Old First Congregational Identity Survey

What would be your ideal congregation for worship, spiritual growth, and community activities? 

Answer these nine short questions and we will show you how your answers compare with a survey of Old First's elders and deacons.

For each question category, look to the left and to the right to read a short description of a church congregation.  Click on the field that correlates best with how your ideal congregation would balance these statements.

For example, click on "1" if you would like your church to identify very strongly with the statement on the left, click on "7" of you would like your church to identify strongly with the statement on the right, and click on "4" if you would like your church to fall exactly in the middle between these two statements.

Influences on Church
The church is more influenced by history and tradition.

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 The church is more influenced by contemporary ideas and trends.

Similarity with Neighbors
Members are very similar in values and lifestyle to the people who live immediately around the church.

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 Members are very different in values and lifestyles from people who live immediately around the church.

Involvement with Community
The church is very involved with the community around the church.

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 The church is not at all involved with the community around the church.

Orientation of Service
The church is primarily oriented to serving our members.

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 The church is primarily oriented to serving the world beyond the membership.

Feel of Congregation
The congregation feels like one large family.

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 The congregation feels like a loosely knit association of individuals and groups.

Prestige of Church
The church is known as a prestigious one in the area.

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 Its strengths notwithstanding, the church is not considered one of the "status" churches in the area.

Approach to Social Issues

The church's approach to social issues is basically educational, leaving any action to individual conscience.

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The church's approach to social issues is decidedly "activist", with a proven history of taking a stand on the social issues as a congregation.

Approach to Salvation

The congregation's approach to individual salvation emphasizes education, nurture and gradual growth in the faith.

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The congregation's approach to individual salvation stresses conversion and a born-again experience.

Denominational Identity

The congregation gives strong expression to its denominational identity and heritage.

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 It would have been difficult for a visitor to know to which denomination the congregation belongs.


 

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Survey Source: "Studying Congregations, A New Handbook" by Nancy T. Ammerman, Jackson W. Carroll, Carl S. Dudley and William McKinney.     

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