Congregational Survey Results
Many members of both Niles Congregational Church and First Christian Church responded to the Survey Questionnaire about the strengths, weaknesses, pastoral ministry, congregational ministry and our ideas for the futures of both our churches. The Discernment Team thanks you. Your responses were thoughtful and insightful.
The following summaries list the common threads from the responses. The responses from First Christian Church we submitted as a summary. The responses From Niles Congregational Church were collated, and we looked for the common threads in all the responses. These common threads are color-coded and following the NCC summary are the collated responses, color-coded according to our judgment.
We think if is valuable to look at where there are similarities and differences in the response.
Q.1: Share one positive thing about your church
FCC'S SUMMARY:
Open and Affirming Like an extended family Friendly Not dogmatic- open to varying beliefs
NCC’S SUMMARY:
O and A/ Safe place, liberal, welcoming
How we operate: no secrets, open communication, we resolve disagreements, we pull together.
Friendship: a caring family.
NCC’S RAW DATA
We are open and affirming. No matter where you are on............................
I don't think we have many secrets.
We accept everyone.
People respect and support each other.
It's a safe place to explore my faith.
People are friendly and interesting.
We have a congregational heritage and culture.
The inclusivness and warmth of Christian fellowship
The cooperative way we resolve issues- even difficult ones.
Open communication.
Willingness to try new things
Dialogue is encouraged and expected about not only church issues but societal questions. Opinions are shared openly.
People smile. Friendship
It's a community effort by members and the pastor. It is not dominated by a central group. Open and affirming- not just LGBT issues.
It's like a family. It's an extension of my family. It's a loving, caring environment.
Winter Relief People are concerned about each other. We feel a sense of belonging. Wonderful services and great music People have incredible faith. A good mix of ages Adult Sunday School
We share ideas respectfully.
When we have disagreements, we pull together.
The friendliness of all the people
I have mostly attend the movies and a few services, and nobody has put a trip on me.
The feeling that others care
The people and minister worship and socialize as they serve God. We're very involved in helping people in our community- service projects and homeless shelter.
A welcoming, liberal attitude
We're a multi-generational and multi-faith community that is welcoming.
We do community service projects.
It's open minded and liberal.
There are many ways to be inspired.
Open to all
Very close to my house
Family Feeling
The Social Justice Service
Family, Warm
When we say we are open and affirming, we truly mean it.
Family feeling
A friendly feeling
Social justice emphasis
Q.2: What attracts you and keeps you coming?
FCC'S SUMMARY:
Openness Can say what you feel Non-judgmental, don't condemn Not told what to believe or what to do Not outrageous or over the top
NCC’S SUMMARY:
The people (friends and family)
The minister, sermons
Worship (theology, philosophy, liberal, spirituality)
NCC’S RAW DATA
The people and the messages that are shared there
This time in the life of Niles- Jeff
The pastor and the people
Jeff's and David Finster's teaching and the warm welcome
The support of the congregation and the activities they support and encourage
Friends- social activities
The congregation
The combination of social justice and Christian study and fellowship keep me going
I feel accepted and comfortable in the presence of others.
I like the opportunity to grow in ideas that pushes me out of comfort zone.
A place where I am moved to be spiritual in ideas and to active in our community
The people and the shared worship experience
Habit- the companionship on Sundays and the teachings
Choir- a chance to commune with God- to worship with friends
Adult Sunday School, choir, friendships
The relationships built over many years
The loving, caring environment
The people !!!
The people! The leadership!
The wonderful, caring people- the community of the church
The ministry
A place to re-center- the family feeling
It's where I spiritually connect with my god.
The people, the spiritual message, the building
The feeling that I am accepted for who I am
It's where I come to worship and to ask God for help for the week ahead.
It's where I center my thoughts for the week.
A true sense of worship- the choir, the organ, a sense of order as the service enfolds, timely sermons
The people, worship and progressive work for peace and justice
The connections I have built up over the years, and a programs and connections for my daughter
Warm feelings, a good spiritual foundation and a common real desire to do good in the world in large and small ways
Spiritual and social relationships, choir
The faithful ministries through the years, especially Sally and Walter, a place where we meet and greet
I have friends that come here. My kids know other kids who come here.
The music is beautiful. And people are very welcoming.
Good sermons and the worship service is for all.
The friendships, the theology and the sense that we are sometimes doing God's work
Nice people, the philosophy is liberal.
It's a very accepting and welcoming place.
My family, the fellowship and the community service projects
Fits in with my belief system: justice and environmentalism are part of my faith priorities.
Jeff's sense of humor, being challenged intellectually, our youth program
The fact that I can be at any point in my faith journey and learn through worship
Adult Sunday School is special.
Movie night and hymn singing, Spiritual Journeys- I'd like to share mine if it's OK that I'm not a member.
It feels like a big family here.
