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Page 1: Christ’s Mission in the Palos Verdes Peninsula - …circle.adventist.org/files/icm/gcresearch/PalosVerdes.pdf · Christ’s Mission in the Palos Verdes Peninsula A report by

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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“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.

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2015 is an estimate

Population Growth

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Age Groups

Ethnic Profile

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Immigrants

Housing

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Education

Married

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Special Needs

Median Household Income

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Poverty

Cost of Housing

$3,362

$1,427

$546$402

Median monthlymortgage

Median monthlyrent/lease

Rolling HillsNational

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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%

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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

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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

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*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

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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

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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

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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

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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%

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*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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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