Metropolitan Baptist Church Planning Inventory

Transcription

1 Metropolitan Baptist Church Planning Inventory INTRODUCTION The members of the Metropolitan Baptist Church will take this planning inventory survey to gain a better understanding of the Metro Experience. Completing this questionnaire will help us reflect and assess who we are in faith and where we see ourselves going as a church family. Additionally, this informal church planning survey will help to determine the effectiveness of our congregation s current/future ministry, reflect on our involvement in church, offer input on pastoral leadership and share our vision for the Metropolitan Baptist Church. We ask that each member of your household over the age of 17 complete the survey. Briefly think about each question as you read it. Then honestly answer the questions by placing a check in the box, or supply the required information as indicated, that BEST describes you as a Metropolitan Baptist Church member. 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. It is important that everyone participate in this survey! Members of Partners in Education for Church and Community (PECC), the Christian Education Program for Metro, will be available for any questions you may have. After completing the paper survey please return it to any member of Partners in Education for Church and Community (PECC) so that your responses can be entered into the computer. Your responses are anonymous. Thank you for your cooperation. We hope you enjoy filling out the questionnaire and that in addition to assisting our church, you find this process helpful in reflecting on your faith, the meaning of your church experience, and your hopes for the future. 1

2 MBC Church Involvement 1. I have been a member of MBC [] 1 year or less [] 2 4 years [] 5-9 years [] years [] 20 or more years 2. It takes me minutes to travel from home to MBC. [] less than 5 minutes [] minutes [] minutes [] 5 10 minutes [] minutes [] 45 minutes or more 3. Over the past year, how often did you attend worship services at MBC? [] Once a month or less [] Two to three times a month [] Four times a month or more 4. How many ministries, organizations and/or committees are you a member of? [] 0 [] 1 [] 2 [] 3 [] 4 or more 5. Has your participation in MBC increased, decreased, or remained the same in the past three years? [] Increased [] Decreased [] Remained the same 6. If you answered either increased or decreased above, please indicate the reason for your answer? [] More time [] Less time [] Deeper faith [] Declining faith [] Improved health [] Health concerns [] Positive attitude [] Negative attitude [] More responsibilities [] Fewer responsibilities [] Child care problems Other 2

3 MBC Church Involvement (Cont.) 7. In one year, about how much does your household give to MBC? [] Less than $100 [] $1,000 - $2,000 [] $ $5,000 [] $100 - $500 [] $2,000 - $3,000 [] $5,000 - $10,000 [] $500 - $1,000 [] $3,000 - $4,000 [] $10,000 or more 8. In the past year, how many persons have you invited to visit or join MBC? [] 0 [] 1 [] 2 [] 3 [] 4 or more 9. How many of your friends are members of MBC? [] None [] One [] Two [] Three [] Four or more 10. Would you prefer to receive MBC s newsletter by mail or or do you not have a preference? [] Mail [] [] No preference Select from the list below the reasons that best match your reasons for coming to MBC. You may select more than one. 1. The Minister [ ] 2. The reputation of MBC [ ] 3. My friends are here [ ] 4. The worship style [ ] 5. The adult education program [ ] 6. The children and youth program [ ] 7. The social outreach [ ] 8. The music program [ ] 9. The self-help groups [ ] 10. The denominational ties [ ] Other Select from the list below the reasons that best match your reasons for remaining at MBC. You may select more than one. 1. The Minister [ ] 2. The reputation of MBC [ ] 3. My friends are here [ ] 4. The worship style [ ] 5. The adult education program [ ] 6. The children and youth program [ ] 7. The social outreach [ ] 8. The music program [ ] 9. The self-help groups [ ] 10. The denominational ties [ ] Other 3

