Congregational Survey Results
In preparation for issuing a call for candidates to fill the vacant rector position at St. Barnabas, the Calling Committee began the initial step: to characterize the congregation as a whole by identifying issues of importance, concerns, and aspirations from individuals in the parish and in the surrounding community. This collection of “personality characteristics” began in February 2022 with a congregational story-telling session, in which worshipers and others brought up matters on their minds from the past, present, and future during a moderated gathering. Results of the story-telling process contributed an initial set of topics of importance to glean from a subsequent survey designed to delve more deeply on the individual level.
An assessment survey was developed to populate a crucial piece of the St. Barnabas Parish Profile and the community that would provide a portrait of the Parish to assist a potential new rector to assess whether St. Barnabas might be a good fit and a place where God is calling him/her to serve. The Calling Committee generated several drafts of a short set of questions inviting both parishioners and community members to reflect on what St. Barnabas is here to do, and how it can follow its own call in the community of Borrego Springs. The goal of the assessment was to promote a good match between the parish and the future clergy.
An assessment survey was developed to populate a crucial piece of the St. Barnabas Parish Profile and the community that would provide a portrait of the Parish to assist a potential new rector to assess whether St. Barnabas might be a good fit and a place where God is calling him/her to serve. The Calling Committee generated several drafts of a short set of questions inviting both parishioners and community members to reflect on what St. Barnabas is here to do, and how it can follow its own call in the community of Borrego Springs. The goal of the assessment was to promote a good match between the parish and the future clergy.
An English-language questionnaire was translated into Spanish and simplified. Questionnaires were distributed to worshipers immediately following the storytelling session in February 2022. Questionnaires were also available online and were promoted using social media and at the March 2022 food bank. A deliberate effort was made to solicit responses not only from current members of the congregation, but also from other members of the community who interact in multiple ways with St. Barnabas. Many worshipers spread copies to friends, partners, ex-parishioners, and other community members.
Eight questions were designed to get at what was uppermost in respondents’ minds about St. Barnabas and its relationship to the larger community – that is, there were no right or wrong answers. One final question on the demographics of involvement with the church was included. Respondents had several weeks to complete and return questionnaires.
Themes were tallied, and the top topics of interest to respondents were then revisited to find smaller categories within each one. These subcategories illustrate linkages to other themes that add specifics to the final result – a description of what makes this parish community unique.
Eight questions were designed to get at what was uppermost in respondents’ minds about St. Barnabas and its relationship to the larger community – that is, there were no right or wrong answers. One final question on the demographics of involvement with the church was included. Respondents had several weeks to complete and return questionnaires.
Themes were tallied, and the top topics of interest to respondents were then revisited to find smaller categories within each one. These subcategories illustrate linkages to other themes that add specifics to the final result – a description of what makes this parish community unique.
Elaboration on top four themes
“Community focus” included mentions of service projects, spreading the Word, and ayuda (help). Linkage to partnership showed up repeatedly with this theme, especially in terms of involvement with the Borrego Ministers Association. One idea emerged from the Spanish-language responses: that there should be “unity” among efforts to help those who are in need. Many mentions were made of teaming up with other non-profits.
Trust of people outside one’s family is of utmost concern in the Latino community. This is a barrier to being truly helpful in any bicultural community, or any community with “haves and have-nots.” Many efforts in Borrego Springs have misunderstood the amount of effort and time needed to bridge this gap, with several exceptions (the Borrego Covid Response team and the BMA). This topic requires substantive work and study on the part of our parish.
“Love in Action” included “… seeking to grow to meet challenges of living out the faith...challenges that stretch us and make us a community that is witness to the teachings of Christ.” (027) We need to step back and let the Spirit call us to get God’s plan for us, given the multiple needs facing our community. Serving God’s purpose and trusting in the Spirit means better quality of life for the whole community; drawing inspiration from the desert which is a place that fosters meditative practice, transformation, and spiritual awakening, and has been for thousands of years. Identifying with Jesus is not difficult here. Much motivation for coming and staying comes from the sense of place experienced by those inside and outside of the congregation.
The “desire to serve God in the community” (046) is the basis for our emulation of Christ’s example. There were many mentions of going “out” – outside the church walls, out into the needy community, out beyond our region on the virtual world – with acts of love. We also want to find and invite caring people to join us. “God’s challenge [is] to care for our brothers and sisters in need.”
The Good News is transformed into helpful and practical solutions for any and all of God’s people, as the opportunities arise. Being part of God’s team as a group widens the effects of the good works that we already do as individuals. “We are small, but we serve ourselves and our community.”
Trust of people outside one’s family is of utmost concern in the Latino community. This is a barrier to being truly helpful in any bicultural community, or any community with “haves and have-nots.” Many efforts in Borrego Springs have misunderstood the amount of effort and time needed to bridge this gap, with several exceptions (the Borrego Covid Response team and the BMA). This topic requires substantive work and study on the part of our parish.
“Love in Action” included “… seeking to grow to meet challenges of living out the faith...challenges that stretch us and make us a community that is witness to the teachings of Christ.” (027) We need to step back and let the Spirit call us to get God’s plan for us, given the multiple needs facing our community. Serving God’s purpose and trusting in the Spirit means better quality of life for the whole community; drawing inspiration from the desert which is a place that fosters meditative practice, transformation, and spiritual awakening, and has been for thousands of years. Identifying with Jesus is not difficult here. Much motivation for coming and staying comes from the sense of place experienced by those inside and outside of the congregation.
The “desire to serve God in the community” (046) is the basis for our emulation of Christ’s example. There were many mentions of going “out” – outside the church walls, out into the needy community, out beyond our region on the virtual world – with acts of love. We also want to find and invite caring people to join us. “God’s challenge [is] to care for our brothers and sisters in need.”
The Good News is transformed into helpful and practical solutions for any and all of God’s people, as the opportunities arise. Being part of God’s team as a group widens the effects of the good works that we already do as individuals. “We are small, but we serve ourselves and our community.”
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Most respondents thought that the welcoming atmosphere was a strong point. This theme included mentions of inclusivity/exclusivity, encouragement, invitation, flexibility, and references to reserved, chilly manners of Northern Hemisphere populations.
Of the top four themes, Worship had the most scattered counts of subcategories and the most extreme opinions. Quality homilies were mentioned frequently. Although some responses mentioned the rigidity of the traditional service, most were appreciative.
