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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. Age groups by generation in Canton

5. Age groups by generation in Carrollton

6. Age groups by generation in Wooster

7. Gender in Canton

8. Gender in Carrollton

9. Gender in Wooster

10. Annual Household Income in Canton

11. Annual Household Income in Carrollton

12. Annual Household Income in Wooster

13. Level of education in Canton

14. Level of education in Carrollton

15. Level of education in Wooster

16. Marital status in Canton

17. Marital status in Carrollton

18. Marital status in Wooster

19. Ethnicity in Canton

20. Ethnicity in Carrollton

21. Ethnicity in Wooster

22. Immigrants

23. Attendance

24. Adventist membership and background

25. Tenure as a Baptized Adventist

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

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

28. Assurance of Salvation

29. Conversations with Coworkers about Personal Needs or Spiritual Topics

30. Church Involvement

31. How Do You Calculate Tithe?

32. Giving Styles

33. Evaluation of Sermons

34. Perceptions of Canton Church

35. Perceptions of Carrollton Church

36. Perceptions of Wooster Church

37. Strong sense of belonging to this local church

38. Involvement in making important decisions

39. Overall Evaluation of Canton Church

40. Overall Evaluation of Carrollton Church

41. Overall Evaluation of Wooster Church

42. Observed to be Most Effective Methods to Bring in New Members

43. 2 - Observed to be Most Effective Methods to Bring in New Members

44. How Far is Your Home from the Church?

45. Do you belong to a service club or civic group?

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

47. 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

48. 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

49. Congregational Life Span Research (Averages)

50. 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)

51. 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

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

53. 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?

54. For Questions Monte Sahlin, research director for the Ohio Conference of SDAs montessahlin@gmail.com (937) 748-9075 © 2013, Center for Creative Ministry