Mission Study Highlights

On November 9, the session met with Emily Swanson of Holy Cow! Consulting to review the results from the survey. The data collected was compared with the data from 2,800 other congregations who have taken the survey over the last five years. After her interpretation of the results, the session voted to approve the report as the mission study.  If you missed the conversation on Nov. 26 after worship, here are a few highlights.

We celebrate:

-The participation rate is the first thing to celebrate. Over the past year, Second Pres has averaged 220 people in worship attendance (adding in-person and online attendance). The survey response rate was 96%, with 201 people responding to the survey. Thank you to all who completed the survey!

-Transformational Church: The survey measures the levels of satisfaction and energy, reliable indicators of the health and vitality of a church. Second Pres had high levels of satisfaction and energy, designating it as a transformational church, according to Holy Cow! Consulting. High levels of both satisfaction and energy are the goal of every church, and such feedback is exciting! The data shows transformational churches are sources of new meaning and purpose for their members.

-No significant internal issues or crises were apparent. As a healthy church, Second Pres can think creatively and focus on our priorities and growth areas. 

-Other high points: The worship and music experience received the highest levels of satisfaction. More than other churches surveyed, Second Pres prioritizes working as an advocate for social and institutional change so that society might better reflect the values of the kingdom of God. Both indicate that our focus on excellent worship and outreach to the community are true hallmarks of Second Pres. We strive to live into our mission statement: We are called to be a witness to and for the world of the new reality that God has made available to all people in Jesus Christ. We seek to know Christ and to make Christ known in downtown Richmond and throughout the world. Overall, the data from the survey indicated that Second Pres is in the healthy range compared to other churches in terms of morale, governance, conflict management, engagement with education, and readiness for ministry. 

Areas for consideration:

-Two areas indicated room for growth: hospitality and spiritual vitality. The data indicates extra energy should go towards welcoming guests, offering care during times of need, creating opportunities for connection, and nurturing relationships among the church. 

-The priorities of the congregation were clear. Second Pres wants to attract more families with children and youth, develop a strategy to connect with new people and incorporate them into the church, and to create more opportunities for people to form meaningful relationships. 

Given the feedback from the congregation, Second Pres now has a better understanding of where we can invest our energy as we prepare to welcome a new pastor. With such strong data in so many areas, the mission study reflects that Second Pres is a healthy, vibrant congregation, with a few areas to grow, as we carry on life together during this season of transition. Thanks be to God!