Sacred Conversations Discernment
The Sacred Conversations project gathered one-to-one stories from 52 Peoples Church members and friends in order to better understand who Peoples is today, what members value most, and where there is a sense of call or concern for the future. After a deep analysis, several themes emerged that serve to clarify these three areas. I will highlight some of these:
Identity- Again and again people mentioned how much they valued pastoral care, meaningful worship and music, and opportunities to serve together for the betterment of our community.
Demographics and life stage- There are many members who are older adults with deep roots in the church, and they often expressed concerns about our future sustainability and the desire to attract younger congregants and families.
Why people choose and stay at Peoples- There were several stories about harm caused by other religious communities and an appreciation for the values, friendships, social justice work, and inclusiveness found at our church.
Hopes for growth and faith formation- Many people mentioned their hope that we could grow our faith formation program for all ages and continue as a vibrant community.
Desire for sustainability and clarity- Some concerns were raised related to communication, transparency, leadership distribution, financial sustainability, and facilities, as well as the hope for more consistent staffing.
Opportunities- There is a strong interest in children and youth, intergenerational connection,social justice, and deepening relationships.
In conclusion, there was a focus on the many gifts and strengths of our congregation, as well as the demographic, financial, and leadership realities we face. The church leadership will be using this information to guide our movement forward in the future. Stay tuned for opportunities to be involved in this important work!
-Laura McGraw and the Sacred Conversations Team