Last fall worshippers were invited to complete a Percept Survey (Percept is an organization that analyzes demographics for congregations in the U.S.) assessing overall church health and attitudes toward congregational ministry. The following is a brief run-down of several interesting facts gleaned from the survey Complete survey results can be downloaded to the right.
General Information
· 475 total congregational respondents, representing an estimated 361 households (out of approximately 1000)
· Median household income was $62,500 and 40% of respondents had income of over $75,000 and 23% over $100,000.
· Median and average age of respondents was 50.
Church Participation
· 60% of respondents lived 3-10 miles from the church and only 7% lived within two miles of the church.
· 60% were raised in a Lutheran home; 12% Methodist; and 10% Catholic.
· A majority of respondents said faith involvement increased significantly in the last ten years.
· 35.6% said they had no close friends in the congregation, and 14.5% had only one.
Church Preferences
· Spiritual development, marriage enrichment, personal and family counseling, and family and youth activities were preferences for church ministry programs.
· Most prefer worship that is both emotionally uplifting and intellectually challenging.
· Members are equally divided between preferences for traditional or contemporary style in both worship and music.
· Equal interest in mission emphasis that is community focused and one that lifts up personal spiritual development.
Primary Concerns of Members
· Personal health, teen/child problems, social injustice, fulfilling marriage, maintaining a good church environment
Life's Satisfactions
· 81% satisfied or very satisfied with their relationship with God.
· 81% satisfied or very satisfied with First Lutheran Church (Most others were neutral.)
· 54% satisfied or very satisfied with their actual ministry involvement.
· 53% satisfied or very satisfied with the spiritual development of their family.
· Only 43% satisfied or very satisfied with their ability to share faith with others.
Rating Our Church Programs
· All church programs had a majority of respondents indicate very positive or somewhat positive rating.
· Highest rated programs were Adult Choir/Contemporary Singers; Handbells; Worship Services; Hospitality; Saturday Evening Meal Program; and Faith Chest Ministry.
· Lowest rated programs were Young Adult and High School Youth programs.
What did the survey tell us?
· Respondents were overall very pleased with the congregation and its ministry.
· Members feel they've grown spiritually and are more involved than they were ten years ago.
· We have the potential to grow significantly in our giving.
· Congregation desires more in the area of youth and young adult ministry - these are strong ministry preference areas, yet two of the lower rated ministries of the church.
· We are on the right track with spiritual development emphasis, but the desire is for more of the same.
· We need to place more emphasis on equipping ministry - i.e. almost 50% of people don't feel satisfied with their involvement in the church.
· Significant emphasis needs to be placed on helping people to share their faith with others.
· Marriage enrichment, parent training, and youth and family activities are program priorities for the future.
