In the months of June and July, Legacy conducted a series of surveys of the congregation to get a better understanding of the perspective of the people. Each survey has been very helpful in gaining a greater insight to who we are as a church and what’s on the minds of many.
The fifth survey conducted required a bit more thought from each respondent, as we took a look at many aspects of the congregation and what individuals saw as areas we needed to concentrate on as we move into God’s desired future for Legacy.
Here’s the main question that was asked along with the top responses that were given:
“Legacy’s leaders are interested in knowing where you sense additional energy may need to be given to expand or improve some areas of ministry. If you sense that some ministries require additional energy to be expanded or improved, then you give that a higher score. If you believe that other ministries require little or no additional energy, because they are already happening at an appropriate level of quality, then you would give these a lower score. If you are unsure or are unaware of a ministry, simply mark “I don’t know.”
Legacy 2.0 Survey 5
As you can see from the chart above, the number one area mentioned is to: “Strengthen the process to help new people become integrated into the life of Legacy.” This response was exciting to see. One of the reasons for the excitement was that it’s an indicator that many people “get it.” Legacy is about changed lives. It’s a church that believes we are called to do our part to fulfill the “Great Commission” (Matt. 28:19-20). As a pastor, it was awesome to see that so many understand our goal of changed lives. Not only are we called to lead people to Christ, we’re also called to help them to grow!
One of the first areas the leadership began looking at is the process currently in place to help integrate people into the life of the church and to assist each person in their journey to discovering how to grow in their faith, become the person they were designed by God to be, and to fulfill their mission in this life. We are already working on ways to improve our efforts and in October will be rolling out what we believe will greatly improve those efforts.
The second area mentioned was, “Develop the spiritual generosity of Legacy to financially support our mission.” Again, what a mature understanding the people of Legacy have shown. In order to do ministry, it costs money. It’s a cold hard truth. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21 and Luke 4:34) It’s a biblical principle that our hearts follow wherever we place our investments. This understanding of the congregation is a great launching pad to growing in this area of our lives. Several months ago we formed a Stewardship Team that was not only given the responsibility to assist the leadership in the area of financial accountability and budgeting but also have been given to the charge to help educate the congregation in this important aspect of our individual lives. It’s been said that giving isn’t a financial decision, but a spiritual one. We look forward to helping our congregation in this area.
Quite honestly, the third one most often mentioned was “Visitation to shut-ins.” At first I was scratching my head. Knowing that we have Ada Crosby, our parish visitor, who does a fantastic job in this area I was wondering where we are “missing it.” When discussing this with the church staff and elders we’ve concluded that we’ve done a poor job in informing the church about this wonderful ministry that is often behind-the-scenes touching people’s lives. To me this also shows the heart of the congregation. Those who are in the later years of their lives and can’t get easily get out or are at home for an extended period of time while they recuperate from surgery are often overlooked by society. We are committed to minister to people in every phase of life.
The fourth most often mentioned response, “Music during our worship service.” Music has always been a challenging aspect in every generation. A quick glance of church history reveals many Christians have been divided because of musical preferences. Denominations have split and new ones formed because people couldn’t get along over this issue! As a pastor, now for half of my life, I’ve had many conversations with people who aren’t quite satisfied with the music. Again and again, I’ve reminded folks that music always divides; but worship unites.
Whenever we focus on musical tastes we are missing the point………..it’s about Jesus! Jesus said that God is looking for those who will worship “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23). He went on to say, “for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” God is looking for those who will get past themselves (and their preferences) and have a heart of worship. God dwells in the atmosphere of this type of praise (Psalm 22:3).
As a church, musically we are committed to giving our best to God. Our first focus is on Jesus and then secondly bringing others closer to him. We are committed to the vision God is giving us and will strive to fulfill that vision not only in the area of music but with every aspect of our church.
Along with the above survey, we also received many great ideas, suggestions and words of encouragement. It’s exciting to lead a church that is excited about the future and is ready to roll up their sleeves and do “whatever it takes” to win people for Christ.
