Shared Ministry Survey-- 2009
See charts below.
The purpose of this paper is to go over the results of the recent “Shared Ministry Survey 2009.” The surveys conducted by the “Committee on Ministry” seek to determine how the members of the congregation take care of themselves and each other; how the lay ministerial leadership serves the congregation; and how the called minister serves the congregation.
In even number years (2006, 2008, etc.) the COM conducts a “Ministerial Survey” to help determine how our minister is serving UUCR. We did that last year. In odd number years (2007, 2009, etc.) the COM conducts a survey of the congregation to determine how satisfied congregants are with their church experiences including their own participation.
We asked a total of 23 questions, broken down into two parts: A) “How do you feel the congregation is doing” and B) “A Self-evaluation of one’s participation in ministries of UUCR.” This survey was not about the minister but about the congregation.
Attached please find the results of the survey given in percentage format. For example, the first question of Part A concerned itself with providing appropriate Sunday services to meet a range of needs. Eighty-nine percent of the respondents indicated they were “Satisfied”; 8% were “Dissatisfied”; and 3% had “No Opinion.” From these data, one could interpret the large majority of UUCR congregants are happy with services rendered most of the time.
Several of the results surfaced with more concern than others. It appears there is need for more parking and provision of more adequate building facilities. There is also need for creating more community awareness of UUCR and educating the public on our Seven Principles.
When reviewing the responses to questions in Part B (The Self-Evaluation), most UUCR members believe doing their part in attending Sunday services, serving on committees, making their pledges, respecting the views of others and being sensitive to the needs of others.
A large percentage of respondents believe they can do more to help maintain the building and grounds. On one hand, many of us are dissatisfied with the building facilities and on the other hand, many of us believe we could be doing more in this regard. (Yet, when there is a call for maintenance help very few congregants show up to help.)
Respondents were given an opportunity to make comments on both Part A and Part B of the Survey. A representative sample of Part A follows:
- “I would like to see more emphasis on our mission and values; I want to be part of a caring community committed to our principles; we do a lot of things well –celebrate
- “I would like to see more social gatherings, perhaps offering programs for single liberals who may want an opportunity to meet and exchange viewpoints; I’d like to see fellowship opportunities available to families with children from birth to 10 years of age; and fellowship activities have been improving.
- “Parking can be a real problem; the building facilities are barely adequate; I’d like to see more attention paid to expanding the sanctuary and RE/Youth space; despite the efforts of members to spruce up the place, the church still looks shabby.”
- “There needs to be more participation in community organization efforts so our presence will be known; and I think we could do more.”
- “I wish we were of a more visible presence in Roanoke and the Valley; and perhaps more newspaper coverage of our activities and projects would be helpful.”
- “Social justice concerns can be much better; the UU Church has historically stood up for justice and equality yet I feel this church does not take a public stand for equality.”
- “The Adult Programs are adequate but need new leadership and more diversity.”
- “One of the best ways to attract new members is through RE, we don’t always communicate well with new families; and I am impressed with how many members are doing so much to make our church a lively, caring, vital place; and we need to give people ways to serve and become involved in groups in the community.”
- “To build a caring community, we would love more opportunities to work together as a community of faith to provide service to our area.”
- “We could promote environmental awareness by going “green” with whatever technology is available.”
- “We need more democratic/town meetings; and the timing of these seem to be a problem.”
A representative sample of comments from Part B (the Self-Evaluation) follows:
- “I look forward to the visioning process with the congregations participation.”
- “Many activities are at night, past my children’s bedtime.”
- “We need to emphasize the Environmental Concerns Committee.”
- “You excluded UUFETA from committee options!”
- “I am reminded today how good UUCR is for children.”
In summary, the great majority of members and friends of UUCR are happy with services that are provided, the great majority of time. It is critical we make and pay our pledge, carry out efforts to improve the appearance of the facilities, and help with church activities. Our “vision” for the church needs to be clarified. The majority of us feel that we are doing our part serving on committees and yet we need more volunteers to serve on the various committees. It seems that our large organizational structure needs review. Perhaps some committees can be combined, streamlining the organizational chart and making operation more efficient. We need to make our UU presence better known throughout the Valley.
