Report for Richmond Hill United Church

Report for Richmond Hill United Church

ISSUED : May 2014

T h e U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C a n a d a J a n e A r m s t r o n g R e s e a r c h A s s o c i a t e s 0

IMNA

T h e U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C a n a d a J a n e A r m s t r o n g R e s e a r c h A s s o c i a t e s - 2 0 1 4

Report Outline

• Introduction • Purpose of IMNA • Methodology • Profile of Survey Respondents

• Executive Summary • Detailed Results

• Identity - What defines your church today? • Mission - What is your faith community’s vision for mission and ministry? • Needs Analysis - What do you need to fulfil your mission and ministry?

• Next Steps for Faith Communities • To come

1

Introduction


IMNA Purpose of IMNA

• IMNA is an online research tool to help you develop effective and sustainable ministry

• It will help you assess your current gifts and identity, and discover a clear and vital vision for future mission and ministry

• It can be used to complete a JNAC and dovetails with the Effective Leadership criteria used in some Conferences

• IMNA is intended to give everyone in your faith community a say about the identity, mission and needs of your church

• It will help you plan for this future with hope and joy

T h e U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C a n a d a J a n e A r m s t r o n g R e s e a r c h A s s o c i a t e s - 2 0 1 4 3

IMNA Methodology

• Online survey, questionnaire available under separate cover

• Conducted among the people of your congregation - Richmond Hill United Church

• Sample of 113 respondents

• Results are always expressed in percentages (unless otherwise

noted) • Results pertain to your church, except in those instances

where, for comparison purposes, results are clearly marked as referring to the UCC’s national Identity Survey (conducted among 7448 United Church people in 2011)


IMNA 2014 Profile of Survey Respondents

IMNA D2

Identity 2011 (National) IMNA - Your Church

63

35

0

2

Female

Male

Transgender

Other

Gender *

Identity Q52

* Slight change in question wording from 2011 Identity Survey to current IMNA survey

69

30

0.1

Female

Male

Transgender

Gender

11

89

Yes No

Parent of child(ren) age 12 and under

15

84

Yes No

Parent of child(ren) age 13 -19

IMNA D5a, b


IMNA Profile of Survey Respondents, Continued

IMNA D3, D4


3 7 4

14

22 28

20

13-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+

Age

Median Age: 54

Identity Q1, 56


2 2 4 9

19

27

36

11-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+

Age

Median Age: 65

Average (mean) time in congregation:

Your church: 20 years Identity 2011: 23 years


Executive Summary


Executive Summary

•Identity •The Meaning of Church •Fundamentals of Faith

•Mission •Priorities for an Ideal Church

•Needs Analysis •Overall Needs in Your Church Today •Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel


IMNA - IDENTITY

Executive Summary: Identity

IMNA Q5


Top Five - The Meaning of Church: “Strongly Agree” That Church Inspires and Motivates You

59

58

52

47

44

Attending worship services

An understanding that faith comes in many forms

Supporting financially the work of your local church

Listening to music or making music

Living according to the teachings of Jesus

Summary of Top Five Fundamentals of Faith: “Very Important“ to Your Faith...

IMNA Q16

72

70

65

43

40

Your church provides opportunities to expand and deepen your spirituality

Your church makes you feel that you are part of a community

Your church makes you want to be loving and compassionate

Your church makes you want to share your gifts with others

Your church makes you want to put energy into working for peace and justice in the world

IMNA - MISSION Executive Summary: Mission

IMNA Q22

IMNA Your Church

Importance (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very important) MEAN TOP BOX “10”

That is inviting and welcoming to everyone 9.4 76

That accompanies people through the most difficult times of their life 9.2 66

That reaches out to those in the local community who need help 8.9 50

In which the people of the congregation demonstrate their faith by showing respect for diversity in all its forms

8.8 58

That encourages questioning and debate 8.7 47

That offers the possibility of personal transformation, for example, turning one’s life around or changing the way one looks at the world

8.1 28

Where God’s presence is felt 8.0 41

ATTRIBUTE

A Welcoming Church

A Church That Accompanies People on Their Life Journey

A Church That Turns Faith Into Action

A Diverse and Intercultural Church

A Church That is Engaging and Dynamic

A Church that is Focused on Discipleship

A Church that Helps to Bring People Closer to

God


Top Priorities for an Ideal Church by Attribute

IMNA - NEEDS Executive Summary: Needs Analysis

IMNA Q23

81

70

64

61

60

Increase the number of children/youth in your congregation

Offer opportunities for children and youth to grow in their faith

Increase givings to the local operations of your church

Develop in the people of the congregation a mindset of real “hospitality”, which will help to make your church a truly welcoming …

Increase the number of adults in your congregation


Summary of Top Five Needs in Your Church Today : “High Priority”

86

82

81

77

74

An ability to create meaningful worship

An interest in welcoming new people

A gift for providing compassionate pastoral care

A gift for preaching

A gift for building community both inside and outside your church

IMNA Q24

Summary of Top Five Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel : “Strongly Agree”

Detailed Results


Identity

What Defines Your Church Today?


IDENTITY

•Characteristics of Your Faith Community

•Clarity of Purpose •Sense of Belonging •The Meaning of Church •Fundamentals of Faith •Values and Attitudes •Beliefs

•Stewardship Practices •Leadership in Your Church •Characteristics of Worship


IMNA - IDENTITY

Clarity of Purpose: How Would You Describe Your Church Today?

