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 operates
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
2019 2010 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 Grace is edging into the Progressive‐Adaptable quadrant, more open to change and moving forward in decisive ways.
16 3 2010 2019 13 10 2019 2010 12 1 51 20
16 3 2010 2019 2010 12 1 13 10 2019
2010 12 1 51 20
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 Mike Ascher petersnicktodd@gmail.com mascher270@gmail.com 708.275.6675 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
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