church task performance .................................................. 15-16Table 2. Best overall task performed .........................................................................................................16Table 3. Task most needing strengthened ................................................................................................17Table 4. Organizational characteristics and issues and this church ......................................................19Table 5. Importance of qualities that make a good worship service .............................................. 28-29Table 6. Importance of qualities that make a good sermon ..................................................................30Table 7. Interests in programs for adults ..................................................................................................36Table 8. Level of agreement with belief statements ................................................................................47Table 9. Frequency of engagement in particular personal practices .....................................................48


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Appendix BSurvey Instrument

Welcome and thank you for participating in the First Baptist Church Chanute survey and needs assessment! By completing this questionnaire, we want to assess who we are, what and how we are doing, and where we see ourselves going as a church.

Below is a list of questions you may have about this survey.

Who can take this survey?You must be at least 15 years old to complete this survey. We ask that you have each member of your household age 15 years old or older complete the survey for themselves. Please do not complete the survey on behalf of someone else.

Why should I do this questionnaire?We want to know about our members' thoughts, needs, and ideas. Completing this survey ensures that your views have been heard, and it will give us a baseline from which to measure whether we are moving in directions that we as a church think are important.

Where do I take the survey?This survey is available electronically and on paper. You can complete the survey at this online site using a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Please complete it in one sitting; it will take you about 20 minutes to complete. If you complete the paper survey, please return it to the church so that your responses can be entered into the computer.

What kind of questions will be asked?Questions are in these categories: Your church participationTypical tasks of the churchOur organization's characteristicsOur church's identityOur worshipEvaluating our educational programs, our giving, and our outreachYour religious beliefs and personal practicesYour background information

Are my answers private and confidential?Yes! We do not ask for your name, nor do you give your name anywhere on the survey. Your information is private, secure, and anonymous. All of the responses will be collected and totaled in a way that shows us how our members responded overall. There is no way to track individual responses back to you.

What if I don't like the questions or don't see a choice that is right for me? We have selected questions that will give us a better understanding of our church membership and your views. When answering this survey, please check the appropriate box or supply the required information as indicated. If answering questions with a limited number of choices, please choose the answer that comes closest to the right answer for you, even if it does not fit perfectly. Unanswered items reduce the usefulness of the inventory. Please try to answer every question; do not skip questions or leave them blank.

Where did this questionnaire come from and where will my answers go?This survey instrument was adapted and modified from a survey developed by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research in Connecticut. An Organizational Leadership professor with Purdue University in Richmond, Indiana, is helping us by collecting your responses and entering paper questionnaires in the Qualtrics system and will be providing a final report once all of the surveys are submitted. She has conducted research and will ensure that all of your answers are anonymous, confidential, and secure.

Proceed to the survey!

FBCC Questionnaire 1

How long have you been a member of this local church? Not a member Less than 2 years 2 - 4 years 5 - 9 years 10 - 19 years 20 or more years

How long does it usually take you to travel from home to church? 5 minutes or less 6 - 10 minutes 11 - 15 minutes 16 - 30 minutes 31 - 44 minutes 45 or more minutes

On the average, about how many times have you attended church worship during the past year? None About once or twice a year Once or twice every three months About once a month About two or three times a month Four times a month or more

In how many church organizations, committees, and groups do you hold membership(not counting your membership in the church itself)? None One Two Three Four or more

Has your involvement in the church membership increased, decreased, or remained about the same in the last few years? Increased Remained the same Decreased


If your participation has INCREASED, which of the following are reasons for that? (Check all that apply): More time available Because of children Accepted office or other new responsibility in the church Better health Stronger faith More positive attitude toward our church

If your participation has DECREASED, which of the following are reasons for that? (Check all that apply): Less time available Because of children Given up office or other new responsibility in the church Health problems Decreased faith More negative attitude toward our church

How many persons or families have you invited to visit or join the church in the past year? None One Two Three Four or more

How many of your closest friends attend this church? None One Two Three Four or more


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 your church needs to give it more emphasis; whether you are very or generally satisfied with your church's current performance of the task; or whether you feel the task currently receives too much emphasis.

