Clinton United

Please read the results of the following survey and answer the following question.

What action/s should we begin at Clinton United 

to meet the needs of this demographic?

1. What keeps you coming to Clinton United Church?

-like the minister, Julia’s sermons

-people are friendly, welcoming atmosphere, feeling of belonging

-it is kid friendly, my children

-the need for faith, need for worship time

-sense of community, fellowship, see my friends

-sense of tradition husband’s home church, habit

-comfort level

-singing in the choir, jobs

-new AV system

-potlucks

-support network

2. What are the things that we do as a congregation that are attractive to people in your age range?

-new AV equipment, multimedia, web site, using technology and keeping up with the times

-family nights, socialization

-getting kids involved in services

-contemporary music and worship, keeping worship upbeat

-broad exploration of our faith, variety in services

-fellowship and fun family times, bowling, tobogganing, potlucks social times

-child friendly

-meaningful sermon with something to think about for the week

-love the music programs, different kinds of music not just the choir

-sense of being needed and wanted, common desire to serve the Lord

-Nursery, Sunday School and Teen Church

-drama

-support for teens seeking funding for programs, working together on mission projects

-concerts

-food

3. What do you think are some of the things/factors in our congregation that cause people in your age group to stay away?

-sports

-working hours

-maybe over-churched as children

-church wasn’t forced growing up

-the idea that church is staid, fixed, unexciting

-we should let people know we have changed. I think, if people came, they would like it.

-kids too young

-many commitments outside the church, busy life

-dual working parents – lack of time

-don’t want to be given a job, fear of being over committed, expected to do too many jobs i.e. food to bring, committees, teaching Sunday School etc.

-too much responsibility, don’t mind helping but don’t want to run the whole thing

-people find other means to follow their faith

-time factor – service on alternative day?

-not part of the schedule so hard to start

-not enough other young families

-people lead busy lives and see the weekend as downtime

-is the community of faith draining our energy?

4. What are the spiritual needs of people in your age group?

-less traditional

-upbeat music

-companionship with people who have same lifestyle as me

-need not to be judged

-contemporary discussions on religion’s relevance to today

-to have a personal relationship with their faith

-the difference in the age group is the medium in which worship is presented

-to converse with people my age

-to serve

-reflection, motivation and teaching time

-to feel peaceful and fulfilled about my life

-what is the purpose in my life?

-come to rejuvenate and relax

-engagement of different ages

-understanding of biblical message on a personal level and how it pertains to modern day

-feel need to keep in touch, to make faith connections

-to engage children and families

5. How do you think our congregation can meet those needs?

-keeping a young, non-traditional minister will help

-persistence, keep going the direction we are going in – grumbling will dissipate once people get over their fear of change

-make a point of welcoming young people “official greeter” when someone new is here

-advertising

-minister + youth minister/youth staff – youth activities and services with resources & education to lead, put your money where your mouth is

-having group discussions

-contemporary services

-youth group/active Sunday school

-promote vital, uplifting services “how to get them in the door!”

-run couples clubs/adult country club ideas

-put on a yearly dramatic play – it will bring in a huge group of this demographic

-mini weekend retreats

-more outings i.e. bowling or picnics

-upbeat music – use lots of variety

-sermons optional – reading/dramas/monologues

-continue technological changes

-humour

-baby and marriage showers

-be compassionate and encouraging of young people and teens

6. What programs or activities should we offer that would meet a need of your age group?

-tape a service and podcast it so persons not attending could experience a present day service

-family and games nights

-drama/music

-breakfast around the table – would it work as a once a month meal?

-church community support for families in our church and in our community under stress if a family member is in hospital – making meals

-parent support or spiritual recreational activities

-good babysitting at each event

-lots of lunches after church

-picnics and socials

-family social activities and youth group

-family programs (camping, bowling, hikes)

-alternative services monthly: Taize, contemporary

-drama

-teen church, youth involvement, advertise web site’

-spiritual retreat for married couples – a place to talk about parenting, marriage, work, financial etc.

7. What else would you like to say to us?

-we like variety and drama and music in services

-great job Julia

-the new AV equipment is great!! Let’s keep using it!!

-communicate by e-mail

-when Julia leaves, hire an upbeat, fun-loving, easy going, relaxed pastor who promotes the young look from the top down (the leader sets the tone)

-if you get the children to come, the adults will follow and once they see what fun we have in worship here you can build your congregation numbers

-have 2 services: traditional at 11 and young one at 9

-more focus on spirituality and community, less on finances and structure

-I do enjoy coming to church, there is just that little bit more

-please work to keep our youth involved

-thank you for all the work Clinton United does

8. What is your age?

-31, 32, 34, 40, 41, 43, 43, 43, 48