IMNA Q3

50

43

6

Your church has a mission You are in the process of determining/re-visiting your mission

Having a mission is not a priority for your church


IMNA - IDENTITY

Clarity of Purpose: Understanding and Articulating Your Mission

IMNA Q4a, b

42

51

5 2

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

58

40

0 2



Do you agree/disagree that you could describe your church’s mission? (Among those who believe their church has a mission)

Do you agree/disagree that lay leaders understand your church’s mission? (Among those who believe their church has a mission)

16

IDENTITY

•Characteristics of Your Faith Community •Clarity of Purpose

•Sense of Belonging •The Meaning of Church •Fundamentals of Faith •Values and Attitudes •Beliefs



IMNA - IDENTITY

IMNA Q1a, b, 2 Identity Q12a, b

95

76

69

94

73

Not asked

To your local Church

To The United Church of Canada denomination

Belong to group(s) outside of Church

IMNA - Your Church

Identity 2011

Feel Sense of Belonging: To Local Church, The Denomination... And Other Groups Outside Church



IMNA - IDENTITY

IMNA Q7, 8 Identity Q14, 16

41

50

44

65

Are very involved in the activities of your congregation

Feel very connected to your church and congregation

IMNA - Your Church

Identity 2011

Sense of Belonging: Involvement and Connection



IMNA - IDENTITY Sense of Belonging: Likelihood of Worshipping With Your Current Congregation Over the Next Few Years

IMNA Q17

78

12 4

0 4 2

Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Expect to move away

Do not worship regularly


IDENTITY

•Characteristics of Your Faith Community •Clarity of Purpose •Sense of Belonging

•The Meaning of Church •Fundamentals of Faith •Values and Attitudes •Beliefs



IMNA - IDENTITY

The Meaning of Church: You Know Why You, Personally, Go to Church

IMNA Q5b

71

24

4 2



IMNA - IDENTITY

The Meaning of Church: Does it Inspire and Motivate?

IMNA Q5c, d, j, k, l, m

72

70

65

43

40

27

22

22

31

48

46

57

Your church provides opportunities to expand and deepen your spirituality

Your church makes you feel that you are part of a community

Your church makes you want to be loving and compassionate

Your church makes you want to share your gifts with others

Your church makes you want to put energy into working for peace and justice in the world

Your church makes you want to respond to the call to “heal the world”

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree


IMNA - IDENTITY The Meaning of Church: How Significant a Role Does Church Play With Respect to ...?

59

58

58

54

45

44

42

37

36

27

25

20

16

15

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

4

0

28

20

2

28

3

Your values

Your personal faith

Your sense of belonging

Your sense of community

Your sense of who you are

Your living of life

Your views on social issues

Your family life

How you relate to others

Your raising of your children

Your marriage/relationship

Your choice of friends

Your work

Your political views

Very significant

Not applicable

IMNA Q15


IMNA - IDENTITY The Meaning of Church: How Significant a Role Does Church Play With Respect to ....?

59

58

58

54

45

44

42

37

36

27

25

20

16

15

63

64

51

32

40

32

33

20

17

13

Your values

Your personal faith

Your sense of belonging*

Your sense of community*

Your sense of who you are*

Your living of life

Your views on social issues

Your family life*

How you relate to others

Your raising of your children

Your marriage/relationship

Your choice of friends

Your work

Your political views

“Very significant”

IMNA - Your Church

Identity 2011

IMNA Q15 Identity Q20


*Not asked on Identity Survey

25

IDENTITY

•Characteristics of Your Faith Community •Clarity of Purpose •Sense of Belonging •The Meaning of Church

•Fundamentals of Faith •Values and Attitudes •Beliefs



Summary of Fundamentals of Faith: “Very Important“ to Your Faith...

59

58

52

47

44

38

37

36

35

31

27

27

25

23

22

Attending worship services

An understanding that faith comes in many forms

Supporting financially the work of your local church

Listening to music or making music


Spending time in natural surroundings

Volunteering time to church causes

Encountering or experiencing the divine in your own life

Addressing needs of community beyond church walls

Participating in small faith and spirituality groups

Supporting financially the work of M&S

Working to promote social justice

Working to protect the environment

Engaging in personal spiritual practice

Knowing a lot about the Bible

IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q16


IMNA - IDENTITY

Fundamentals of Faith: How important is. .. . Attending Worship*?

59

32

8

1

66

29

4 1

Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important

IMNA- Your Church Identity 2011

IMNA Q16a Identity Q21a



IMNA - IDENTITY

Fundamentals of Faith: How Important is .... Discipleship?

44 47

7

2



IMNA Q16h


IMNA - IDENTITY

Fundamentals of Faith: How Important is ... Stewardship?

37

52

27

52

39 43

11 6

27

0 3 4

Volunteering time to church causes Supporting financially work of local church Supporting financially the work of M&S*


IMNA Q16b, c, d


Identity 2011 (National)

Identity Q21b, c, d

IMNA - Your Church

45

62

29

43 33

51

9 4

17

2 1 3

Volunteering time to church causes Supporting financially work of local church Supporting financially the work of wider church*



IMNA - IDENTITY

Fundamentals of Faith: How Important is ... Outreach?

IMNA Q16 e, k, n

35

56

8 1


Addressing needs of community beyond church walls

27

53

20 1


Working to promote social justice

25

50

22 3


Working to protect the environment


IMNA - IDENTITY

Fundamentals of Faith: How Important is ... Personal Experience ?