4 MBC Goals and Objectives Below are some of the goals and objectives that MBC aims to accomplish. Do you feel your congregation needs to give more or less attention to each of the following? Needs more attention Needs less attention 1. Offering worship that provides a [] [] meaningful experience with God and the Christian faith 2. Offering worship that expresses [] [] the Gospel in contemporary language and forms 3. Providing faith development curricula [] [] for children through adults 4. Teaching and encouraging members [] [] to deepen their personal spiritual relationship with God 5. Spreading the good news of the [] [] Gospel to the unchurched 6. Participating in acts of charity [] [] and providing services to persons in need 7. Challenging members to act on [] [] the relationship of their Christian faith to social, political, and economic issues 8. Ministering to the sick, shut-in, [] [] and bereaved 9. Making pastoral counseling [] [] available to members to help them deal with personal problems 10. Planning fellowship opportunities [] [] for members 11. Teaching members how to use money, [] [] time and talents as expressions of Christian stewardship 12. Promoting the global mission of [] [] the church/denomination 13. Helping members to discover their [] [] own gifts for ministry and service 14. Sharing in activities and programs [] [] with other local religious groups 15. Promoting our denominational [] [] heritage and tradition Overall, which one objective do you think MBC does best? Personally, which one objective would you most like to see strengthened? 4

5 Organizational Characteristics of MBC In order to carry out its mission, every church must deal with organizational issues, such as resource development, information sharing and decision making. Listed below are several statements describing some of these issues. Indicate whether you agree or disagree that each statement describes MBC. A Don t Know response is provided, but use only when necessary. Agree Disagree Don t Know 1. Are members well informed about what the [] [] [] various committees and groups in the church are doing? 2. Are the activities taking place in the congregation [] [] [] well publicized to the surrounding community? 3. Are studies of the needs of the congregation and [] [] [] the community regularly undertaken as the basis for church planning? 4. Do members and groups get a lot of support and [] [] [] encouragement for trying something new in the congregation? 5. Are members encouraged to discover their particular [] [] [] gifts for ministry and service? 6. Are church leaders provided the training they need for [] [] [] their committee and task assignments? 7. Do you believe every member who is capable and [] [] [] interested has an equal opportunity to hold key leadership positions? 8. Are important church decisions biblically based [] [] [] and regularly discussed with the congregation? 9. Do you believe important decisions about the [] [] [] life of the church are rarely made without open discussion by church leaders and members? 10. Do you believe disagreements and conflicts [] [] [] are dealt with openly rather than hushed up or hidden behind closed doors? 11. Do you believe it is easy to summarize for [] [] [] visitors and non-members how our congregation differs from other congregations in the area? 12. Do members help each other in times of [] [] [] trouble? 13. Do you believe cooperative programs with [] [] [] churches of other denominations are highly valued in MBC? 14. Do you believe the current morale of [] [] [] MBC membership is high? 15. Do you believe there is a sense of excitement [] [] [] among members about MBC future? 5

6 Congregational Identity of MBC Listed below are options related to any church s identity. Please select the answer which best describes where MBC falls. History and Tradition Contemporary Ideas Mixture of Both 1. Is MBC more influenced by history and [] [] [] tradition OR by contemporary ideas and trends? Similar To Very Different Mixture of Both 2. Are MBC members similar to OR very [] [] [] different from the people who live near the church? Very Involved Not Involved Mixture of Both 3. Is MBC very involved OR not at all [] [] [] involved with the community around the church? Serving Our Members Serving the World Mixture of Both 4. Is MBC primarily oriented to serving our [] [] [] members OR to serving the world beyond our membership? One Large Family Loose Knit Association Mixture of Both 5. Does MBC members feel like one large [] [] [] family OR like a loosely knit association of individuals and groups? Known as Prestigious Not Status Church Mixture of Both 6. Is MBC known as a prestigious church in the [] [] [] area OR is it not considered one of the status churches in the area? Educational Activist Mixture of Both 7. Is MBC s approach to social issues basically [] [] [] educational (leaving any action to individual conscience) OR is it decidedly activist (standing on social issues as a congregation)? Gradual Growth Conversion Mixture of Both 8. Does MBC s approach to individual salvation [] [] [] emphasize education, nurture and gradual growth in faith OR stresses conversion and a born-again experience? Strong Denominational Difficult to Know Mixture of Both 9. Does MBC express its denominational [] [] [] identity and heritage OR is it difficult to recognize to which denomination the the congregation belongs? Create Partnerships Work by Ourselves Mixture of Both 10. Does MBC strive to create partnerships [] [] [] with other local churches, through other denominational organizations OR prefer to work by itself? 6

