Church of the Redeemer

REVEAL 2012

Report to the Congregation

Thanks to all of you who took part in the REVEAL survey. The key results are highlighted here; additional data is presented at the end. Also, on Sunday, July 22, leadership will be available between the services to provide more detail and answer questions about the data.

• Our Spiritual Vitality Index, a composite score based on our personal spiritual practices, Redeemer's role in our spiritual growth, and our faith-based behaviors, rose to 75 from 66 in 2009 (our first time taking the survey), putting us within 1 percentage point of the top 25% of churches who participate in REVEAL.

• Overall, 81% of the congregation is satisfied with the Senior Pastor's effectiveness, and 62% of us are satisfied with the church's role in our spiritual growth. Both numbers show an increase from 2009.

• Our demographic data shows that roughly half of us are under 50 years old and half of us are over 50. Three-fourths of us are married and a third have children under 18 at home. A full 94% of us have been here more than a year; nearly half (41%) have been here more than 10 years.

• We are very happy with our Sunday services, particularly the worship music and the way we do communion.

• Over half of us are members of a small group and satisfaction with small group experiences is high. The top priorities for small groups are providing in-depth Bible study and a place where we can develop genuine friendships.

• We are extremely satisfied with Redeemer's role in providing opportunities for us to serve at church and to serve those in need, and we have made significant gains in both areas. Also,more of us report sharing the gospel and serving those in need on our own.

• We continue to be a church that places a high value on connecting to God through Scripture. We prefer to have the Bible explained by teacher and to discuss it with a small group. Also, we have a higher than average number of people who connect with God through prayer by responding to Scripture. We would like to see Redeemer place an even greater emphasis on in-depth Bible teaching.

• We were right at the average for all churches in the number of people who currently feel stalled in their spiritual growth (12%). The number one reason people are stalled is lack of discipline in spiritual practices. The primary way people have become unstalled is by connecting with God through prayer, solitude and Scripture.

Additional Data

• The 5 things people want most from Redeemer are
  • Provides strong programs for children
  • Helps me develop personal relationship with Christ
  • Helps me understand the Bible in depth
  • Incorporates communion
  • Church leaders model how to grow

• The 5 things people are most satisfied with at Redeemer are
  • Incorporates communion
  • Provides strong programs for children
  • Church leaders model how to grow
  • Provides compelling worship
  • Helps me develop personal relationship with Christ

• The 4 things people most want Redeemer to improve on are
  • Helps me understand the Bible in depth
  • Helps me develop prayer life
  • Helps me in my time of emotional need
  • Encourages me to take responsibility for my growth

• The 6 things people most want from our Senior Pastor are exactly the same as the 6 things people agree our Senior Pastor does best:
  • Provides sound doctrine rooted in Biblical accuracy
  • Models and reinforces how to grow spiritually
  • Challenges congregants to grow and take next steps
  • Creates a welcoming, open and friendly environment
  • Ministers to the sick, dying and bereaved
  • Preaches inspiring sermons

• Two areas people want to see more of from our Senior Pastor are
  • Casts a vision that captures your heart
  • Provides guidance to individuals on spiritual development

• Only a small percentage of people reported feeling dissatisfied with Redeemer. They would most like to see improvement in the following areas:
  • Helps me understand the Bible in depth
  • Provides clear pathway to guide growth
  • Encourages me to take responsibility for my growth
  • Challenges me to grow
  • Helps me develop prayer life

• Redeemer showed a significant upward trend along the Spiritual Growth Continuum.
  • 7% are Exploring Christ: I believe in God but I am not sure about Christ. My faith is not a significant part of my life.
  • 37% are Growing in Christ: I believe in Jesus and am working on what it means to get to know him.
  • 28% are Close to Christ: I feel really close to Christ and depend on him daily for guidance.
  • 28% are Christ-Centered: My relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship in my life. It guides everything I do.

• We saw an increase in the number of people reading and reflecting on Scripture, and more people are tithing across the board. In addition, over half of us pray daily and seek solitude with God several times a week. The chief connection we make with God in prayer is gratitude for our blessings, with seeking direction for a decision a close second.