The Parish Survey

The Parish Survey results helped us determine the priorities and goals of Trinity in preparation for issuing a call to our new rector. Likewise, the survey results provide candidates for rector with a better understanding of Trinity and its parishioners.

Over 300 surveys were distributed to members twelve years of age and older. Of the 110 parishioners responding, one-third were men, two-thirds were women, with the majority married, over 56 years old, and having attended Trinity for more than 10 years. In fact, half of the respondents have attended Trinity for more than 20 years. One-third of the respondents attend the 7:30 AM Sunday service, while two-thirds attend the 10:30 AM service.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care is the ability to care for people so that they are nurtured and equipped for growth within the community of faith. Most respondents believe that pastoral care is primarily a clergy responsibility with shared lay participation. The congregation's desire for enhancing pastoral care ministry was emphasized in its ranking of priorities and ministry skills and in written comments. Respondents rated pastoral care as a high priority ministry that it was very important to Trinity's future and growth.

Outreach in the Community

Outreach ranked second in importance as a priority for Trinity's future based on those who deemed it very or fairly important. Trinity's reputation and “profile” in the community were seen as important ways to attract new members. Community programs and local social needs ranked first and second as the outreach and community service areas most important to the respondents. Both outreach and social/community ministries were tilted more heavily toward laity than clergy participation. Both these ministries were ranked as currently effective but several people who responded also saw an opportunity for growth of outreach programs.

Comments mentioned outreach as a way to attract new members and a means for the new rector to get to know the community.

Attracting and Keeping New Members

In response to the question about priorities, church growth ranked third with ninety-nine respondents citing growth as very or fairly important to Trinity's future. Increased membership also ranked third highest in the category of what would best help Trinity to develop. Church growth/development was viewed as a ministry to be shared between laity and clergy. Several survey comments also suggested that attracting and keeping new members is vital to a healthy church and that there is a need for an ambitious recruitment drive for new parish membership.

Christian Education

Christian education includes both Sunday morning instruction and study/learning opportunities at other times.

Numerous comments were made indicating a desire for youth activities and clergy-led adult education. The majority of survey respondents indicated that they do not participate in Christian education, have little or no knowledge of current programs and have no children living at home. Even so, ninety-six respondents identified Christian education for adults and children as very important for the future of Trinity and forty-seven think that effective Christian education programs for all ages will keep new members.

Spiritual Growth

The survey respondents indicated that a rector who has the ability to lead and encourage us in the formation and development of a deeper spiritual life is very important to Trinity's future. Nine respondents felt Trinity's spiritual growth ministry was effective, while sixteen felt it needed growth.

Worship and Liturgy

Preaching, music, prayer, the liturgy and fellowship constitute corporate worship on Sunday morning. Ninety-three respondents indicated that worship and liturgy were very important for Trinity's future. A majority identified the ability to preach with clarity, make the Gospel relevant to everyday life and plan and conduct liturgical services, as primary strengths wanted in clergy. If Trinity were to have one goal as a parish, fifty-nine think it should be to nurture the spiritual journey and forty-seven think it should be to provide Episcopal worship. Respondents overwhelmingly indicated a deep desire for a priest who will lead meaningful worship services.

Parish Goals

Based on the results of the parish survey, we determined that our parish goals were:

• Enhance pastoral care for all members
• Grow the church through spirituality and outreach
• Expand Christian Education programs
• Renew wonder and joy in worship

The responsibilities and skills need by our new rector are:

• Pastoral care
• Program developer
• Collaborative educator
• Liturgist/preacher

Who Are We?

From the survey and ensuing discernment we have learned that we are a “sleeping giant” with a rich history of community outreach. We have the potential and desire for strong stewardship, Christian education and spiritual growth. We have great facilities that we want to share with the community. We need and want someone to lead us into growth and renewal and nurture us into deeper worship and pastoral care.