Needs More Generally Receives Too

Emphasis Very Satisfied Satisfied MuchEmphasis

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

2. Providing worship that expresses theGospel incontemporary language and forms

3. Helping members deepen their personal, spiritual relationship with God

4. Engaging in acts of charity and service topersons in need

5. Providing a caring ministry for the sick,shut-ins, and the bereaved

6. Providing pastoral counseling to help members deal with personal problems

7. Providing fellowship opportunities formembers

8. Helping members understand their use ofmoney, time, and talents as expressions of Christian stewardship and giving

9. Supporting the global mission of thechurch/denomination

10. Helping members discover their own giftsfor ministry and service


Overall, which ONE task does your church do BEST? 1. Offering worship that provides a meaningful experience of God and the Christian tradition 2. Providing worship that expresses the Gospel in contemporary language and forms 3. Helping members deepen their personal, spiritual relationship with God 4. Engaging in acts of charity and service to persons in need 5. Providing a caring ministry for the sick, shut-ins, and the bereaved 6. Providing pastoral counseling to help members deal with personal problems 7. Providing fellowship opportunities for members 8. Helping members understand their use of money, time, and talents as expressions of

Christian stewardship and giving 9. Supporting the global mission of the church/denomination 10. Helping members discover their own gifts for ministry and service

For the sake of your own personal involvement in your church, which ONE task would you most like to see strengthened? 1. Offering worship that provides a meaningful experience of God and the Christian tradition 2. Providing worship that expresses the Gospel in contemporary language and forms 3. Helping members deepen their personal, spiritual relationship with God 4. Engaging in acts of charity and service to persons in need 5. Providing a caring ministry for the sick, shut-ins, and the bereaved 6. Providing pastoral counseling to help members deal with personal problems 7. Providing fellowship opportunities for members 8. Helping members understand their use of money, time, and talents as expressions of

Christian stewardship and giving 9. Supporting the global mission of the church/denomination 10. Helping members discover their own gifts for ministry and service


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 your church? A "Don't Know" response is provided, but please use it only when absolutely necessary.

Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Don'tAgree Disagree Know

1. Members are well informed about what thevarious committees and groups in the church are doing

2. The activities taking place in the church are well publicized to thesurrounding community

3. Study of the needs of the church membershipand the community is regularly undertaken as the basis for church planning

4. Members and groups get a lot of support and encouragement for tryingsomething new in thechurch

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 taskassignments

7. Every member who is capable and interested hasan equal opportunity to hold key leadership positions

8. The theological and biblical implications of important decisions areregularly discussed

9. Important decisions about the life of the churchare rarely made without open discussion by churchleaders and members


Listed below are several alternatives touching upon important dimensions of a church's identity. Using the seven point scale between each set of alternatives, please check the number which best describes where your church falls, "1" meaning most like the characteristic on the left, "7" meaning most like the characteristic on the right, "4" meaning an equal mix of both.

1 History and

Tradition2 3 4 5 6

7Contem- porary Ideas

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

1 SimilarTo 2 3 4 5 6

7 Very Different

From

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

1 VeryInvolved 2 3 4 5 6

7 Not At All

Involved

Our church is very involved OR not at

all involved withthe community

around the church.


1Serving

OurMembers

2 3 4 5 6

7Serving

The World

Our church is primarily oriented

to serving our members OR to serving the world

beyond our membership.

1 One Large Family

2 3 4 5 67 Loose

Knit Associa-

tion

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

1 Known As

Presti- gious

2 3 4 5 67 Not

"Status" Church

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


1 Educa- tional 2 3 4 5 6 7 Activist

Our church's approach to social issues is basically educational, leaving any action to individual conscience OR is decidedly"activist." We take stands on social issues as a congregation.

1GradualGrowth

2 3 4 5 67

Conver- sion

Our church's approach to individual salvation emphasizeseducation, nurture, and gradualgrowth in faith ORstresses conversion and a born-again experience.


For you, personally, how important are each of the following in the mix of qualities that make a good worship service?

VeryImportant/ Not Important/

Needs to Important Not Very Receives Too

Have More Important Much

Emphasis Attention

1. Providing time for members to greet one another

2. Providing worship that is emotionallymoving

3. Providing worship that is intellectuallychallenging

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 worship especially for children

10. Use of new or unfamiliar hymns 11. Corporate prayer in which the entire church membershipparticipates

12. Providing worship at times other thanSunday morning

13. Use of contemporary worship styles, music, and language


For you, personally, how important are each of the following in the mix of qualities that make a good sermon?