7 Congregational Identity of MBC (Cont.) Please rate the following statements looking at MBC's overall identity and vision. Agree Disagree 1. MBC s identity, as it is, is one with which I feel comfortable. [] [] 2. I find it easy to tell my friends what is unique about MBC. [] [] 3. You have a clear understanding about what MBC stands for. [] [] 4. An effective effort was made to instruct me in MBC s mission. [] [] 5. As a member, I have a secure sense of belonging to MBC. [] [] 6. As an MBC member, being at this church has positive influence [] [] Worship at MBC How important are each of the following qualities that make a good worship experience? Important Not Important 1. Greeting opportunity prior to service [] [] 2. An emotionally gratifying worship experience [] [] 3. An intellectually challenging worship experience [] [] 4. Observing Holy communion [] [] 5. Member participation in leading worship service [] [] 6. Use of relevant, non-sexist language in the sermon [] [] 7. Use of creeds or statements of faith throughout the service [] [] 8. Silent prayer/meditation during the service [] [] 9. Having parts of the worship especially for children [] [] 10. Use of new and unfamiliar hymns [] [] 11. Use of corporate prayer in the worship service [] [] 12. Offering worship opportunities throughout the week [] [] 13. Use of contemporary worship styles, music and language [] [] 14. Use of prayer, praise and testimony before service [] [] 7

8 Worship at MBC (Cont.) How important are each of the following qualities that make a good sermon? Essential Important Not Important 1. Sets forth a clear faith position as a guide for [] [] [] making decisions and living a faithful life 2. Developed from a clear bible-based authority [] [] [] 3. Relevant to my everyday life [] [] [] 4. Uses appropriate illustrations [] [] [] 5. Is biblically-based and illustrated [] [] [] 6. Encourages reflections on issues and events [] [] [] that go beyond my personal life and local community 7. Is challenging and thought provoking [] [] [] 8. Obviously flows from the depth of the preacher s [] [] [] own personal faith and spiritual convictions 9. Is comforting, reassuring and inspirational [] [] [] 10. Is carefully composed and skillfully delivered [] [] [] 11. Sets forth various sides of an issue without [] [] [] advocating one position as the only Christian position Please identify whether or not you are satisfied with the following aspects of MBC. Satisfied Dissatisfied 1. The music during Sunday worship [] [] 2. The MBC worship experience, other than music [] [] 3. The way your spiritual needs are being met in the worship service [] [] If you could choose any time on Sunday morning, what time would you prefer for worship to start? [] 8:00 am [] 9:00 am [] 10:00 am [] 11:00 am [] Later than 11:00 am 8

9 MBC Evaluation: Christian Education How high or low a priority would you give to the following aspects of a well-developed Christian Education program? High Priority Low Priority No Priority 1. Children s program (0 5 th grade) [] [] [] 2. Youth program (6 th 12 th grade) [] [] [] 3. Adult program including, [] [] [] MBC s Transformation program 4. The total number of people in our [] [] [] education programs 5. The times and days our programs are held [] [] [] 6. The training provided our teachers [] [] [] 7. The use of relevant, timely and challenging [] [] [] materials How high or low a priority would you like each of the following to be for the Christian Education Program for children of MBC (0 5 th grade)? High Priority Low Priority No Priority 1. Teaching children about the Bible and the church [] [] [] 2. Developing in children a sense that Christian love [] [] [] includes respect for and service to others 3. Including the children in the worship service [] [] [] 4. Giving children the feeling that they are loved by [] [] [] God and the church 5. Providing examples of what it means to be a [] [] [] Christian in today s world 6. Offering enjoyable fellowship activities [] [] [] How high or low a priority would you like each of the following to be for the Christian Education Program for youth of MBC (grades 6 12)? High Priority Low Priority No Priority 1. Providing youth with educational programming that is [] [] [] biblically centered 2. Giving youth educational programming that helps youth [] [] [] clarify values and beliefs 3. Offering programming that involves youth in serving others [] [] [] 4. Providing quality fellowship opportunities for youth to have [] [] [] fun in Christian settings 5. Forming youth choirs or other kinds of musical groups [] [] [] 6. Including youth in the worship service [] [] [] 7. Extending youth Christian activities beyond the local community [] [] [] 9

