“Plans are
established by taking advice…" (Proverbs 20:18)
You
may remember that the first week of worship after I arrived as your new Pastor,
I invited you to participate in a “Getting
to Know Us” survey to help me better understand the overarching values and
vision of LaGrange First UMC so that I can better lead us in the future. That survey remained open until the middle of July. So, here at last are highlights
of those results for us all to celebrate and consider:
First
of all, THANK YOU to the 100 of you (yes, exactly 100!) who turned a survey in
(64 via paper; 36 via online). And while
each one was prayerfully read and considered, bear in mind that what I share
below are simply summaries of those
results that relate specifically to our church’s values and vision:
QUESTION
#1: If there’s one thing you hope
NEVER changes about LaGrange First UMC, what would it be?
●
25 responses referenced the variety and diversity of worship options, styles,
and experiences that we offer. While different
responses obviously focused on differing things that people liked about our
three Sunday morning services, what was clear across the board is that we all
have a deep appreciation for worship and for making it as excellent and relevant
as possible
●
11 responses mentioned the importance and value of our hospitality and
friendliness as a congregation
●
8 responses focused on how much they loved the various small groups we have,
including Sunday School classes, Bible Studies, Wednesday night programs, etc.
●
7 responses affirmed the many ways our church both connects with and serves our
community, including the diverse offerings of our music ministry and various
missions ministries like our soup kitchen, drug assistance program, meals on
wheels, Camp Viola, etc.
QUESTION
#2: If you could wave a magic want
and CHANGE any one thing about LaGrange First UMC, what would it be?
●
33 responses expressed in various ways their desire that our church continue to
grow and be relevant in and for our community.
Some responses suggested doing this through expansion of current weekly
programs, others through more outreach and mission, and still others through a more
intentional focus on children (9 mentioned this), youth, and young adults
through our connection with LaGrange College. So, even though there are
differing ideas about how to do it,
it’s clear that our congregation wants
to grow and better connect with our community and world.
●
15 responses referenced the need to change various aspects and/or elements of our
worship experiences to help us better connect with today’s culture and community.
Some of these involved suggestions for music,
others were suggestions for changes in worship times, styles, and use of
technology. So, while question #1 revealed an appreciation for our current worship,
there is also a sense that work is still needed in this area in order to grow
and stay relevant.
●
12 responses referenced the need to become more inviting, welcoming and
hospitable, and less “clique-ish” (including responses about better
accessibility in our Sanctuary and in our parking lots for senior adults). I should point out that even though this area
was referenced in question #1 by some respondents as a strength, it’s clear that others feel it is an area in need of growth, as well.
●
12 responses mentioned the need to change or modify our administrative and leadership
structures to be more effective and efficient in our ministry.
QUESTION: #3: What’s
the best piece of advice you could give Pastor Brian as our new Senior Pastor?
●
28 responses indicated that pastoral care, listening and communications, and being
accessible to all should be areas of prime
importance to me as your Senior Pastor.
●
18 responses mentioned their hope that I would take care of myself, be myself, and lead by following my
heart and the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit (including the importance of
offering loving challenge when appropriate, and not get lost in “church
politics”, and even of maintaining a sense of humor and fun about ministry).
●
11 responses indicated the importance of partnership, teamwork, being available
to all members and avoiding the
appearance of “playing favorites”
●
8 responses asked that I seek to offer and encourage bold ministry that is relevant
to people’s heart needs (such as preaching God’s word, connecting with current world
and community events, and being involved in our community itself)
●
6 responses shared their hope that I would lead us to discover God’s vision for
our church
What I’ve shared above are merely the “highlights” and my “take-aways” from the
survey and not a recitation of every
individual response. If you wish to see more detail about the raw responses themselves,
you can either contact the church office to request it, or you can click HERE for
an online version.
Again,
let me say thank you for your valued input in helping me to know and understand
what you consider to be the most important things to our church’s mission and
ministry! I and our leadership will be taking these themes into consideration
as we together seek both to discover and then implement God’s Vision for us as
His people here at LaGrange First UMC.
Remember,
God loves you and I do, too!
