Spiritual Growth Survey Results
SPIRITUAL
GROWTH SURVEY REVEALS INTERESTS IN BIBLE STUDY, DEEPER PRAYER LIFE
AND STUDYING CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
There is obviously a need felt among UUMCers for more opportunities for
spiritual growth. Forty-six or approximately 35% of the active
worshippers during a three-week period in October responded to the survey
prepared the Spiritual Growth Task Force. This is an
excellent response. Of those who responded, 63% expressed a need for
more opportunities for spiritual growth, while 24% were satisfied with the
opportunities now presented.
When people
were asked what activities they would participate in or support (help
organize and/or lead), predictably the numbers fell off. Respondents
cited tight schedules and the inability to cope with one more commitment
as limiting factors. However, 13 people indicated that they would
participate or support a Bible study and 12 others indicated a need or
desire for such a program. Ten people indicated a willingness
to participate or support a program on deeper prayer life (learning and
practicing various forms of individual or group prayer).
Interestingly, there were 15 people who indicated a willingness to
participate in a study of Christian doctrine, with another 7
indicating an interest, but no one indicated a willingness to support such
a program with their time or talents. The committee believed
that this indicated a desire for a trained professional to lead such
a program.
Other areas
of interest were studying Wesleyan spiritual disciplines (8 would
participate or support and 13 indicated interest), alternative services
(14 and 8), cultural exploration i.e. using books, films, art, music etc.
to explore and discuss (12 and 8), alternative practices, devotionals and
journaling. These last three have a small, but interested group with
potential leadership. In general, people were satisfied with the
opportunities presented in our forums, social action missions and lectures.
Most
respondents preferred programs that were 4-8 sessions long and utilized
small group activities, with some interest in intergenerational programs.
By far, the preferred time is before or after church on Sundays with
programs being held at the church or in homes. People seemed
comfortable with having programs limited to UUMC but open to others or
having programs with the Fellowship of Ten or other churches.
The Task Force will present the report to the Council. It may go
to other existing committees for implementation. The greatest
recommendation is that UUMC "Tweaks what it already does first and
add judiciously and where leadership is present." Additionally,
the report recommends: (1) That Nurture and other Committees appoint a
task force to explore, and if appropriate, implement Bible Study and
Prayer programs, (2) Consider expanding mediums of cultural exploration on
occasion (seemed to be interest in a book club), (3) Refer the Alternative
Services feedback to the Worship Committee for review and possible action.
In addition, those areas that have small groups of willing participants to
support a program should practice "bubble-up" theology and get
something started and see where it goes
University United Methodist Church
