Christ’s Mission in the Palos Verdes Peninsula
A report byMonte SahlinSenior ConsultantCenter for Creative MinistryOctober 2010
Who is Monte Sahlin?An ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister for 40 years who has done assessments of more than 1,000 local churches. He is currently employed by the Ohio Conference after spending two decades at the General Conference and union conference level directing research and development. He teaches in the Doctor of Ministry program at Andrews University and the urban studies program at Eastern Baptist University. He is the author of 20 books, 50 research monographs and many articles.
What is the Center for Creative Ministry?
One of the research and information centers affiliated with the North American Division, the center provides information, resource materials, training and consultants to help local churches develop new approaches to outreach, evangelism and church growth. It provides the Sharing Scripture small group Bible study guides, Friend2Friend training videos and other materials.
Goals of this Study
Understand the status of the Adventist mission in this areaProfile the spiritual life and vitality of the Rolling Hills ChurchFind effective ways to reach the communityProvide information for future planning and problem-solving
Outline
Background & trendsThe mission fieldCongregational surveyAnalysis & recommendations
BackgroundIn the late 1950s Glenn Goffer, pastor of the Torrance Church lived in Rolling Hills Estates (before it was incorpor-ated as a municipality in 1967)In 1955 Bible worker Marjorie Siplestarted a Bible Discussion Luncheon Club on Wednesdays in the home of Bernice Moshus in Rolling Hills Estates
By 1958 attendance averaged 25 to 30 and there had been 22 baptisms
Background
In 1960, when Marjorie Siple died, Pastor Goffer promised here that a church would be built in Rolling Hills
Four acres were purchased
The San Pedro and Wilmington congregations voted to merge and form the new Rolling Hills Church
Background
First Sabbath: September 16, 1967Rented the Methodist Church at 26438 Crenshaw & Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling HillsStarted with 175 members
Pastor: Robert TomlinElders: Dr. Charles Tam, Dr. Ken Steck
Background
By mid-1969 attendance was over 300 and the group moved to the Baptist Church at 28 Moccasin LaneIn 1970 moved to the Unitarian Church at 5621 Montemalaga Drive and Joseph Apigian becomes pastorBegan building a physical plant of its own
Background
Church member Helen Sahlbergspoke at California Federation of Women’s Clubs on May 6, 1970
Mrs. Ronald Reagan (governor’s wife) was in the audience of 1,000
Groundbreaking for church building on September 27, 1970
Mayor A. M. Shemet participated
Background
Two young adults go as student missionaries in 1972-73
Larry Apigian in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe)Wayne Kablanow in Cambodia
Church member Owen Peterson named Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of Torrance in 1972
City attorney for Torrance and faculty at El Camino College
Background
Open house for completed building on December 20, 1975
Speaker: Dr. Graham Maxwell, chair of the School of Religion, Loma Linda Univ
1977 – Member Fred Chang chosen for California Young Artists Guild1980 – East-West Language School opens second campus at church
Background
1982 – Cindi-Sue Berth becomes youth pastor (one of the first women in the Adventist ministry in the current era)1992 – Member Janet Lui becomes leader of prayer ministries for Southern California Conference during Mega LA campaign
Membership & Accessions
Total Yearly Tithe
$177,896
$172,735
$176,600 $182,936
$164,702 $165,599
$216,600
$208,116
$315,277
$272,505
$310,238
$336,778
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Membership Audit
Inactive26%
Shut-in or away4%
Moved14%
Attend regularly
56%
Rolling Hills Estates as a Mission Field
Rolling Hills Estates is a suburb of Los Angeles incorporated as a municipality in 1967It has a population of 26,552 people who live in about 10,000 householdsOne Adventist for 530 people
USA: 1 to 305New Guinea: 1 to 25Zambia: 1 to 22Jamaica: 1 to 14Belize: 1 to 10
Who are the people living in this community?
Gray area = 5 other segments with very small
numbers.
“Traditional Affluent Families”
These are the wealthiest households in America with a median household income three times the national average. Most heads of households are 40 to 64 years of age—educated professionals.Highly rated community needs: Social justice, aging parents, time for recreation, finding life direction and retirement opportunities.Involvement in religion is average, although belief in God is significantly below average. High percentages of Presbyterians, Jews, Episcopal, Unitarian, United Church of Christ, Orthodox.Want churches with art, music, etc.; theological discussions, thoughtful worship style.
“Secure Mid-Life Families”These are well-educated middle management, professors, etc., who own high-value homes. They travel a lot and own a video camera.Below average in religious involvement & belief. More likely to be New Age, Episcopal, Jewish, Presbyterian or United Church of Christ.High areas of need: friendship, social justice, substance abuse, retirement opportunities. They like churches that offer Marriage Enrichment, Divorce Recovery, Spiritual Retreats, traditional music, cultural programs.