Adult Sunday School and the liberal theology
A likeable minister who is honest and friendly
The people, the inspiration, the church service and the possibilities to continue to learn and serve
We have caring people in the congregation, but we have some "groupiness" which makes it difficult when you are a new person. Not everyone reaches out to welcome others.
The people (family), the liberal theology and the possibilities to continue to learn and serve
Adult Sunday School, the liberal theology
The likeable minister who is honest and friendly
Q.3: What do you think is the most important thing a minister brings to your church?
FCC'S SUMMARY:
Puts pieces together, cohesion, coordinator Liturgist, guidance/ not doing it all Cheer leader/ administrator Face of the church/ involved and seen in the community
NCC’S SUMMARY:
Spiritual Leadership
General Leadership (administration, program, direction, etc.)
Welcome (ONA, evangelism, works well with people)
Pastoral Care and Connectedness
Teaching
NCC’S RAW DATA
Direction, support, welcome
Inspiration and information
Spiritual leadership
He/She is our model. He has faith and articulates it.
He is organized and can drive programs where we learn and extend ourselves and our mission.
He works hard and helps us to do the same.
Leadership, spiritual direction, pushes us out of our comfort zone
Brings cohesiveness to the diverse group of folks that gather here
He is good with dealing with people.
A passion for ministry
Leadership and teaching God's way
Teaching and guidance
Leadership
Spiritual guidance
Unites the congregation in the work of Christ Spiritual leadership, caring for the members of the church and the community A connection with church members Relevant sermons that make you think and feel.
Good at reaching out to a more diverse community
A broad view of Christ Care and nurturing- the ability to be a teacher and leader and still touch each person individually
Knowledge of church doctrine and Bible interpretation
Great sermons that set examples for members, spiritual connections Interpretation and guidance for my faith Good sermons that help you learn and give you something to think about.
The ability to get the whole church focused on the same thought A sense of calm and order that leads us yet seems almost effortless
Makes us think and supports us spiritually by showing individual concern Pastoral care, spiritual guidance and his authentic way with words Creates an atmosphere in which people can explore their spiritual life.. This includes
study of the Bible, discussion of doubts, teaching and providing the
leadership for us to do good.
A conduit enabling members to learn, love and practice the Golden Rule The ability to minister to all the congregation- from children to seniors
Is a leader and encourages the members to discuss and determine where they want to go in community service and spiritually
Teacher and comforter to those in spiritual need He helps me to understand who I am and where I am and encourages me to share that with others to build our community.
Spiritual guidance. He is always looking to grow.
His humanness and honesty
Leadership
He creates an atmosphere of love and acceptance.
Leadership through guidance, and he encourages the laity to become involved.
Good sermons- He connects the lesson with real life.
Leadership- a sense of direction
Welcoming in spiritual self and wonderful sermons. GO JEFF !!!! Sense of peace, sense of belonging Good speaking quality- makes you think
He helps guide the church down a certain path.
To lift up, teach and inspire Sermons and helping those in need, also working with children and youth
Spiritual guidance on worldly controversial issues Sense of inclusion for everyone
Teaching, lessons
A sense of humor, great with the young people (Jeff is!). He laughs at his own mistakes and is a very likeable person. Jeff is truly caring and reaches out to people in need. Worship is excellent and his sermons are good.
Q.4: What is our most important need and how to address it?
FCC'S SUMMARY:
Growth of membership to take love of Christ to other people More Christian ministries Know the church's purpose
NCC’S SUMMARY:
Growth (numbers, youth programs, young families )
Diversity of people and ideas
NCC’S RAW DATA
To grow us in size and widen our welcoming effort
To reach out to people who are de-churched and let them know that God loves them and that they are welcome in His church
To appeal to the younger generation to keep our church relevant and vital in the future
We need enough members to support a youth minister/second minister to support youth activities and to promote out-reach.
We need about 250 members. Ready, set, grow! We need enough kids to make a youth program.
A way to make our worship services more inviting and available to families
Maybe a different time? contemporary service
To grow and address community needs.
Increase the numbers of youth and young families. Maybe more media to let others know about us
Passion about carrying out God's will in specific ways that will bring us together and serve others.
We need Youth and Sunday School programs to grow so there are more people to do the work. We may suffer from burn-out.
Strong Sunday School
Growth in younger families
Our "under 60" population is so few. I am younger so I would like to generate a younger congregation.
Reaching out to a more diverse community
Younger families
Provide a space for those in need to worship.
Provide a way to connect to the sacred and our spiritual selves. Perhaps the sanctuary could be open on Wednesday nights.
Provide support to members on their search to deepen their faith. This can happen in many ways, and serving communion is one.
Find a way to keep young people here after their teen years, and also to welcome them back as they return in later life.
A more expansive building but retaining the "cathedral-like" effect of the sanctuary. We need more classrooms.. Could we purchase some homes down and across the alley to find room to expand?
I don't see any long-term goals to excite the congregation to be more.......