IMNA Q16i, l, m

36 31 24

9


Encountering or experiencing the divine in your own life

38 39

22

1


Spending time in natural surroundings

47 36

14 3


Listening to, or making, music


IMNA - IDENTITY

Fundamentals of Faith: How Important is ... Knowledge and Understanding?

IMNA Q16g, j

22

41 28

9


Knowing a lot about the Bible

58

37

4 1


An understanding that faith comes in many forms, some non-traditional


IMNA - IDENTITY

Fundamentals of Faith: How Important is .... Participation in Small Groups That Explore Faith and Spirituality?

IMNA Q16o

31

27

31

12



IMNA - IDENTITY

Fundamentals of Faith: How Important is .... Engaging In Personal Spiritual Practice?

IMNA Q16f

23

31

38

8



IMNA - IDENTITY

Fundamentals of Faith: Evangelism

Yes, 74%

No, 26%

IMNA – Your Church

Yes, 67%

No, 33%

Identity 2011

Identity Q18t IMNA Q13a

Have you talked about your faith with someone who does not go to church?


IDENTITY

•Characteristics of Your Faith Community •Clarity of Purpose •Sense of Belonging •The Meaning of Church •Fundamentals of Faith

•Values and Attitudes •Beliefs



IMNA - IDENTITY Values and Attitudes: The Importance of Belonging, Behaving and Believing

44 44

10 2

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disgree

Your church emphasizes belonging: Feeling bound to each other by a sense of kinship

38 51

9 2


Your church emphasizes behaving: Acting in line with Jesus’ teachings

27 35

25 14


Your church emphasizes believing: Understanding/accepting beliefs about God and Jesus

IMNA Q9a,b,c T h e U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C a n a d a J a n e A r m s t r o n g R e s e a r c h A s s o c i a t e s - 2 0 1 4 38

IMNA - IDENTITY Values and Attitudes: The Importance of Diversity

89

11

0 1


Your faith community values diversity in all its forms, e.g., race, socio-economic identity, sexual orientation, gender identity

IMNA Q5p


IMNA - IDENTITY Values and Attitudes: The Importance of Questioning and Debate

52

41

6

1


A culture of questioning and debate appears to be present in your church

IMNA Q5o


IMNA - IDENTITY Values and Attitudes: The Importance of Experimentation and Change

27

61

10

3


Experimentation and change are considered to be good things in your church

IMNA Q5n


Values and Attitudes: The Importance of Connecting with the Denomination

IMNA Q20b

38

48

6 4


Connection to the denomination of The United Church of Canada is important to the work of your faith community

IMNA - IDENTITY


IMNA - IDENTITY Values and Attitudes: Views on Spirituality and Faith

27 38

18 15


55

34

10 2


30

47

14 4


Although many people think of spirituality as contemplative and prayerful, it can also be very loud and activist

IMNA Q20g, h, i

Spirituality is about a search for meaning that may not

have anything at all to do with God

Faith is not about believing a set of statements; it is really a matter of the heart


Values and Attitudes: Views on Ecumenism

IMNA Q20a

74

21

2 3


There are many paths to God - Christianity is one path among many

IMNA - IDENTITY

60

28

4 5


There are many paths to God - Christianity is one path among many

Identity Q34a


IMNA - Your Church


IMNA - IDENTITY Values and Attitudes: Views on the Traditions of Christianity

24

44

21

6


The language and symbols of Christianity may be barriers that prevent many from hearing the message of the Gospel

IMNA Q20k


Values and Attitudes: Views On Atheists Belonging to the Church

IMNA Q20c

IMNA - IDENTITY

36 33

23

7


There is nothing wrong with atheists belonging and contributing to United church communities


IMNA Q20f

IMNA - IDENTITY Values and Attitudes: Views on the Future of Christianity


Identity Q34b

IMNA - Your Church

6

29 27 32


It is time for organized and institutional versions of Christianity to fade away and something new to emerge

5

20 23

43


It is time for organized and institutional versions of Christianity to fade away and something new to emerge


IDENTITY

•Characteristics of Your Faith Community •Clarity of Purpose •Sense of Belonging •The Meaning of Church •Fundamentals of Faith •Discipleship/Stewardship/Service •Values and Attitudes

•Beliefs



IMNA - IDENTITY Beliefs: The Divinity of Jesus

58

27

5

9


It doesn’t really matter whether Jesus was or was not divine; what matters is the basic content of his message

IMNA Q20d


IMNA - IDENTITY Beliefs: The Meaning of the Resurrection

45

40

4 4


The resurrection of Christ is primarily about the reality of God’s love and how lives can be transformed for the better through love

IMNA Q20e


Beliefs: The Importance of Jesus Being Named in Worship

IMNA Q19

IMNA - IDENTITY

MEAN TOP BOX “10”

6.9 22%


8.5 53%

Identity Q31


6

2 5

9 8 8 6

21

12

22

Not at all important Very important

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

IMNA - Your Church


Beliefs: The importance of the Trinity As A Way For the Denomination to Express its Understanding of God

IMNA - IDENTITY

IMNA Q18


7.9 41%

18

10

7 9

5 4

8

15

6

18

Not at all important Very important

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

IMNA - Your Church

Identity Q30



5.6 18%


IDENTITY

•Characteristics of Your Faith Community •Clarity of Purpose •Sense of Belonging •The Meaning of Church •Fundamentals of Faith •Values and Attitudes •Beliefs



IMNA - IDENTITY

Stewardship Practices: Making Financial Gifts

IMNA Q14 a, b, c

88

69 68

4

13 18

4

12

5

Operations of your local church Mission and Service (M&S) Your church’s outreach/mission projects

Yes Not this year, but in the past No, never


IMNA - IDENTITY

Stewardship Practices: Sharing Time and Talent

In the past two years, have you… Yes

Volunteered your time through committee membership, doing odd jobs, helping at a fellowship event, leading youth group

84

Contributed to your congregation’s worship through choir, reading scripture, decorating the sanctuary

71

Attended your church’s annual meeting 67

Volunteered your time to help with your church’s outreach activities in the community

51

Participated in, or led, small groups focused on worship or prayer, faith formation, peer support, etc.