“Educated Mid-Life Families”
Middle-aged, well-educated, higher incomes; mostly two-career families with working wives.Less likely to be involved with religion or believe in God, but with above average percentages involved in Eastern religions, Unitarian, Jewish, Presbyterian and United Church of Christ.High need areas: fulfilling marriage, aging parents, good schools, parenting issues, time.Prefer a traditional, formal and intellectually-stimulating style of worship, as well as churches that provide Marriage Enrichment, cultural programs, sports or camping.
2015 is an estimate
Population Growth
Age Groups
Ethnic Profile
Immigrants
Housing
Education
Married
Special Needs
Median Household Income
Poverty
Cost of Housing
$3,362
$1,427
$546$402
Median monthlymortgage
Median monthlyrent/lease
Rolling HillsNational
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
Religious Preferences of Local Residents
Other12%
Evangelical20%
Protestant22%
Catholic22%
No religion24%
Religious Involvement of Local Residents
0%5%
10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%
Strongly Involved SomewhatInvolved
Not Involved
Rolling Hills National
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
Religious Involvement of Local Residents
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Increased Involvement inLast 10 Years
Decreased Involvement inLast 10 Years
Rolling Hills National
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
Top Needs in the Community
56% Achieving financial security42% Maintaining personal health34% Dealing with stress32% Finding time for recreation27% Neighborhood crime & safety26% Obtaining better quality health care25% Finding good schools24% Achieving a fulfilling marriage
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
Needs in the Community
22% Caring for aging parents22% Getting health insurance21% Day-to-day financial worries19% Planning retirement opportunities18% Finding friends17% Dealing with social injustice17% Finding a satisfying job/career17% Finding direction in my life
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
Needs in the Community
17% Dealing with racial/ethnic prejudice16% Alcohol/drug addiction15% Problems with school15% Developing parenting skills13% Finding any job11% Dealing with neighborhood gangs
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
Low-priority Needs in the Community
9% Abusive relationships9% Finding affordable housing8% Finding a good church8% Finding spiritual teaching7% Getting an education5% Affordable child care3% Dealing with divorce3% Obtaining adequate food
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
Church Programs People Want
33% Family activities & outings33% Youth activities33% Music/art/drama programs32% Active retirement program29% Bible study & prayer group21% Doctrinal study group16% Family & personal counseling13% Marriage enrichment seminar12% Care for the terminally ill10% Spiritual retreats
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
Church Programs People Want
8% Sports or camping7% Food & clothing for the needy6% Parent training class5% Church school (day school)4% Day care2% 12-step group for addictions2% Divorce Recovery program
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
Church Program Preferences Index
22
-15-19
-27
Recreation Personaldevelopment
Spiritualdevelopment
Social services
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
How I prefer for churchesto contact me …
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Door to door
Telemarketing
Phone for a visit
Cable TV
Radio spots
Newpaper ads
Direct mail
Yes
No
Source: Percept Group, Inc.
Survey of CongregationA standard questionnaire was distributed during worship on three Sabbaths in October 2009.A total of 111 usable questionnaires were returned which represents 91% of average attendance on those three Sabbaths—a response rate well above minimum professional standards and a reliable sample.
Age groups by generation
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Before Boomers Baby Boom Gen X Millennial
Congregation Community
Gender
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Men WomenCongregation Community
Occupations
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Professionalmanagerial
Technical Retail sales,clerical
Blue Collar Unemployed
Congregation Community
Occupations
18%
10%
5%2%
10%
3%7%
46%
Professionalmanagerial
Technical Retail sales,clerical
Blue Collar Unemployed Full-timehomemaker
Full-timestudent
Retired
Level of education
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
No secondarydiploma
Secondarydiploma
College degree Graduatedegree
Congregation Community
Marital status
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Married Never married Divorced Widowed
Congregation Community
Ethnicity
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Asian Black Hispanic White Others
Congregation Community
Citizenship at birth
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
USA OthersCongregation Community
Attendance
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
None One out of lastfour weeks or less
Two out of lastfour weeks
Three or four outof last four weeks
Rolling Hills Church U.S. Adventist Churches
Church Membership
Not13%
Adventist Church member
87%
Tenure as a Baptized Adventist
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Less than 5 years Five to 10 years 11 to 20 years More than 20years
Rolling Hills Church U.S. Adventist Churches
Raised by an Adventist parent
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Yes NoRolling Hills Church U.S. Adventists
How much does worship at this church help you with everyday life?