I think the Discernment Team needs to find out what stirs the hearts and souls of members. Maybe talking about merger is jumping ahead of this information.
We need a larger youth program, but we can't take on more projects unless we have more members.
We need to let the community know what we do and what we have to offer. Our minister works hard to do this, and it has never been done better. We need to support the minister in his efforts.
When we talk about merging, we need to realize that no matter what decision is made, some people will be unhappy. Trying to mollify all of us will be a challenge.
Niles should focus on discerning its own mission and how we can serve God.
We need to reach out to the community with the message of God's acceptance. We need to show it by sharing with those in need. We can be an agency of change and also support other agencies.
Provide more help for our pastor.
Our communication skills. It is not usually easy to talk about what we don't do well.
I'm still observing.
Increasing membership. Building a church to meet the needs of all. Fremont s 53% minorities, yet we have few minority members. This fact needs attention.
How can we serve and aid members as they grow older. We need to know how to respond.
The most important need is helping the community. We are addressing that with our programs.
Keep youth interested. We need more youth programs.
I support pre-school education for all. Let's help with that.
Decide what to do about our church merging with First Christian.
The youth program is a high priority. Hopefully, someday we will have an active youth minister.
I have not been here long but previous churches I have attended do not focus on the needs of those who are less fortunate. They tell you that the Lord won't bless you if you don't contribute more money.
I think a good job is being done through the various programs we are involved with.
None that I can see
Growth and try to include more people
A variety of music - including more modern music
I don't now if merger is the answer, but a one room sanctuary is needed.
Youth programs –consistent leadership. Music – 1 youthful selection should be included in every worship service. Too much old music
Q.5: To what future do you think
God is calling your church?
FCC'S SUMMARY:
Christian service to our community
More of a pro-active Christian voice in the community.
God may be calling but we may not be listening.
NCC’S SUMMARY:
To be a vital force in the community
Growth
Merger- Pro/Con/Undecided
NCC’S RAW DATA
To merge. It will help our church grow even though there might be some "growing pains".
To continue its tradition of peace, love and justice for all people
To act this out in the wider community not just within our walls
I believe God calls our congregation to be a voice of liberal Protestantism.... to be able to think and talk about issues and come to our own conclusions.
I want a facility that is secure (not crumbling) where we can spend our energies in mission, outreach programs and leave it to new people to come to in the future. I don't know how to make this facility happen.
We need to keep reaching out to everyone and make everyone welcome.
Justice issues
Ways to take care of children in the community.
To be a viable element in the community-however that manifests itself.
Being a place of comfort, peace and acceptance
To be a voice in the community
Adapt to a younger group for growth.
Change the format for a more modern church.
I don't have a clear picture but I feel that the merger with the First Christian is not part of it. A possible alternative would be partnering with other UCC Congregations.
To share what we have with a broader community.
I don't know.
I am concerned that there are too many "red flags" regarding a possible merger. We might not need to stay in our little church but I am worried about partnering with a church that doesn't bring more positives to the table.
To make a difference in the community and the world in systematic changes for social justice-as Jesus has taught us.
Be a stronger more positive influence in the community.
Support the community/homeless, be a spiritual home for everyone.
Keep doing what is currently happening.
I feel that my future must include more interface connections in some way getting involved with other groups of different faiths. I desire a better understanding of how we can all work together.
We probably need to consider our numbers.
To continue to be a witness in our existing location
Expand to a more attractive edifice on the present site.
Niles is called to care and do justice-science education and spirituality are a growing edge. Peace, inclusivity, and assisting people in need are key components.
I feel that we need to take our inclusive, liberal kind of church and make it known to the community.
Regarding merger; at first I thought it was a good idea, however the more I learn about all the challenges of putting two churches together, the deep feelings ,the personalities trying to work together, it seems overwhelming. I wonder if it is worth the effort.
Could be we'll join with the First Christian-that remains to be seen.
The church should continue its efforts to make our world a better, safer place.
Be socially active-spread awareness of issues in our community. Support organizations and programs addressing common issues.
I think God is calling us to merge with the First Christian Church. I accept that it will not be easy but together we can make a more viable community of God.
I truly believe that God is calling our church to grow and touch the lives of more people.
I honestly don't know if merger is in our future. I do believe that we will grow and will be able to increase ministerial staff, maybe not full time for a while.
I don't know.
We need to pray and wait in his presence. We need to include minorities.
World awareness is a high priority. We should continue to be a source of outreach and education to the surrounding community.
I think God is calling us to continue to decide about what to do about the merger and to continue to help people.
Care for the community and all the Earth.
Tough question
Continue our service projects To continue to help the community as much as possible, and maybe expand them on a larger scale.
I would like the structure of the building changed so we may be one big congregation.
Make disciples until He returns.
To continue to serve in social justice
To help others
As a community resource with quarterly workshops for parents, teens, partners etc
To help others
To continue to work on social justice