10 MBC Evaluation: Christian Education (Cont.) How high or low a priority would you like each of the following to be for the Christian Education program for adults, including the transformation ministry of MBC? High Priority Low Priority No Priority 1. Study groups dealing with the Bible and theology [] [] [] 2. Prayer, meditation and personal spiritual development [] [] [] 3. Groups and classes that explore marriage, the family and [] [] [] parenting issues 4. Study and discussion groups dealing with contemporary issues, [] [] [] topics and problems 5. Support groups in which members share with each other at the [] [] [] level of feelings and personal experience 6. Fellowship events or hobby groups [] [] [] 7. Evangelistic outreach [] [] [] 8. Social concern groups for planning and working on projects [] [] [] directed at community or social issues/problems 9. Recreation/athletic activities [] [] [] 10. Literary/culture groups [] [] [] Please indicate whether or not you would attend any of these programs at MBC if they were offered. Would Attend Would not attend 1. Study groups dealing with the Bible and theology [] [] 2. Study and discussion groups dealing with contemporary [] [] issues, topics and problems 3. Prayer, meditation and personal spiritual development [] [] 4. Support groups in which members share with each other [] [] at the level of feelings 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 10

11 MBC Evaluation: Stewardship Development Which three of the following are the best times for you to attend MBC adult programs? [] Saturday morning [] Sunday morning [] Sunday evening [] Weekday morning [] Weekday afternoon [] Weekday evening [] Weekend retreat How important would you rank the priority of the following efforts to encourage the congregation s stewardship program? High Priority Low Priority No Priority 1. Offer strong appeals from the pulpit [] [] [] 2. Provide adult education programs on the meaning [] [] [] of Christian stewardship 3. Send mailings to members clearly setting out the [] [] [] reasons for Christian stewardship 4. Encourage sacrificial giving [] [] [] 5. Tithing or proportional giving [] [] [] 6. Fund-raising, such as fairs, bazaars and tag sales [] [] [] 7. Encourage giving to a church endowment through [] [] [] wills and bequests 8. Special giving appeals for a charitable cause or [] [] [] mission effort If the congregation were able to raise significantly more money than currently budgeted, what priority would you give to the following uses of that money? High Priority Low Priority No Priority 1. Give more support to our denomination [] [] [] 2. Give more support for community social services [] [] [] 3. Give more support for world missions [] [] [] 4. Increase current staff salaries [] [] [] 5. Hire additional staff [] [] [] 6. Renovate, enlarge or add to current facilities [] [] [] 7. Increase budget for educational and program materials [] [] [] and resources 8. Begin an endowment or add to an existing one [] [] [] 9. Increase evangelistic efforts and advertising [] [] [] 11

12 MBC Community and Social Outreach How high or low a priority would you give to the following for the way MBC could be involved with community and social issues? High Priority Low Priority No Priority 1. Offering assistance for persons in need [] [] [] 2. Providing meeting space for community groups [] [] [] 3. Encouraging and supporting the pastor s involvement [] [] [] in community and social action groups 4. Highlighting the importance of social, community and [] [] [] world issues from the pulpit and in study groups 5. Organizing groups for social issue advocacy or action [] [] [] 6. Involving interested members in social service, advocacy [] [] [] or other religious programs in the community 7. Donating to denominational, ecumenical and [] [] [] nondenominational programs 8. Helping people to help themselves [] [] [] 9. Promoting peace and justice issues with corporate and [] [] [] government officials 12

13 MBC Evangelistic Outreach To what extent do you think MBC needs to increase or improve its efforts at evangelism? [] To a great extent [] To some extent [] We are doing fine as is [] We are doing too much now To what extent would you be willing to get more involved in the evangelistic efforts of MBC? [] To a great extent [] To a moderate extent [] To some extent [] Not at all Rate the priority of each of the following efforts for spreading the good news of the Gospel. High Priority Low Priority No Priority 1. Stressing from the pulpit the importance of members inviting [] [] [] others to visit MBC 2. Encouraging members to witness about their faith to others [] [] [] 3. Advertising in local newspapers and on the radio or television [] [] [] 4. Mailing church literature to newcomers in your community [] [] [] 5. Pastoral or member visits to newcomers in the community [] [] [] 6. Using volunteers to canvass (visit homes) in the neighborhood [] [] [] 7. Maintaining a church website [] [] [] 8. Developing church programs targeted at unchurched persons in [] [] [] the MBC community 9. Changing the style of your worship to make it more appealing to [] [] [] the unchurched 10. Developing home Bible, prayer and study groups to which friends [] [] [] who are not members are invited 13

