Published: June 3, 2022

Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out our worship survey. We had 314 responses and learned some really valuable information. Here are a few highlights: 

1. MOST WORSHIP VIRTUALLY: More than half of respondents (53%) shared that they worship virtually or mostly virtually. Comparatively, 27% said that they worship in-person or mostly in-person. The remaining 20% were “some of both” or “via the archive or podcast.”
2. WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: 15% reported that they anticipated their worship habits might change in the fall, while 47% said “no” and 38% said “maybe.”
3. ADDITIONAL SERVICE: 10% of respondents reported that an additional service in the fall would impact their worship habits. Some were primarily interested in an earlier time; and some were interested in a simplified service with communion. 
4. COVID IS STILL A CONCERN: The most common response people gave for remaining virtual was concerns over COVID.
5. WE ARE REACHING NEW PEOPLE: More than 10% of the respondents shared that they began worshiping with us since COVID.

Where do we go from here?

Over the summer, we will be evaluating ways that we can connect and engage with a congregation in which most worship virtually. We will also try to find ways to implement some of the wonderful ideas that people shared in the survey responses.

While we consider the implications of adding an additional worship service, we recognize that critical mass makes a difference. Additionally, there is something faithful and unifying about maintaining one moment where we all gather together for worship. That being said, we had several recommendations to re-evaluate the worship time, and we will spend some time considering that over the summer. As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, we will re-evaluate as we go—and make the best decisions we can—to make sure that as many people as possible can worship in the way that is most meaningful to them.

Your prayers and support are welcome.

Sincerely,
Your Pastoral Team