36

Joined an activist group (unrelated to your church) that works to bring justice into the world, for example, environmental protection, improved literacy among incarcerated people, a decline in child poverty rates, etc.

20

Participated in some kind of non-traditional form of church 7

IMNA Q13c,d,e,f,g,h,i


IMNA - IDENTITY

Stewardship Practices: Sharing Time and Talent, Cont’d

IMNA – Your Church: Yes

Written to an elected government official such as your Member of Parliament (MP) about a church-sponsored issue

20

IMNA Q13b

Identity 2011 (National): Yes

Written to an elected government official such as your Member of Parliament (MP) about a church-sponsored issue

12

Identity Q18v

In the past two years, have you…


IDENTITY

•Characteristics of Your Faith Community •Clarity of Purpose •Sense of Belonging •The Meaning of Church •Fundamentals of Faith •Discipleship/Stewardship/Service •Values and Attitudes •Beliefs

•Stewardship Practices

•Leadership in Your Church •Characteristics of Worship


IMNA - IDENTITY

Leadership: Perceptions of The Effectiveness of Your Leaders

IMNA Q4b*, Q5e, g, h, i

45

55

58

66

74

46

40

40

28

20

Your church is good at helping people make good use of their gifts to contribute to the work of the church

Your Minister(s) motivate your congregation to set and achieve goals

Lay leaders understand your church's mission*

Both the minister(s) and lay leaders demonstrate a sense of responsibility for nurturing spiritual growth

Lay leaders in your congregation express their faith in a variety of different ways

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree


*Among those who believe their church has a mission

58

IMNA - IDENTITY Leadership: Perceptions of How Your Church Treats Lay Leaders

IMNA Q5f, 10a, b, c, d

60

58

27

21

12

36

32

53

58

55

Lay leaders in your church are well supported by your minister(s)

Lay leaders in your congregation feel empowered to make decisions

Your church is good at recruiting people to serve as lay leaders

Your church is good at equipping lay leaders with training and resources to carry out their roles

Your church is good at making sure that lay leaders don’t “burn out”

Strongly agree Somewhat agree


IMNA - IDENTITY Leadership: Do Leaders Grasp their Roles?

19 32

11

39

Yes, formal role Yes, informal role Both formal and informal No

Do you consider yourself a leader in your congregation?

IMNA Q11, Q12

88

12

Yes No

Do you have a good grasp on your role / how to carry It out? (Among those who consider themselves leaders)


IDENTITY

•Characteristics of Your Faith Community •Clarity of Purpose •Sense of Belonging •The Meaning of Church •Fundamentals of Faith •Discipleship/Stewardship/Service •Values and Attitudes •Beliefs

•Stewardship Practices •Leadership in Your Church

•Characteristics of Worship


IMNA - IDENTITY

Worship: Does it Usually Inspire and Stimulate?

IMNA Q6a, b, n, o, t

66

58

56

46

37

27

36

35

39

49

Worship includes thought-provoking preaching

Worship is generally inspiring

Worship is intellectually stimulating

Stretches you to think of faith in non-traditional ways

Continually challenges your world view or perspective on life



IMNA - IDENTITY

Worship: Does it Typically Promote Mission and Ministry?

IMNA Q6j, k, l, m

72

58

52

30

26

37

41

54

Worship expresses compassion for others

Worship offers hope

Worship builds community

Worship motivates people to want to heal the world



IMNA - IDENTITY

Worship: Is it Reflective and Prayerful?

IMNA Q6d,e,c, p

57

42

39

29

33

45

47

49

Your services include prayers that are meaningful

Your services allow time for peaceful reflection

Your services help people feel close to God

Encourages you to get into a meditative state of mind



IMNA - IDENTITY

Worship: Is it Engaging and Relevant?

IMNA Q6q, r, s, u, v

72

45

42

30

26

25

47

45

45

39

Contains references to current events happening in the world

Engages your heart

Worshippers feel like participants in worship, not observers

Includes non-traditional components

Includes unexpected elements



IMNA - IDENTITY

Worship: How Do You Describe the Music in Your Church?

IMNA Q6f, g, h, i,

69

59

50

40

23

28

32

42

Your music creates a sense of God’s presence

Your music is accessible to all, including children

Your worship includes music that engages youth

Your worship includes music that is up-to-date



Mission

What Is Your Faith

Community’s Vision for Mission and Ministry?


