Peggy Hahn, director of LEAD (Living Everyday As Disciples), began working with Pastor Scott and Darcy as a "coach" earlier this year to assist with fulfilling Holy Trinity's mission to deepen the faith of the children and youth to serve God and our neighbors.
With Peggy's guidance and the support of the Listening Team, the following questions were presented to the congregation in early September. Six questions were divided between two 3-question surveys and many folks are curious about how the questions were answered. With more than 250 completed surveys, the following results paraphrase the most prevalent answers shared for each question.
If this congregation disappeared tomorrow, what would the families in the community and neighborhood miss?
Community Outreach, Sunday morning worship, Several "I" statements were made in reference to personal statements.
List 3 reasons why families would want to attend worship or other activities at this congregation.
Spiritual needs, it's more than a place to worship (outreach opportunities), programs/fears that programs offered in the past are disappearing.
What is keeping this congregation from growing?
Location, feeling that "we need to...," societal/cultural changes, age of congregation and disconnect among generations.What is keeping this congregation from growing?
What would inspire the people of this congregation (especially families) to come together for a big project?
Inter-generational projects, projects need to be worthwhile, food and fun.
How is this congregation know for supporting children, youth, and families in this community and neighborhood?
Many folks responded with personal experience, rather than a community/neighborhood focus. Concerns of huge disconnect with families (kids know each other, but their parents don't know other parents with like-aged children). People had a hard time naming things we do for kids outside of the Holy Trinity campus.
What are 3 things about this congregation that you would never want to change?
Pastors, Community Outreach, caring and support of each other.
So, what does all this mean? The responses sparked additional efforts to "Listen In" to the people of Holy Trinity in small ministry settings, such as choir, Bible studies, and committees. As the Listening Team continues to gather information from withIN, they are also beginning to "Listen Out" beyond the walls of HTLC.
As the next weeks and months of "listening" are taking place in and around HT, many other exciting things are happening, too! Goals are being assessed, recommendations are being made, and clarification of identity is being considered for the future of Holy Trinity.
How can you get involved? Tell someone- it's that easy! Share your ideas and commit to assisting with the mission of deepening faith and serving God.
