Congregational Survey

Question 1

What is the primary way that you learn about our Synod's Partner Ministries? (Bethany College, Seminaries, Campus Ministries, Oaks Indian Mission, Prison Ministry and Bible Camp)

Church Letter
At Sunday Worship
Guest Speakers and special programs
Websites
We don't hear about Partner Ministries

Question 2

The congregations of our Synod provide financial support for our Partner Ministries. What would be your preferred way of providing this support?

Grants provided through our Congregation's Mission Support of the Synod
Special appeals taken in the congregation above and beyond the congregation's Mission Support
Gifts solicited from individual donors by the Partner Ministries
The congregations of the Synod should not support Partner Ministries

Question 3

What has worked in your congregation to engage members in discipleship?

Social activities and shared meals
Bible study
Worship
Other Trainings/Education Opportunities
Other

Question 4

What do you believe is most significant about being Lutheran?

Shared ethnic culture
Unique message of God's abundant grace
Faithful teaching and learning from the Bible
Style of worship
All of the above

Question 5

What do you consider to be the greatest opportunity presented by ecumenical relationships?

We can learn from each other
We can share resources and do mission more effectively
Such relationships can help maintain dwindling congregations
The re-united Body of Christ

Question 6

What do you believe would do most to enhance your congregations outreach to your community?

More publicity for your congregation's activities and ministries
Training materials for best practices in evangelism and outreach
Seminars or workshops on outreach and evangelism

Question 7

How can we increase our connections within the Synod?

Make the Conferences and Deans more active among our congregations
Move the Synod Assembly and other Synod activities from place to place within the Synod
Improve communication between the Synod Office and congregations
All of the above

Question 8

The primary reason I am concerned about my congregation's ability to afford pastoral leadership is

The rising cost of benefits
The shrinking size of our congregation
The growing age of our congregation
Economic changes in our community
I am not concerned about my congregation's ability to afford pastoral leadership.
Other:

Question 9

For our congregation it is most important that someone providing pastoral leadership be trained to

Interpret, teach, and preach the scriptures
Lead us in mission and outreach in our community
Attract youth and young adults to the congregation
Provide pastoral care and counseling to the members
Teach stewardship and encourage giving
Other

Question 10

How often would you prefer to receive information about the Synod's activities?

biannually
quarterly
monthly
bi-monthly
other

Question 11

How would you prefer to receive information from the Synod

email
text
Facebook
Synod website
my church's webpage
Regular/snail mail

Question 12

What would you like to know about other congregations in the Synod?

community programs and activities
outreach/evangelism ideas
teaching and theological resources
expertise of members who might help us
other

Question 13

Have you ever taken a Spiritual Gifts inventory?

Yes
No

Question 14

About which types of ministries or services are you passionate?

Stewardship of time or talents
Witnessing to others about your faith
Teaching children, youth, or adults
Program administration
Service to those less fortunate
Congregational Leadershp
Other

Question 15

How are members in your congregation most effectively encouraged to become leaders?

Personal invitation by the pastor or other staff
Bulletin or newsletter articles noting vacancies or needs
Small group conversations
Posting of specific job descriptions and time commitments
Special events such as retreats or workshops, which emphasize leadership
Other

Question 16

What Spiritual Disciplines do you engage in regularly?

Prayer
Meditation
Scripture Reading
Fasting
Worship
Solitude or Individual Retreat
Spiritual Direction
Other

Question 17

What is a "disciple?"

One who attempts to do as Christ did
One who seeks to follow Christ
One who seeks to mature in his/her faith
One who practices the Christian faith
One who engages in spiritual disciplines
One who lived and traveled with Jesus
Other

Question 18

Which Spiritual Discipline would you like to learn more about?

Prayer
Meditation
Scripture Reading
Fasting
Worship
Solitude or Individual Retreat
Spiritual Direction
Other