MISSION • Attributes of an Ideal Church

• A Welcoming Church

•A Church That Accompanies People on Their Life Journey •A Church that turns Faith into Action •A Church That is Engaging and Dynamic •A Church that is Focused on Discipleship •A Church that Helps to Bring People Closer to God •A Diverse and Intercultural Church

• Summary of Priorities for an Ideal Church


IMNA - MISSION Attributes of an Ideal Church: One to Which You Would Like to Belong

Importance (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very important)

IMNA Your Church

Identity 2011

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

A Welcoming

Church

That is inviting and welcoming to all 9.4 76 9.3 71 That values the presence and contribution of people of all ages, from children and youth to seniors

9.2 68 9.2 65

That supports same sex couples in marriage 8.1 43 NA NA

Where worship feels comfortable and familiar 8 32 8.2 37

That performs same sex marriages 7.8 43 6.6 28

That uses inclusive language, for example, changing the words of old hymns to include both men and women, not just men

7.2 31 6.3 21

IMNA Q22h,v,z,aa,bb,jj Identity Q22h,v,z,bb,jj




IMNA Your Church

Identity 2011

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

A Church That Accompanies People on Their Life journey

That accompanies people through the most difficult times of life

9.2 66 9.1 60

That approaches life’s deepest issues with a respect for personal freedom and choice

8.8 46 8.7 47

That places an emphasis on helping people with the day-to-day issues in their lives

8.5 37 8.5 39

That helps people grow spiritually 8.5 38 8.9 55

That offers you a place to build deep personal relationships

8.1 32 7.8 29

IMNA Q22d, e, m, s, x Identity Q22d, e, m, s, x




IMNA Your Church

Identity 2011

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”


That reaches out to those in the local community who need help

8.9 50 8.9 50

In which members demonstrate their faith by showing respect for all people regardless of their sexual orientation

8.9 65 8.8 57

That is more concerned with the here and now than the hereafter*

8.6 53 NA NA

In which people are encouraged to translate their personal faith into action in their daily lives

8.5 44 8.5 42

That offers opportunities to get involved in church activities outside of worship

8.4 35 8.1 33

In which people demonstrate their faith by showing respect for the earth and the environment

8.3 36 8.5 43

That works with impoverished or poor people to find ways to improve their situation

8.3 32 8.4 39

Whose members work for justice in the world 8.2 29 8.4 40

That has a culture of encouraging regular financial donations to support the work of the church locally, nationally and around the world

8.2 35 7.7 26

IMNA Q22g, i, k, o, p, r, u, cc, nn Identity Q22g, i, k, o, p, r, u, cc


*Not asked in Identity Survey


Importance (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very important) IMNA

Your Church Identity 2011

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

A Church That is

Engaging and

Dynamic

That encourages questioning and debate 8.7 47 8.4 40

Where people are continually in the process of discovering new ways of looking at and understanding their faith

8.5 45 8.3 38

That offers opportunities to help make decisions about the direction of the church

8.5 42 8.4 36

That offers its members worship and study opportunities that engage both the emotions and the intellect

8.5 46 8.3 37

That is open to changing the way it does things 8.4 41 8.3 38

That uses many different styles of music 7.5 23 7.9 32

IMNA Q22a, c, l, t, dd, hh Identity Q22a, c, l, t, dd, hh



Importance (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very

important) IMNA

Your Church Identity 2011

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

A Church That Is Focused on Discipleship


8.1 28 7.9 32

That helps people to live according to the teachings of Jesus*

7.9 30 NA NA

That invites members to grow in their relationship with Jesus

7 19 8.2 40

Where members are encouraged to follow Jesus as disciples

6.8 16 7.9 36

Where the Bible is the primary focus of preaching

6.4 15 7.3 24

IMNA Q22b, f, j, n, oo IdentityQ22b, f, j, n




Importance (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very

important)

IMNA Your Church

Identity 2011

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

A Church That Helps to Bring People Closer to God

Where God’s presence is felt 8.0 41 9.0 61

That encourages its members to pray 7.3 24 8.2 40

That encourages and provides ways for people to engage in spiritual practices such as meditation

7.1 12 NA NA

IMNA Q22q, y, mm Identity Q22q, y





IMNA Your Church

Identity 2011

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”

MEAN

TOP BOX

“10”


In which the people of the congregation demonstrate their faith by showing respect for diversity in all its forms*

8.8 58 NA NA

That seeks opportunities to recognize and celebrate diverse identities**

8 26 6.6 15

That actively tries to build relationships among people of differing faith traditions and cultures

7.9 22 8 33

That tries to be understandable and accessible to people whose first language is not the primary language of worship in the congregation

7.5 25 7.5 25

That uses expansive language for God, for example, in which God is referred to, not just as Father, but also as Mother, Creator, Holy One, etc

7.3 35 6.6 23

That at times uses prayers or readings from other non-Christian faiths in worship

6.8 11 6.3 13

That encourages newcomers to Canada to maintain connections with faith communities in their home country

6.3 17 6.5 16

IMNA Q22w, ee, ff, gg, ii, kk, ll IdentityQ22w, ee, ff, gg, ii, kk, ** Slight change in question wording from 2011 Identity Survey to current IMNA survey



MISSION • Attributes of an Ideal Church

• A Welcoming Church

•A Church That Accompanies People on Their Life Journey •A Church that turns Faith into Action •A Church That is Engaging and Dynamic •A Church that is Focused on Discipleship •A Church that Helps to Bring People Closer to God •A Diverse and Intercultural Church

•Summary of Priorities for an Ideal Church


IMNA - MISSION Summary of Priorities for an Ideal Church

IMNA Q22

ATTRIBUTE


A Welcoming Church




God




IMNA Q22

Importance IMNA (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very important) Your Church