Essential Important Not Very DownrightImportant Distracting

1. Sets forth a clear faith position as aguide 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 literaryexamples

5. Is biblically based and uses biblicalexamples

6. Makes me reflect on issues and events that gobeyond my personal life and localcommunity

7. Is challenging and thought-provoking 8. Obviously flows from the depth ofthe preacher's own personal faith and spiritual convictions

9. Is comforting and reassuring 10. Is carefully composed and skillfully delivered

11. Is spiritually moving andinspirational

12. Sets forth various sides of an issue without advocating one position as the only Christian position


Please identify to what extent you are satisfied with the following aspects of your church:

Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied VeryDissatisfied

1. The music (choir, anthems, andinstrumentals) duringSunday worship

2. The church'sSunday worship, other than the music

3. The way your spiritual needs arebeing met in the worship service

If you could choose any time on Sunday morning, what time would you prefer for worship to start? Before 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM or later


How satisfied are you with the following aspects of our Christian Education program?

Very VerySatisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied

Children's program(0 - 5th grade) Youth program (6th- 12th grade) Adult program The total number of people in our education programs

The times and days our programs are held

The training provided ourteachers

In your judgment how high or low a priority would you like each of the following to be for the Christian Education program for children in this church (0 - 5th grade)?

High Moderate Low Don'tPriority Priority Priority No Priority Know

1. Teaching children about the Bible and the church

2. Giving children the feeling that they are loved by God and thechurch

3. Developing in children a sense that Christian love includes respect for and service to others

4. Providing examples of what it means to be aChristian in today'sworld

5. Offering enjoyable fellowship activities 6. Including the children in the worship service


In your judgment how high or low a priority would you like each of the following to be for the Christian Education program for youth of this church (grades 6 - 12)?

High Moderate LowPriority Priority Priority No Priority Don't Know

1. Educational programming thatis biblically centered

2. Educational programming that helps youth clarify values and beliefs

3. Programming that involves youthin serving others

4. Providing fellowshipopportunities for youth to have fun in Christian setting

5. Youth choirs or other kinds of musical groups

6. Including the youth in theworship service


Please identify whether you would attend any of these programs if more or better ones were offered:

Would Attend Would Not Attend1. Study groups with the Bible and theology 2. Study and discussion groups dealing with contemporary issues, topics, andproblems

3. Prayer, meditation, and spirituality groups 4. Support groups in which members share with each other at the level offeelings and personal experience

5. Fellowship events or hobby groups 6. Evangelistic outreach and visitation groups 7. Social concern groups for planning and working on projects directed at community or social issues/problems

8. Recreation/athletic activities 9. Literary/culture groups 10. Groups and classes that explore marriage, the family, and parenting issues

If you were going to attend adult programs, which three of the following are the BESTtimes for you? Weekend Retreat Saturday Morning Weekday Morning Weekday Afternoon Weekday Evening Sunday Morning Sunday Evening

If you were going to attend adult programs, which three of the following are the WORSTtimes for you? Weekend Retreat Saturday Morning Weekday Morning Weekday Afternoon Weekday Evening Sunday Morning Sunday Evening


What priority would you give to the following efforts to encourage the church's giving program?

High Priority Moderate Low Priority No PriorityPriority1. Strong appeals from the pulpit 2. Adult education programs on themeaning of Christian giving and stewardship

If the church were able to raise significantly more money than currently budgeted, how high a priority would you give to the following uses of that money?

High Priority Moderate Low Priority No PriorityPolicy1. Increased support to our denomination 2. Increased support for community socialservice programs

3. Increased support for world missions

In thinking about the many possible ways that the church could use to share the "good news" of the Gospel and to recruit new members for the church, what priority would you give each of the following efforts?

High Moderate Low Priority No PriorityPriority Priority

1. Stressing from the pulpit the importance of members inviting others to visit our church

2. Appeals to members to make a personal witness about their faith to others

3. The use of newspaper advertisements

4. The use of radio or television 5. Mailing church literature to newcomers in your community

6. Pastoral or lay visits to newcomers in your community

7. The use of a church web site


Overall, to what extent do you think your church needs to increase or improve its efforts at outreach? To a great extent To some extent We are doing fine as is We're doing too much now

To what extent would you personally be willing to get more involved in the outreach efforts of your church? To a great extent To a moderate extent To some extent Not at all

What is your preference for receiving the church's newsletter? By email By mail Online on web site No preference

In thinking about what ORIGINALLY attracted you to this church, select from the list below those reasons that best match your reasons for coming. You may select more than one. The Minister My friends are here The church's reputation Adult education program Child and youth program The music program The social outreach The worship style The self-help groups The denominational ties


In thinking about what KEEPS you as part of this church membership, select from the list below those reasons that best match your reasons for coming. You may select more than one. The Minister My friends are here The church's reputation Adult education program Child and youth program The music program The social outreach The worship style The self-help groups The denominational ties

Which one of the following best expresses your view of the Bible? The Bible is an ancient book of history, legends, and cultural stories recorded by man. It has

little value 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 actual Word of God and is to be taken literally.