Some33%
Not much10%
Greatly57%
Assurance of Salvation
86%
14%
88%
12%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Certain or very certain Not certain
Rolling Hills Church North American Adventists
*Mission in Metropolis, p 110
Conversations with Coworkers about their Personal or Family Needs or Spiritual Topics
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Almost daily Once a week Once in a while Never
Rolling Hills Church Metropolitan Adventists*
Church Involvement
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Has a ministry role Attends SS class Participates in asmall group
Gave Bible studies
Rolling Hills Church North American Adventists
Evaluation of Worship
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Attendance
Songs we sing
Music
Children's story
Warmth of people
Sermons
Order of service
Visual aids
Excellent Uncertain Poor
Evaluation of Sermons
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Addressing social problems
Encouraging witnessing
Stimulating thought
Relevance to everyday life
Encouraging spiritual growth
Bible content
Do very well Fairly well Not at all
Perceptions of Rolling Hills Church
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
New people are easily assimilated
Has a clear sense of mission
Activities strengthen personal relationships
This church is grace-oriented
Programs are well organized
This church is warm & friendly
Members are excited about the future
Describes very well Not sure Describes poorly or not at all
Strong sense of belongingto Rolling Hills Church
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Yes andgrowing
Yes, butthe same
Yes, butless so
No, but Iam new
No, wishI did
No, thatis OK
Rolling Hills Church U.S. Adventists
Involvement in making important decisions
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Givenopportunity &
oftenparticipate
Givenopportunity &occasionallyparticipate
Givenopportunity, but did notparticipate
Not givenopportunity,
but that is OK
Not givenopportunity &
unhappy
Rolling Hills Church U.S. Adventists
Overall Evaluation
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Community service
Church board
Help for individuals
Evangelism
Small groups
Pastoral leadership
Worship
Youth group
Children's ministries
Parking
Excellent Uncertain Poor
On what basis do youfigure your tithe?
17%
7%
32%
44%
I do not titheregularly
After major livingexpenses
Net income aftertithe
Gross incomebefore taxes
Giving Styles
Intentional Givers23%
Habitual Givers26%
Reactive Givers51%
*Personal contact by relatives, work associates,
acquaintances
Observed to be Most Effective Methods to Bring in New Members
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Community health
Revelation Seminar
Community service
Family life seminars
Public evangelism
Youth/children's ministry
Friendship Evangelism*
U.S. Adventists Rolling Hills Church
*Personal contact by relatives, work associates,
acquaintances
2 - Observed to be Most Effective Methods to Bring in New Members
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Other
Media ministries
Music concerts
Door-to-door contacts
Literature
Small groups
Bible studies
Friendship Evangelism*
U.S. Adventists Rolling Hills Church
How Far is Your Home from the Church You Attend?
22%28%
6%
33%
44%
9%
35%
23%
Same ZipCode
DifferentZip, Same
Area
SameCounty
DifferentCounty
Rolling Hills Church U.S. Adventists
What major needs in the community should Rolling Hills Church address?
9%
3%
8%
9%
12%
24%
44%
Other needs
Increase visibility of church
Family life & MH
Friendship
Unemployment, economy
Health needs
Religious/spiritual needs
Nine out of ten Rolling Hills Church members are willing to get personally involved in some kind of community outreach.
Community Ministries: Willing to get Personally Involved – Pt 1
13%
14%
14%
18%
21%
26%
29%
32%
Tutoring program
Family counseling
Stress control seminar
Free medical clinic
Disaster response team
Weight loss support group
Health screening events
Health education classes
Community Ministries: Willing to get Personally Involved – Pt 2
7%
11%
11%
11%
11%
12%
12%
12%
Youth drop-in center
12-step group
Job training
Job-finding program
Diabetes support group
Thrift store
Homeless shelter
Parenting classes
Theory of Congregational Life Span from Research
Plateau for 25-40 years
Early Growth First 25-40
years
Slow decline over 50years
Analysis
Research has shown that growth in Adventist churches comes from:
Community involvementRich spiritualityIntentionality (goals, planning)A positive atmosphere in congregationActivities for the unchurched on Sabbath
An Adventist Missional Paradigm
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”
• The Ministry of Healing, page 143
Recommendations
Provide Friendship Evangelism training for the entire congregation to encourage more informal sharing of faith with acquaintances in the community.Study how to expand the small group ministries of the church and make them more accessible to non-members.
More Recommendations
Consider conducting an experiment with a small-groups approach to public evangelism.Develop a plan to expand the community health outreach of the church to meet this major need in the community.
More Recommendations
Find a way to open up the Pathfinder, Adventurer and related programs to children in the community.
To Contact Monte Sahlin
[email protected](800) 272-4664
© 2010, Center for Creative Ministry