Evangelism

Evangelism Committee Survey Results

The Evangelism Committee tabulated and reviewed the results of their survey that was presented to the congregation regarding various issues that the committee deals with. The response was small--a total of 48 surveys were returned. Here are the results of the survey and some of the comments that were made.

In regards to continuing the practice of “sharing the peace”, it seems the majority of the surveys indicated that they would like to discontinue this. The primary issue with this practice seems to be health concerns of spreading germs as hands are shaken. Several suggestions were made as possibly doing it on Communion Sundays only or just not during the flu season to limit exposure. Another suggestion was to not shake hands but to do things like hand bumps or pats on shoulders. It addition it was suggested that we provide hand sanitizers in the church.

We received varied responses regarding Name Tag Sunday. Some wish for the practice to discontinue. Others suggested that we do it only 3 to 4 times a year, every other month or 6 to 8 times a year. There does not seem to be a desire to have permanent nametags. A suggestion was to keep disposable name tags so storage would not be an issue. Many responded that Name Tag Sunday is a favorable way to be more friendly.

There were a variety of suggestions regarding Lenten Services. We received varied comments ranging from: mixing up teens and adults in groups; having the same people in groups; concern that it was hard to feel part of a group; or that they just didn’t enjoy the Bible studies. Several individuals made comments regarding suggestions for services. Suggestions included doing a Bible study related to the Easter Story, a look at contemporary themes, “true” Lenten services, keeping the services linked to the weekly Bible study, exploring the “Death and Resurrection of the Messiah” series by Ray Vander Loon, looking at a study based on the different people in the passion story and just doing a Bible based study with short sermons to highlight it. Another suggestion was to organize a Lenten devotional book featuring daily messages written by members of our congregation. These suggestions will be explored and shared.

Responders offered some miscellaneous suggestions which include: to start a facebook page; the church give gifts to visitors; advertise DLC church on local radio station; omit coffee hour during the summer, and during the summer have a Saturday night service and a Sunday 10 a.m. service. Other comments, which are similar to the sharing of the peace and spreading germs, was a health concern for greeters shaking hands.

The committee will use these surveys to continue their ministry and continue work on the suggestions that were gathered. We will also share and discuss these results with Pastor Sorenson and Pastor Bryan. Thanks to all who participated in the surveys, your comments and opinions are much appreciated.

The Evangelism Committee