2006 Congregational Survey
In the fall of 2006, the Long Range Planning Committee of the Church conducted a survey of the congregation. The survey had three goals:
- Understand where we are (and are not) making progress in key areas versus the last survey from 2000
- Identify areas for focus, growth and improvement within Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Outreach and Service
- Provide a source of feedback from the congregation to guide the Long Range Planning Committee to build an updated long range plan and to guide other committees
The survey was conducted via the internet as well as on paper. 356 responses, including over 1700 comments and suggestions, were received during the five-week survey period.
The Long Range Planning Committee has received all of the data generated by the survey and is pleased to share the results with you. Some key highlights of the survey are:
- For current programs there is a high level of satisfaction with our Traditional Worship Service and the Music Ministry.
- In the area of “Discipleship”, 68% said their relationship with God and Jesus Christ had grown over the last two years.
- In the area of “Fellowship”, the concept of “Radical Hospitality” is rated as important with room for improvement at FUMC.
- For new ideas, there is keen interest in enhancing the number of small group opportunities and special events in the church.
- “Outreach” is rated as the area with greatest opportunity for improvement, as well as the “single thing in which FUMC can be best at in our community.” Cary and the Triangle ranked the highest for geographic preference for outreach.
Click to download the Administrative Board presentation giving an overview of the survey results and survey tables that include all of the results. Paper copies of the presentation and tables are available in the church office.
Download LRPC's July 2006 Ad Board presentation for more information on the history of the church surveys.
Over the next few months, the Long Range Planning Committee will further analyze the results of the survey and work to generate an updated long range plan that factors in the results of the survey. This plan will act as a guide for the church over the coming years, helping us do the work of the Lord.
If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback, please feel free to contact Scott Andrews, chairperson of Long Range Planning, at lrpc@fumc-cary.org or any member of the Long Range Planning Committee.
Long Range Planning Committee Members: Scott Andrews, Ron Andrews, Eileen Breckstein, George Bucklad, Jeff Cook, Jennifer Englehardt, David Field,Angela French, Evan Gothard, Janet Harrison, Debora Mann, Alex Poe, Betsy Rhame, David Sinodis, Art Slater and David Wilson
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is FUMC conducting this survey?
A: In 2000, the Administrative Board asked the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) to conduct a survey of the congregation in order to gather input for developing a five year plan. As a result of this project, one of the LRPC's recommendations was to conduct the survey and update the long range plan every five years. The current LRPC has greatly expanded the original survey in order to gain more insight into our members' and visitors' views of FUMC and their hopes and dreams for our future.
Q: Who developed the survey?
A: The Long Range Planning Committee in close collaboration with FGI Research created the survey. FGI Research is a twenty-five year old market research firm based in Chapel Hill. FGI is graciously providing all the survey consultation, design, distribution, and analysis at no charge to FUMC. To learn more about FGI, go to: www.fgiresearch.com.
Q: How will the survey data be used?
A: FGI and the LRPC will jointly review the survey results and report findings and recommendations to the Administrative Board in Spring, 2007. The results of the survey will form the foundation for developing a long range plan for our church.
Q: Who do I contact for questions regarding the survey?
A: Please contact Scott Andrews, chairperson of Long Range Planning, at at lrpc@fumc-cary.org for more information.