Unchurched Survey One

My first survey was conducted with a friend that I recently reconnected with from grade school. She was raised in a Catholic family and later married in an Episcopal church. This is the church that is currently attended once or twice a month. "Admittedly, I don't attend church as often as I should". In the second grade during her CCD class a teaching on child baptism & hell started bringing a disconnect between the God she believed in. "My God doesn't punish those who don't deserve it".

Maybe because it is a survey about the church, since she has kids, she focused most of her life's interests there. Anything that keeps the interest of her children and helps nourish their faith- choirs, plays, play groups, and even the opportunity for them to participate in outreach programs, like learning to help the needy. It's obvious from the interview that caring for her kids is a number one priority in life. Deep inside the core of a parent is a desire to care for the little ones entrusted to us. As a church, we need to develop a family friendly community in which all generations can experience fullness in life.

The next question focused on why most people don't go to church. She feels that the views of most churches are antiquated. People don't value religion like they used to. For her personally, fundamental differences in her beliefs and those of the Catholic church made it difficult to continue there. "Attending can be a chore with kids that have a hard time sitting still for a few minutes, let alone 60".

So what would she look for in a church to attend and what advice would she give pastors? "A sense of community and acceptance." The pastor should be one that is welcoming and fun to be around. Sermons should motivate people to be involved in their church and community, and it helps if they are entertaining. Pastors should stay excited by religion and what it can do for people. "It definitely shows when they lose steam". Perhaps conducting periodic surveys can help them stay connected with the needs and wants of their parishioners. (What a great idea!)

There are a few items that we could learn from here. People long for community and acceptance from the church. They trust the church to stay true to the God it represents, and stay practical and relevant to their families. Listening to the people we journey with can help in efforts to accomplish this. However, we should never discount staying close to voice of God. His Spirit prompts us to understand His heart in ministering to the people in our lives.