About a year ago this time, a group of Calvary UMC folks gathered at Manidokan for its first leadership retreat in as long as anyone could remember. We had one of our conference staff people come, and there we developed our new vision statement (though after months of debate, I think we're kind of also calling it our mission statement): Calvary UMC seeks and invites all to become disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and our world.
We also view the results of a congregational assessment that key leaders had taken. I think we've done a lot in the past year. We've even managed, I think, to address a few of the issues that we noted at that retreat. But much remains to be done. I was reminded of this as I finalized plans for this year's retreat--tomorrow (Friday) through Saturday. I looked back at the assessment results and notes of our discussions and once made once again aware of where we have yet to go.
I'm really looking forward to this year's retreat then, not only for the chance to fellowship, but also for the opportunity to look back--on last year, and indeed the path of Calvary to this point--and to look forward, at how we can continue to focus our energies on where God is calling us.
I'll share discussion points from this weekend after the retreat, but for now, here are the (totally unfiltered or footnoted) results from last year's assessment. (Note that there was much discussion last year about whether the questions on the assessment where even the ones we were all that concerned about...perhaps a good question for this year is what measures should we use in the future to gauge how we're doing, and the sampling is probably far from enough to be "scientific.") Where do you think we are now?
Q1: The youth members of our church are increasing and are actively involved.
Strongly Agree 9.3%
Agree 38.9%
Not Sure 48.1%
Disagree 3.7%
Strongly Disagree 0.0%
Q2: People are passionate about experiencing the presence of God in worship.
Strongly Agree 3.7%
Agree 50.0%
Not Sure 29.6%
Disagree 16.7%
Strongly Disagree 0.0%
Q3: Calvary UMC shows exceptional hospitality to visitors by visiting or calling them within 24 hours of their visit.
Strongly Agree 11.1%
Agree 35.2%
Not Sure 44.4%
Disagree 5.6%
Strongly Disagree 3.7%
Q4: Ministry volunteers perform 80% of the church's operations each week.
Strongly Agree 7.5%
Agree 32.1%
Not Sure 49.1%
Disagree 11.3%
Strongly Disagree 0.0%
Q5: Worship, music and the arts are a primary way that Calvary reaches out to the unchurched community.
Strongly Agree 5.7%
Agree 52.8%
Not Sure 26.4%
Disagree 15.1%
Strongly Disagree 0.0%
Q6: 80% of the members of Calvary UMC tithe 10% of their income.
Strongly Agree 0.0%
Agree 3.8%
Not Sure 50.9%
Disagree 30.2%
Strongly Disagree 15.1%
Q7: Calvary UMC functions based on a team approach to ministry.
Strongly Agree 13.2%
Agree 52.8%
Not Sure 24.5%
Disagree 9.4%
Strongly Disagree 0.0%
Q8: 80% of the worshiping congregation is involved in Bible Study, a small group, or Sunday School
Strongly Agree 0.0%
Agree 5.7%
Not Sure 37.7%
Disagree 50.9%
Strongly Disagree 5.7%
Q9: Calvary UMC has a core message that everyone can articulate.
Strongly Agree 5.7%
Agree 32.1%
Not Sure 28.3%
Disagree 30.2%
Strongly Disagree 3.8%
Q10: 30% of the congregation is comprised of visitors each week.
Strongly Agree 0.0%
Agree 1.9%
Not Sure 36.5%
Disagree 50.0%
Strongly Disagree 11.5%
Q11: Calvary UMC has a clear plan of discipleship that is regularly articulated and easily accessible to members.
Strongly Agree 4.0%
Agree 36.0%
Not Sure 30.0%
Disagree 30.0%
Strongly Disagree 0.0%
Q12: New ministries emerge and thrive at Calvary UMC regularly.
Strongly Agree 0.0%
Agree 24.0%
Not Sure 42.0%
Disagree 34.0%
Strongly Disagree 0.0%
Q13: Calvary UMC has multiple effective outreach and evangelistic ministries to the community.
Strongly Agree 8.0%
Agree 40.0%
Not Sure 28.0%
Disagree 24.0%
Strongly Disagree 0.0%
Q14: Worship is designed to attract seekers and nurture disciples.
Strongly Agree 12.0%
Agree 46.0%
Not Sure 18.0%
Disagree 20.0%
Strongly Disagree 4.0%
Q15: The Calvary UMC leaders and members often pray together to hear God's plan for the church's future.
Strongly Agree 2.0%
Agree 42.0%
Not Sure 40.0%
Disagree 8.0%
Strongly Disagree 8.0%
Q16: There are regular opportunities to evangelize and invite visitors each month.
Strongly Agree 4.0%
Agree 36.0%
Not Sure 38.0%
Disagree 20.0%
Strongly Disagree 2.0%
Q17: 80% of the members are in a small group Bible study.
Strongly Agree 0.0%
Agree 4.0%
Not Sure 42.0%
Disagree 36.0%
Strongly Disagree 18.0%
Q18: Leadership development is a priority at Calvary UMC.
Strongly Agree 0.0%
Agree 38.0%
Not Sure 30.0%
Disagree 30.0%
Strongly Disagree 2.0%
Q19: Calvary UMC is relevant to the emerging communities in Frederick, MD
Strongly Agree 4.0%
Agree 36.0%
Not Sure 32.0%
Disagree 26.0%
Strongly Disagree 2.0%
Q20: The entire church membership is clear about Calvary UMC's purpose and core values.
Strongly Agree 0.0%
Agree 16.3%
Not Sure 36.7%
Disagree 44.9%
Strongly Disagree 2.0%
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