Categories: uncategorized
Date: 31 January 2006 16:07:42
After announcing the 50th Anniversary Survey at the end of November we finally received the first set of responses on Sunday. So far, from a pool of 30 people who took surveys, I've received 7. Of these 7, 6 come from only 2 families.
We had also planned an "away day" for the first Saturday in March but we've had to put this back, due to the poor response and trouble in securing the venue.
Having read the first batch I've decided that I'll analyse the results before letting others see them. I have an indication from some responses who wrote them and feel that this not the purpose. The whole idea was that responses were to be kept confidential. I don't want people being put under pressure to do things or explain their views.
Everyone sees that we need growth and more young families. Yet the biggest problem we face is the lack of resources available due to the age, and health, of our congregation. Another problem we have is that some members don't feel that they are being assised in their personal growth. To me that is a very big complaint on our current work. One service a week is not meeting the needs of our members.
Another thing that I've noticed is the feeling that some of our present work is not reaping any concrete results. We have a weekly night for the 5-7's. The idea was for it to be a way to bring new children and families into the church but we have had very little success so far. Now some people see this as a glorified childminding service for the parents.
I could get disheartened but know that this is an exercise we need to complete in order to progress. We need to have a vision that can be embraced by the membership and thus move onwards united.
Whoever thought a Church leadership role would be easy would definitely have their eyes opened. I also feel that we as deacons are not doing enough to lead.