Should Our Church Do a Survey?
Interim Ministry Workshop, Tuesday-Thursday March 12–14, 2024, Heritage Christian University, Florence, Alabama: Click for more information
Jerrie,
Is the self-study survey you use readily available? I think churches with preachers might do well to take it. What do you think?
Answer
I like to get information in many ways. I love criticism. That’s one way to get information.
Another way to get feedback is with a survey. Before the survey, the leadership team should discuss why they want the information and what they plan to do with it. Will that be shared with the church in introducing the survey, with an opportunity for questions and suggestions? I’ve talked to many frustrated people who take time to give responses to surveys and never hear that they’re received and what the leadership will do with it.
Will the leadership acknowledge the responses?
Will they discuss the issues further?
Are we aware that some answers will not be polite and many will contradict each other? We’ll recognize some people from the way they answer the questions. Will they be punished if they give answers we don’t like?
Are we open to changing after we learn some things that would be helpful? Do we realize surveys and Transition Monitoring Teams are less than ideal communication? The best communication would be for people to feel free to discuss concerns without being anonymous. They know they’ll be heard and receive a kind and helpful response.
That being said, with good intent and believing the broad application of what Jesus said in John 8:32, a survey can be helpful.
Do I want to know what people think?
Is there a possibility that someone might have a good idea that I haven’t had?
Am I aware I could improve on something I’m doing or not doing?
Does the congregation understand the survey is a way of gathering information and not a vote for what the elders have to do?
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