The Search Team would like to thank everyone who took part in our Congregational Survey! We had 102 Responses from members (80%) and friends/other (20%). That’s a great response and we are looking forward to using the survey to guide us as a search team. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be sharing the results, beginning with the topics below:
- Favorite Things about DUUF
- Top 3 Functions of a Minister
- Role of a Minister
- Take Aways for Search Team
Favorite Thing About DUUF
We asked what’s your favorite thing about DUUF. We heard that people’s favorite thing was our welcoming, open-minded community where the people come for connection and spiritual connection to their world and to be with other like-minded people. The themes that really stood out were community, openness and our Sunday worship experience.
What’s the top favorite thing about DUUF? We LOVE our strong sense of community and connectedness as reflected in comments:
- The welcoming and accepting community
- Seeing people I've gotten to know there for shared activities
- Our sense of community and shared values
- Communing with like-minded people
- Providing a welcoming liberal spiritual community available to all
- The feeling of community and belonging - the sense that people are truly glad to see me when I'm there.
Another favorite theme reflects the open, accepting nature of our congregation:
- Love acceptance and diversity
- Open and accepting of many spiritual paths
- The many perspectives of religion with no judgement
- The message of love and inclusion
- The openness and curiosity of the attendees
And, we really value our Sunday services! Our Sunday services are important to us and we see the service as an expression of our connection and as a place for spiritual growth and freedom of belief.
- Mental & spiritual uplifting. Stained glass windows. Singing & meditation. Rituals & celebrations
- That I find a spiritual home there
- Inspirational readings and sermon on Sundays
- I love the seven principles and the messages talked about at services, the windows in the sanctuary looking over the natural beauty outside
We also heard that people valued the church programming and our religious education program and were happy that we have young families and children as a part of DUUF.
What are we looking for in a minister?
Like most congregations – we want it all! However, we do see some priorities that have emerged as the most important. We asked for the three most important function of a minister. Analyzing the comments, we were able to see some themes. Top 5 for each question are in yellow below.
Top 3 Functions for the Minister (comment question)
Comment focus for top 3 Minister Functions
|
All (count of comments)
|
rank
|
worship/spiritual leadership
|
73
|
1
|
admin/prog support
|
51
|
2
|
pastoral care
|
50
|
3
|
community
|
24
|
4
|
social action/service
|
21
|
5 tie
|
inspiration
|
21
|
5 tie
|
Denton/UU outreach
|
19
|
6
|
Education/RE
|
10
|
7
|
open welcoming vibe
|
4
|
8
|
Role of a Minister – This activity had respondents rank the role of the minister. Ranking by 3 perspectives is shown below (individual, good of congregation, good for next generation). Top 5 are in yellow.
Role
|
Your preference
|
For the good of the whole congregation
|
For the good of the next generation
|
Spiritual leader - prepares and leads worship and celebration
|
1
|
3
|
7
|
Fosters a sense of community
|
2
|
2
|
5
|
Pastoral Role - provides pastoral care, and, by example shows us how to care for one another.
|
3
|
1
|
6
|
Intellectual leader - challenges and stimulates the congregation
|
4
|
4
|
8
|
Social activist - encourages social justice programs
|
5
|
7
|
2
|
Prophetic Role - helps us imagine our future and inspire us
|
6
|
5
|
1
|
Provides visible leadership in Denton
|
7
|
9
|
4
|
Facilitator - develops volunteers and lay leaders
|
8
|
6
|
9
|
Administrator - achieves results by coordinating and supporting the efforts others
|
9
|
8
|
11
|
Supports families and multi-generational ministries
|
10
|
10
|
3
|
Teaches classes and leading workshops
|
11
|
11
|
10
|
Take Aways for the Search Team
Some take aways from responses and comments are below. The search team will make use of the survey results and the “search social” gathering to guide us in our search for a new minister.
Great Sunday service. – Our congregation wants to connect and be inspired by the Sunday service. The exploration and inspiration we are seeking is tied to the Sunday service. The congregation is proud of the sanctuary and building and feels that both add to the experience. Comments around other development were mentioned and there’s some expectation that the minister recognizes the need for, but does not have to facilitate, programs or offerings.
Pastoral Care. – This was consistently ranked high although comments were qualified “for those that need or request it” “in times of need or ritual.” Here our comments on being able to support or comfort others was important but only if it was asked for. There is recognition that there are those in need of this in our congregation and an expectation of the minister to address these needs via pastoral care.
Church administer/program support. – We believe that we could do more and want our minister to help organize us as a congregation. We are seeking someone to develop and coach board and church leadership to take on more. Expectations included administering staff, organizing events and long-term planning. Comments here included charisma, organizational and leadership skills, and extroversion.
Be known in Denton. - We want someone focused on serving the congregation so that we remain a beacon of liberal thought and a connected community. We want our minister to represent us to Denton. Comments reflected the desire to have the minister be seen and known so that others will know we exist and they can find refuge here and enjoy what our congregation has to offer.
Social Action/Social Justice/ and Community Service. We want to play a role as a congregation in Denton and be represented by a minister who advocates for UU principles and beliefs in the Denton community. Other comments reflected wanting a minister to enable the congregation to do social justice or action work though our efforts as a congregation.
