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