That is inviting and welcoming to everyone 9.4 76 That values the presence and contribution of people of all ages, from children and youth to

seniors 9.2 68

That accompanies people through the most difficult times of their life 9.2 66

That reaches out to those in the local community who need help 8.9 50

In which members demonstrate their faith by showing respect for all people regardless of their sexual orientation

8.9 65

In which the people of the congregation demonstrate their faith by showing respect for diversity in all its forms

8.8 58

That approaches life’s deepest issues with a respect for personal freedom and choice 8.8 46

That encourages questioning and debate 8.7 47

That is more concerned with the here and now than the hereafter 8.6 53

Where people are encouraged to translate their personal faith into action in their daily lives 8.5 44

That places an emphasis on helping people with the day-to-day issues in their lives 8.5 37

Where people are continually in the process of discovering new ways of looking at and understanding their faith

8.5 45

That helps people grow spiritually 8.5 38

That offers opportunities to help make decisions about the direction of the church 8.5 42

That offers its members worship and study opportunities that engage both the emotions and the intellect

8.5 46

That offers opportunities to get involved in church activities outside of worship 8.4 35

That is open to changing the way it does things 8.4 41

Where people demonstrate their faith by showing respect for the earth and the environment 8.3 36

That works with impoverished or poor people to find ways to improve their situation 8.3 32

Whose members work for justice in the world 8.2 29

That has a culture of encouraging regular financial donations to support the work of the church locally, nationally and around the world

8.2 35

That offers you a place to build deep personal relationships 8.1 32

IMNA - MISSION

IMNA Q22

Summary of Priorities for an Ideal Church, Continued

ATTRIBUTE


A Welcoming Church




God




Importance IMNA (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very important) Your Church


Supports same sex couples in marriage 8.1 43


8.1 28

Where the worship services feel comfortable and familiar 8 32

Where God’s presence is felt 8 41

That seeks opportunities to recognize and celebrate diverse identities 8 26

That actively tries to build relationships among people of differing faith traditions and cultures

7.9 22

That helps people to live according to the teachings of Jesus 7.9 30

That performs same sex marriages 7.8 43

That tries to be understandable and accessible to people whose first language is not the primary language of worship in the congregation

7.5 25

That uses many different styles of music 7.5 23

That uses expansive language for God, for example, in which God is referred to, not just as Father, but also as Mother, Creator, Holy One, etc

7.3 35

That encourages its members to pray 7.3 24

That uses inclusive language, for example, changing the words of old hymns to include both men and women, not just men

7.2 31

That encourages and provides ways for people to engage in spiritual practices such as meditation

7.1 12

That invites members to grow in their relationship with Jesus 7 19

That at times uses prayers or readings from other non-Christian faiths in worship 6.8 11

Where members are encouraged to follow Jesus as disciples 6.8 16

Where the Bible is the primary focus of preaching 6.4 15

That encourages newcomers to Canada to maintain connections with faith communities in their home country

6.3 17

Needs Analysis

What Do You Need To Fulfil Your Mission and Ministry?


NEEDS ANALYSIS

•Overall Needs in Your Church Today •What is Needed to Create Meaningful Worship? •What is Needed to Promote Engagement with Mission and Ministry? •Ministry Personnel Needs

•Desirable attributes in ministry personnel •Your faith community’s openness to diversity


NEEDS ANALYSIS

•Overall Needs in Your Church Today •What is Needed to Create Meaningful Worship? •What is Needed to Promote Engagement with Mission and Ministry? •Ministry Personnel Needs



IMNA - NEEDS Summary of Overall Needs in Your Church Today – “High Priority”

IMNA Q23

81

70

64

61

60

43

37

35

10



Increase givings to the local operations of your church

Develop in the people of the congregation a mindset of real “hospitality”, which will help to make your church a truly welcoming

place for all


Offer opportunities for the people of your congregation to grow and deepen their faith

Increase participation and engagement of people in the worship life of your congregation

Increase participation and engagement of people in the ministries of your congregation

Increase givings to the Mission and Service (M&S) of The United Church of Canada


IMNA - NEEDS Overall Needs: Growth in Givings

IMNA Q23g, h

64

10

29

45

5

43

Increase givings to local operations

Increase givings to Mission and Service

High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority


IMNA - NEEDS Overall Needs: Growth in Numbers

81

60

16

34

2

5




IMNA Q23e, f T h e U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C a n a d a J a n e A r m s t r o n g R e s e a r c h A s s o c i a t e s - 2 0 1 4 84

IMNA - NEEDS Overall Needs: Growth in Faith and Hospitality

70

61

43

26

31

50

4

8

8


Develop in the people of the congregation a mindset of real “hospitality”, to help make your church a truly welcoming place for all

Offer opportunities for the people of your congregation to grow and deepen their faith


IMNA Q23a, d, i


Overall Needs: Growth in Participation and Engagement

37

35

50

52

13

12

Increase participation and engagement of people in the worship life of your

congregation

Increase participation and engagement of people in the ministries of your

congregation


IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q23b,c


NEEDS ANALYSIS

•Overall Needs in Your Church Today

•What is Needed For Meaningful Worship? •What is Needed to Promote Engagement with Mission and Ministry? •Ministry Personnel Needs



Summary of Priorities for Meaningful Worship (Needed on a Weekly Basis)

IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q21

92

92

83

80

74

67

58

57

56

55

43

41

41

24

12

Anthems sung by a choir

Preaching

The offering is treated as an act of worship

Children’s time/story

Congregational hymn singing

Clergy wearing robes when they are leading worship

Lay participation in worship

Use of contemporary translations of the Bible

Prayers offered by lay people

Silence/meditation in worship

Well-known prayers recited by heart

Story-telling (not just for children)

Rituals or gestures such as candle lighting

Use of technology to project hymns/prayer words

Use of multi/social-media techniques


Summary of Priorities for Meaningful Worship (Needed on a Weekly Basis), Continued

IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q21

12

9

8

8

7

6

6

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

2

1

0

0

Intergenerational services

Worship services other than Sunday morning

Interactive sermons

Experimentation in worship

Child-oriented family worship other than Sunday

Electronic or online worship across Canada

Communion

Pub night with discussion around faith and meaning

Youth-led services

Healing services

Jazz or rock/pop music services

Outreach activities instead of worship

Public sharing of faith journeys

Blessing of the animals

Meditative worship such as Taize

Fellowship activities instead of worship

Creative dance movement

Baptism


Meaningful Worship: Traditional Components IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q21b, c, e, g, h, dd

92

92

83

74

67

43

6

4

7

5

4

37

2

3

7

20

4

12

0

1

3

1

18

8

Anthems sung by a choir

Preaching

The offering is treated as an act of worship

Congregational hymn singing

Clergy wearing robes when they are leading worship

Well-known prayers recited by heart

Every week

Monthly

Once or twice a year

Almost never/Never


Meaningful Worship: The Sacraments IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q21i, j

6

0

59

27

32

71

3

1

Communion

Baptism

Every week

Monthly


Almost never/Never


Meaningful Worship: Congregational Involvement

58

56

41

3

34

33

23

17

6

5

32

59

2

6

4

20

Lay participation in worship

Prayers offered by lay people

Rituals or gestures such as candle lighting

Public sharing of faith journeys

Every week Monthly Once or twice a year Almost never/Never

IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q21d, f, k, aa


Meaningful Worship: Intergenerational/Children/Youth Services

80

12

7

4

17

44

38

25

1

41

35

69

3

1

13

2

Children's time / story

Intergenerational services

Child-oriented family worship other than Sunday

Youth-led services


IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q21a, o, r, w


Meaningful Worship: Use of Technology

IMNA Q21v, x, z,

24

12

6

25

31

18

15

32

38

33

24

35

Use of technology to project words of hymns, prayers etc.

Use of multi/social-media techniques including Youtube

Electronic or online worship across Canada


IMNA - NEEDS


Meaningful Worship: Engagement Strategies

57

55

41

8

0

27

21

43

28

13

12

19

12

48

59

5

6

4

15

28

Use of contemporary translations of the Bible

Silence / meditation in worship

Story-telling (not just for children)

Interactive sermons

Use of creative dance movement


IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q21l, p, s, u, y


Meaningful Worship: Special Services

4

4

3

2

57

20

4

25

26

50

35

53

10

28

53

20

Healing services

Jazz or rock/pop music services

Blessing of the animals

Meditative worship such as Taize


IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q21m, n, q, t


Meaningful Worship: Alternative Models IMNA - NEEDS

IMNA Q21bb,cc, ee, ff, gg

9

8

5

4

1

35

28

30

12

12

36

48

42

57

48

18

16

22

26

39

Worship services other than Sunday a.m.

Experimentation in worship, even if sometimes awkward

Offer alternatives to Sunday worship such as a Thursday evening pub night where

people discuss faith and meaning

Replace Sunday worship with outreach that takes people out into the world

beyond the church walls

Replace Sunday worship with a fellowship activity to build and enhance relationships

in your faith community

Every week

Monthly


Almost never/Never


NEEDS ANALYSIS

•Overall Needs in Your Church Today •What is Needed to Create Meaningful Worship?

•What is Needed to Promote Engagement with Mission and Ministry? •Ministry Personnel Needs



What is Needed to Maintain or Increase Engagement in Your Congregation’s Mission and Ministry?

IMNA Q28

65

55

48

45

42

39

35

14

Being encouraged to grow in your faith

Hearing inspiring stories about how lives are changed

Deepening your relationship with God

Expanding your understanding of the Bible

Talking about your faith with others

Being inspired to engage in God’s mission

Receiving pastoral care

None of the above

IMNA - NEEDS


NEEDS ANALYSIS

•Overall Needs in Your Church Today •What is Needed to Create Meaningful Worship? •What is Needed to Promote Engagement with Mission and Ministry?

•Ministry Personnel Needs



IMNA Q24

86

82

81

77

74

74

69

68

65

64

59

57

54

52





A gift for building community both inside and outside your church

An ability to work with teenagers and young adults

A willingness to share decision-making with lay people

A willingness to speak honestly and plainly about Bible interpretations

Leadership skills to help your congregation achieve goals

An ability to delegate jobs and responsibiities to others

An ability to work with children under age 13

An interest in celebrating diversity in your faith community

An ability to lead small groups, e.g., Bible study, peer support groups

An openness to meaningful change in decision-making processes

IMNA - NEEDS Summary of Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel (“Strongly agree” )