14 Member's Christian Beliefs and Personal Practices 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 indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following belief statements. Agree Disagree 1. Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. [] [] 2. Human beings have developed over time from less [] [] advanced forms of life. 3. Jesus rose from the dead. [] [] 4. All religions are the same. [] [] 5. The Bible has answers for all of the basic questions of life. [] [] 6. Social justice is at the heart of the Gospel. [] [] 7. Living out my faith in daily work, leisure and community [] [] life is often difficult. How often are you engaged in the following practices? Daily Few times a week Once a week Few times a month Seldom or Never 1. Private devotional activity such as [] [] [] [] [] prayer, meditation, reading the Bible or other spiritual books 2. Use of [] [] [] [] [] 3. Use of the web at home or at your office [] [] [] [] [] 4. Go on facebook [] [] [] [] [] 5. Look at religious internet sites [] [] [] [] [] 6. Volunteer your time in social service [] [] [] [] [] 14

15 Background Information About Yourself Gender? [] Male [] Female Age? [] Under 20 [] [] [] [] [] [] [] 75 or over Racial/Ethnic Background? [] White [] Hispanic [] Native American [] Mixed [] Black [] Asian [] Pacific Islander Other (Please specify) Marital Status? [] Married [] Single, never married [] Widowed [] Separated or divorced [] Living in a committed relationship 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 Age 19 and over What is your highest level of formal education? [] Less than high school graduate [] High school graduate [] Some college, trade or vocational school [] College [] Post graduate course work or degree Please specify the focus area of your degree 15

16 Background Information Are you? [] Retired [] Not currently employed [] Employed full time [] Employed part time [] Stay at home mom/dad [] Student If currently employed, presently job hunting or retired, what is/was your occupation? [] Service worker: policeperson, barber, janitor, beautician, waiter, usher, etc. [] Clerical worker: bookkeeper, secretary, mail carrier, telephone operator, etc. [] Farmer/Rancher [] Operative or Laborer: semi-skilled and unskilled worker in construction and manufacturing, etc. [] Tradesperson: carpenter, mason, plumber, electrician, machinist, etc. [] Sales worker: insurance and real estate agent, broker, salesperson, etc. [] Proprietor, Manager or Public Official: city manager, credit officer, buyer, floor manager, etc. [] Professional/Technical: teacher, doctor, computer programmer, architect, accountant, artist, etc. [] Other (Please specify) Are you self-employed or an independent business person? [] Yes [] No If married, is your spouse employed? [] Yes, full time [] Yes, part time [] No What is your household income range? [] Under $25,000 [] $50,000 - $74,999 [] $100,000 - $149,999 [] $25,000 - $49,999 [] $75,000 - $99,999 [] $150,000 or more In what city/county do you currently reside? [] Petersburg [] Hopewell [] Colonial Heights [] Prince George [] Dinwiddie [] Matoaca [] Ettrick [] Chesterfield [] Other (Please specify) How many years have you lived at your current resident? How likely is it that you will move within the next few years? [] Definitely will move [] Probably will move [] Probably will not move [] Very unlikely to move 16

17 Background Information (Cont.) In what type church were you raised? If you were involved with more than one denomination when you were growing up, with which did you have the greatest identification? [] Baptist [] Disciples of Christ [] Episcopal [] Lutheran [] Methodist [] Unitarian/Universalist [] Presbyterian [] Roman Catholic [] United Church of Christ [] Other Protestant [] None Other (Please specify) MBC Physical Accommodations 1. Based on the size of the current congregation, rate the following: Outstanding Acceptable Requires attention, Requires immediate Don t Know But not immediate attention Sanctuary [] [] [] [] [] Classroom Areas [] [] [] [] [] Fellowship Hall [] [] [] [] [] Office Area [] [] [] [] [] Parking Space [] [] [] [] [] 2. Based on general condition and appearance, rate the following: Outstanding Acceptable Requires attention, Requires immediate Don t Know But not immediate attention Sanctuary [] [] [] [] [] Classroom Areas [] [] [] [] [] Fellowship Hall [] [] [] [] [] Office Area [] [] [] [] [] Parking [] [] [] [] [] Building exterior [] [] [] [] [] and grounds 17