Canton, Carrolton & Wooster Seventh-day Adventist Churches A survey report from Monte Sahlin Ohio Conference March 2013

Goals of this Study Profile the spiritual life and vitality of each congregation Get input from the members Understand the needs of the three churches Provide information for future planning

Survey of Members A standard questionnaire was distributed during worship at each church. A total questionnaires returned to form the basis of this report: 21 from Canton (84% of attendance) 10 from Carrollton (71% of attendance) 30 from Wooster (73% of attendance) Each response rate provides a reliable sample survey.

Age groups by generation in Canton

Age groups by generation in Carrollton

Age groups by generation in Wooster

Gender in Canton

Gender in Carrollton

Gender in Wooster

Annual Household Income in Canton

Annual Household Income in Carrollton

Annual Household Income in Wooster

Level of education in Canton

Level of education in Carrollton

Level of education in Wooster

Marital status in Canton

Marital status in Carrollton

Marital status in Wooster

Ethnicity in Canton

Ethnicity in Carrollton

Ethnicity in Wooster

Immigrants

Attendance

Adventist membership and background

Tenure as a Baptized Adventist

How much does worship at this church help you with everyday life?

How much have you grown in your faith in the last year?

Assurance of Salvation

Conversations with Coworkers about Personal Needs or Spiritual Topics

Church Involvement

How Do You Calculate Tithe?

Giving Styles

Evaluation of Sermons

Perceptions of Canton Church

Perceptions of Carrollton Church

Perceptions of Wooster Church

Strong sense of belonging to this local church

Involvement in making important decisions

Overall Evaluation of Canton Church

Overall Evaluation of Carrollton Church

Overall Evaluation of Wooster Church

Observed to be Most Effective Methods to Bring in New Members

2 - Observed to be Most Effective Methods to Bring in New Members

How Far is Your Home from the Church?

Do you belong to a service club or civic group?

What are the needs in the community that the church should address?

Number of church members willing to help with outreach ministries CantonCarrolltonWooster Help people find jobs77 Family counseling626 Parenting classes22 Job training classes55 Health classes724 Health screening611 Free clinic323

Number of church members willing to help with outreach ministries - 2 CantonCarrolltonWooster Twelve-step groups625 Weight loss group438 Diabetes support group 44 Disaster response team 1027 Stress management program 536 After-school tutoring1107 Thrift store616

Congregational Life Span Research (Averages)

Analysis Research has shown that church growth in Adventist churches in the United States comes from: Community involvement Vibrant spiritual life Intentionality (goals, planning) Positive atmosphere in the congregation Activities for the unchurched on Sabbaths, such as Pastor’s Bible Class, Friend Days or a seeker service & “opening the doors” (a call)

The Adventist Paradigm for Outreach & Evangelism Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching people. He mingled with men as one who desired their good, showed sympathy for them and ministered to their needs. He won their confidence. Then, He bade them, “Follow me.” – Ellen White, The Ministry of Healing, p 143

Using 21st Century terms instead of 19th Century terms “Christ’s Method” Community assessment Community visibility Community service Friendship Evangelism Discipleship Program

Discussion Questions How well known and visible is each church in the local community? What has been done to “plow the ground” in these communities through serving the needs of the community? What relationships do church members have in the community that can be a bridge to possible candidates for Bible studies or small group ministries?

For Questions Monte Sahlin, research director for the Ohio Conference of SDAs (937) © 2013, Center for Creative Ministry