IMNA Q24

51

51

50

50

48

47

45

44

44

43

42

37

37

37

An ability to resolve conflict among people in the congregation

An interest in seeking out new ways to be a vital Christian community

An ability to help people of all ages be good stewards

A willingness to take risks to find new ways of being church

An interest in offering non-traditional interpretations of belief/faith

A skill for helping your people respond to God's call, even if very different

A gift for spirituality characterized by self-awareness, mindfulness

A dedication to pursuing justice and outreach

A gift for self-care such as being intentional about taking time off

An ability to guide the congregation in a formal planning process

A commitment to promoting a culture of stewardship

A willingness to encourage people to give in support of the local church

A skill for helping your congregation discern its ministry and mission

An openness to experimentation in worship

IMNA - NEEDS Summary of Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel (“Strongly agree”), Cont’d


IMNA Q24

35

34

32

31

29

28

21

19

18

17

16

16

16

14

A commitment to spreading the good news of the Gospel

A commitment to discipleship, i.e., following Jesus

An openness to carrying on the congregation's traditions

An interest in developing ministry partnerships outside your church

An ability to oversee significant change in identity such as amalgamation

An interest in solitude and personal prayer

An interest in particpating in the work of the wider church

An ability to manage church property issues

An interest in helping your people connect with the denomination

A willingness to encourage people to give to M&S

An interest in helping your people connect with other denominations/religions

An ability to help manage local finances

An aptitude for overall management of the church

An interest in helping your people connect with other United churches

IMNA - NEEDS Summary of Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel (“Strongly agree”), Cont’d


Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel: Worship

IMNA Q24b, dd, ii, kk, mm, nn

IMNA - NEEDS

86

77

68

48

37

32

12

21

28

42

45

55



A willingness to speak honestly and plainly about Bible interpretations

An interest in offering non-traditional interpretations of belief/faith

An openness to experimentation in worship

An openness to carrying on the congregation’s traditions

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree


Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel: Discipleship

IMNA Q24 c, d, m, v, u, w, gg, oo

82

74

59

54

51

50

35

34

16

25

37

38

43

41

39

41


An ability to work with teenagers and young adults

An ability to work with children under age 13

An ability to lead small groups, e.g., Bible study, peer support groups



A commitment to spreading the good news of the Gospel

A commitment to discipleship, i.e., following Jesus

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

IMNA - NEEDS


Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel: Stewardship

IMNA Q24i, r, s, t, y, z, gg

51

50

47

42

37

37

17

43

47

43

53

47

57

47


An ability to help people of all ages be good stewards

A skill for helping the congregation respond to God's call

A commitment to promoting a culture of stewardship

A willingness to encourage people to give to the local church

A skill for helping the congregation discern their mission and ministry

A willingness to encourage people to give to M&S

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

IMNA - NEEDS


Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel: Justice and Outreach

IMNA Q24f, g y, z, oo, pp

74

57

50

47

44

37

24

37

41

43

48

57

A gift for building community both within and outside your church

An interest in celebrating diversity in your faith community


A skill for helping your people respond to God's call, even if it means doing something very different

A dedication to pursuing justice and outreach

A skill for helping your congregation discern its ministry and mssion

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

IMNA - NEEDS


Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel: Pastoral and Spiritual Care

IMNA Q24e, o, q

81

16

14

19

58

43


An interest in helping your people connect with other denominations/religions

An interest in helping your people connect with other United Church congregations

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

IMNA - NEEDS


Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel: Personal Spirituality and Self-Care

IMNA Q24j, k, l, ee

64

45

44

28

33

51

46

42

An ability to delegate jobs and responsibilities to others

A gift for spirituality characterized by self-awareness, mindfulness

A gift for self-care such as being intentional about taking time off

An interest in solitude and personal prayer

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

IMNA - NEEDS


Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel: Ministry Partnerships

IMNA Q24h, o, p, q, cc

31

21

18

16

14

50

57

48

58

43

An interest in developing ministry partnerships outside your church

An interest in participating in the work of the wider church

An interest in helping people connect with the denomination

An interest in helping people connect with other denominations/religions

An interest in helping people connect with other United churches

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

IMNA - NEEDS


Desirable Attributes in Ministry Personnel: Leadership

IMNA Q24a, x, aa, bb, ff, hh, jj, ll

69

65

52

43

29

19

16

16

29

32

37

47

37

37

48

47

A willingness to share decision-making with lay people

Leadership skills to help your congregation achieve its goals

An openness to meaningful change in decision-making processes

An ability to guide the congregation in a formal planning process

An ability to oversee a significant change such as amalgamation

An ability to manage church property issues

An ability to help manage local finances

An aptitude for overall management of the church

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

IMNA - NEEDS


NEEDS ANALYSIS

•Overall Needs in Your Church Today •What is Needed to Create Meaningful Worship? •What is Needed to Promote Engagement with Mission and Ministry?

•Ministry Personnel Needs

•Desirable attributes in ministry personnel

•Your faith community’s openness to diversity


86 77

27 42

13 16

49 35

Visible minority Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual

First language not primary language of

congregation

Transgender

How comfortable are you?

Very Comfortable Somewhat comfortable

97 97 97

60 61

4 3 2

32 32

Male Female One male, one female

Two males Two females



Your Faith Community’s Openness to Diversity in Ministers

IMNA Q25, 26, 27

72

50 35 27 21 27

43 32

Visible minority Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual

First language not primary language of congregation

Transgender



95 90 91 75 71

4 7 6 18 19

Male Female One male, one female

Two males Two females



IMNA - NEEDS

Identity Q23,24,25



Next Steps for Faith

Communities

To come


Report for Richmond Hill United Church

Documents

Transcript of Report for Richmond Hill United Church