Congregational Vitality Survey

THE PURPOSE OF OUR CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY STUDY IS TO GAIN INFORMATION FROM YOU THE MEMBERSHIP TO HELP OUR UNIFIED BOARD REVIEW YOUR POINT OF VIEW AND PRAYERFULLY DISCERN OUR NEXT STEPS AS A FAITH COMMUNITY. THE STUDY IS ANONYMOUS. PLEASE ANSWER IT WITH COMPLETE HONESTY AS THIS ENSURES THE APPROPRIATE NEXT BEST STEPS ARE TAKEN FOR THE GOOD OF UNION MEMORIAL. IF YOU FIND THAT THE ANSWERS PROVIDED DON'T ADEQUATELY ADDRESS YOU SENTIMENTS, PLEASE USE THE ADDITIONAL SPACE PROVIDED TO COMMUNICATE YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TRANSPARENCY.

Church Vitality Survey

I felt the Summer Reset…

Was necessary in light of the lack of needed personnel that were not available to carry-out Sunday duties

Was an eye opener that we need to all step up more

Was disgraceful and we should never close our doors for any reason whatsoever

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

I used the Summer Reset...

To re-evaluate my level of commitment as a disciple of Jesus Christ and member of Union Memorial

To visit other congregations in-person or virtually and see what they have to offer

Relax and take a much needed break from all things church

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

Over the last year my interest in church had been…

A primary focus in my life

Something that varies depending on what else I have going on

Nonexistent

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

My desire to attend in-person worship has been driven by…

COVID-19 Concerns

Personal Health Challenges and Age

Nothing because ZOOM, Facebook, YouTube is enough for me

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

I believe my active participation in the life of the church is…

Critical to Union’s overall success

Only necessary if I’m leading a ministry or program

Not necessary because those in charge seem to be handling things well

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

At this point in my life, I’m a member of Union Memorial because…

I believe deeply in its mission and vision

It’s my family church and we’ve always been part of this faith community

I don’t really have anywhere else to go, so it will suffice

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

I feel I could do more to support the church but…

I really don’t have the time to give right now

I don’t feel like my ideas will be valued or considered

Nobody asked me to do anything

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

Financially I feel that…

I have to continue to tithe giving 10% so that the day-to-day responsibilities can be met

The church doesn’t really need my money because they do so much anyway

When I’m in a better financial position I’ll give a little bit more but right now I’m struggling

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

One thing that would motivate me to come out on Sunday mornings

More relatable preaching and teaching

Better musical selections

A welcoming fellowship of people I share interests with

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

When I’m not at Union for worship…

I’m watching and participating online

I’m visiting other churches and deepening my spiritual growth

Taking a break from church all together

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

I believe our focus at this point in the life of the church should be…

Making our worship experience more appealing to others

Finding new and younger members to take the reigns and change course for the day and times

Securing financial resources that will sustain us beyond tithes and offerings

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

I believe our pastor…

Still has a lot to offer our faith community and is what we need in this season

Is not doing enough to advance the mission of Union

Has taken us as far possible in this season and needs to step aside to give new pastoral leadership a chance

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

I believe that our leadership…

Is working hard to keep the ship afloat

Is disconnected and out of touch with the needs of the congregation

Needs others to step up to support and take the reigns

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

I believe this is critical to our vitality at this point…

More opportunities for fellowship beyond Sunday morning worship and bible study

Ministries intentionally geared toward youth and young adults

Outreach strategies that target those in the community and their specific needs

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

My biggest concern at this point with respect to our future is…

Finances

Building

Members

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

Over the next 4 months I am willing to…

Return to active participation in worship and the life of the church

Take on a leadership roll to take the load off others who may be tired and burnt out

Take a step back as I am not able to give anymore than I am at the present time

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

In 2023 as a member of Union I am…

Going to get more involved to help us achieve our mission

Prayerfully discern a change in my membership

Continue as I have been to give my all with respect to prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

In 2023, I would like to see our faith community…

Have more opportunities for vibrant worship beyond Sunday morning

Engage more with members to build more meaningful relationships through social gatherings outside of worship

Connect with the surrounding community of neighbors, schools, colleges, businesses and others to expand our reach

Other (If the answers above do not convey your sentiments, please use the space provided below to share your response to the statement.)

Please choose the answer(s) that most closely expresses your feelings at this time.

Please share any other things that are of concern to you with respect to the vitality of our faith community in the coming weeks, months and years. You input is invaluable and taken very serious as this is your church!

Please leave this field blank.