Please rate your agreement or disagreement with the following belief statements:

Strongly Neutral or StronglyAgree Agree Unsure Disagree Disagree

1. There is no other way to salvation butthrough belief inJesus Christ

2. Human beings have developedover millions ofyears from less advanced forms of life

3. Jesus' resurrection from the dead was anactual event

4. All religions are equally good waysof helping a person find ultimate truth

5. The Bible has answers for all the basic questions of life

6. Social justice is at the heart of theGospel

7. It is often difficult to live out my faith indaily work, leisure, and community life


Please rate how often you engage in the following practices:

Daily Few Times Once a Few Times Seldom or a Week Week a Month Never

Spending time in private devotional activity suchas prayer, meditation, reading the Bible orother spiritual books

Using the Internet/Web at home, office, orschool

Using email Viewing your social media account onFacebook

Looking at/visiting religious Internet sites Volunteering your time in social/community service

In this last section of the questionnaire, please answer questions about yourself.

What is your gender? Male Female

What is your age? 15 - 18 (still in high school) 18 - 19 20 - 24 25 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65 - 74 75 or over


What is your racial/ethnic background? American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Black or African American Hispanic or Latino Mixed/Biracial/Multiracial Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White or Caucasian Other (please specify)

What is your marital status? Single, never married Living in a committed relationship Married Widowed Separated or divorced

Which best describes your current household? One person living alone A couple without children One adult with child/children Two or more adults with child/children Several adults living in the same household

If you have children living at home, how many are in each age group? Age 0 - 5 Age 6 - 12 Age 13 - 18 Age 19 and over

What is your highest level of formal education? Less than high school graduate High school graduate or equivalent/GED Some college, trade, or vocational school Associates/2-year college degree Bachelors/4-year college degree Post-graduate work or Masters degree Professional (J.D., M.D., D.D.S., etc.) or Doctoral degree


What is your employment status? (You may select more than one.) Retired Employed full time outside the home Employed part time outside the home Not currently employed outside the home Stay at home parent or caregiver to a family member Seeking job/employment outside the home Self-employed or independent business owner High School Student College/university student or graduate student

If currently employed, presently job-hunting, or retired, what is/was your occupation? Service worker: police officer, cosmetologist/barber, custodian, restaurant worker, retail

employee, etc. Clerical worker: bookkeeper, administrative assistant, bank teller, mail carrier, telephone

operator, receptionist, etc. Farmer or Rancher Industrial or Labor worker: factory assembly, press operator, production associate, semi-

skilled worker in construction and/or manufacturing, etc. Tradesperson: carpenter, mason, plumber, electrician, machinist, etc. Sales worker: insurance agent, real estate agent, broker, salesperson, etc. Manager or Public Official: city manager, credit officer, buyer, floor or department manager,

etc. Professional or Technical worker: teacher, doctor, lawyer, computer programmer,

accountant, artist, architect, coach, etc. Other (please specify)

Is anyone else in your home employed at least part time? You may select all that apply to you. No Yes, my spouse/parent/significant other Yes, my teenager(s) or adult child(ren) who live in my home Yes, my roommate/friend

What is your approximate household income range? Under $25,000 $25,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $74,999 $75,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 $150,000 or more


How many years have you lived in this general area? One year or less 2 - 4 years 5 - 9 years 10 - 19 years 20 or more years

How likely is it that you might move out of this general area within the next few years? Definitely will move Probably will move Might move (50/50 possibility) Probably will not move Very unlikely to move

In what denomination were you raised? If you were involved with more than one denomination when you were growing up, which one did you have the greatest identification with? Baptist Disciples of Christ Episcopal Lutheran Methodist Presbyterian United Church of Christ Unitarian/Universalist Other Protestant Roman Catholic None Other (please specify)

Thank you for participating in the First Baptist Church Chanute survey!We appreciate your feedback!

Documents

Member Survey & Needs Web viewFrequency of worship attendance. Frequency of worship attendance. Membership in church committees, groups. Membership. in. church. committees, groups