GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH SACRED LISTENING AND THE 2019 CAT SURVEY - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH SACRED LISTENING AND THE 2019 CAT SURVEY

CONGREGATION ASSESSMENT TOOL

SACRED LISTENING

Two parts thus far:

• 1: In person interviews between outside consultant and

cross section of Grace

• Participants across generations and levels of

engagement

• 2: The Congregation Assessment Tool (“CAT”) survey
• Received 134 anonymous responses

SACRED LISTENING PART 1: IN PERSON INTERVIEWS

• Several findings by our outside “listener”
• Culture of “relaxed traditional”
• Words “authentic,” “genuine,” and “integrity” apply
• A sense of professionalism reflected in how Grace
• perates

SACRED LISTENING PART 1: IN PERSON INTERVIEWS

• Several findings by our outside “listener”
• The interviewees generally fell into one of three

categories, although more than one could apply:

• Church services are critical to their experience and

expression of faith

• Community seekers that value the social support within

the Grace community

• Exploration of faith and seeking understanding is central
• This one is a big differentiator over other churches

regardless of denomination

SACRED LISTENING PART 1: IN PERSON INTERVIEWS

• Several findings by our outside “listener”
• Rev. Donna and Fr. Chris make a great team
• Community service is important
• People are proud of our choir and music
• There is a perception of a divide between Church and

Academy

SACRED LISTENING PART 2: CAT SURVEY

• Same survey is given to hundreds of churches across

different denominations

• Our results are based on a comparison across all

churches that have taken this survey over the last four to five years

• Grace took the same survey during the discernment

process that called Fr. Chris to Grace

PART 2: CAT SURVEY GOOD NEWS FOR GRACE CHURCH

• Dramatic improvements across the board since 2010
• High energy people increasingly open to and

recognizing the need for change

• Morale greatly improved
• Marked increase in desire for spiritual growth
• Interest in and support for all levels of Christian

education

• The high energy‐high satisfaction quadrant is the transformation quadrant. Churches in this

quadrant are sources of new meaning and purpose for their members.

• Our 2010 composite ranked in the “hospice care” portion of low energy and satisfaction.

2019 2010

2019 2010

Grace is edging into the Progressive‐Adaptable quadrant, more open to change and moving forward in decisive ways.

2019 2010

3 2010 2019 12 1 10 13 16 20 51

2010

12 1

2019

3 2010 2019 10 13 16

2010

12 1 20 51

PART 2: CAT SURVEY TOP THREE PRIORITIES IN 2019 — VERY SIMILAR TO THOSE OF OTHER CHURCHES

• 1. Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to

reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church.

• 2. Make necessary changes to attract families with

children and youth to our church.

• 3. Develop the spiritual generosity of the people to

financially support the ministry of the church.

CAT SURVEY

• Despite our progress . . .
• We have some divergence among different groups of

parishioners that suggests some challenges for leadership

• Did not answer the question: “What’s next?”
• Instead, the survey lays the groundwork for our next

conversation

• Given the extraordinary improvement over the last eight

years, what can we do now?

• What’s next?

2019 2010

?

WHAT’S NEXT?

• We want to meet with you to discuss: “What’s next?”
• How do we build upon a foundation of supporting spiritual

awakening, growth, and exploration?

• What does that look like?
• Members of the vestry will be seeking meetings with as

many of you as are willing to sit with us to discuss these issues

QUESTIONS?

Nick Peters petersnicktodd@gmail.com 708.275.6675 Mike Ascher mascher270@gmail.com 312.593.7361

Vestry

Eden Hill Dirk Gnodde Kristy White Molly Haunty Jeri Smith Judy Blanks Max Moskal Ralph Schackart Ann Sprague David Ortiz Marge Gunnar Tom Kern