St. James' is a community where we come together in Christ to develop spiritually; find opportunities for outreach; receive comfort when in need; and engage in sacred experiences through our liturgy, music, fellowship, and mutual ministry.
Parish Survey Results
Other notable survey results include:
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Our theological diversity is low compared to other churches and we are more progressive in our views.
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While we are flexible in welcoming changes in worship within the prescribed liturgy, we are more settled and less likely to adapt our worship to the needs and circumstances of other people in the community.
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For hospitality, we are average compared to other church surveys.
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Our morale is generally good. Many people responded that the whole spirit in our congregation makes people want to get as involved as possible.
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Participants showed some anxiety that conflict exists. However, overall responses indicated that we are managing conflict better than most of the other churches who have used this survey (80%).
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Our responses showed stronger governance approval than 79% of other surveyed churches. Members believe that the decision making structures and process are open to their concerns and input.
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Our faith is important. However, compared with our churches using this survey, we indicated that church members may have other priorities in their lives now.
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We need to concentrate some work on discerning gifts. Moving forward, we want a mutual ministry focus and want to be engaged and involved.
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Our motivation is outstripping our programming when it comes to life-long spiritual learning. We need to resource and provide formation and education that is appropriate to every age and stage of life.
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When looking for our next leader, our top three responses were preaching, strategic leadership, and pastoral care. These are the typical top rankings in a majority of surveyed churches. The fourth highest in our survey was for our next priest to be a teacher: to deepen understanding, form character, and equip memebers with new skills. We see a need to "train the trainers." We are looking for a leader with the ability to help us develop and own our mutual mission, not develop and impose a mission.
