Metropolitan Community Churches. Moderator Nominating Committee Survey Report

Transcription

1 Metropolitan Community Churches Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Report

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...3 QUESTIONS 1 TO 3 SUMMARY...5 QUESTIONS 4 TO 6 SUMMARY...8 QUESTIONS 7 TO 17 SUMMARY...9 QUESTIONS 1 TO 17 DETAILED RESPONSES WHICH PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MODERATOR DO YOU THINK/FEEL SHOULD BE MOST IMPORTANT WHEN CONSIDERING CANDIDATES FOR MODERATOR? WHICH OF THE CHARACTERISTICS BELOW ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT IN A PERSON SERVING AS MODERATOR? HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES AND QUALITIES IN A PERSON SERVING AS THE MODERATOR? HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT THE PERSON SERVING AS MODERATOR HAS THE FOLLOWING BACKGROUND AND/OR PRIOR EXPERIENCE? WHEN OUR NEXT MODERATOR IS ELECTED, WHAT ABOUT THAT INDIVIDUAL WOULD INSPIRE YOUR FAITH AND CONFIDENCE? (SELECT UP TO 5) WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT MODERATOR OF MCC? (SELECT UP TO 7) WHICH CHURCH DO YOU ATTEND MOST OFTEN? IN WHICH NETWORK IS THE CHURCH YOU ATTEND MOST OFTEN LOCATED? (SELECT ONE) WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE OF THE CHURCH YOU ATTEND MOST OFTEN? (SELECT ONE) YEARS AFFILIATED WITH MCC AS A MEMBER OR FRIEND? (SELECT ONE) ARE YOU MCC CLERGY, INTERIM/TRANSITIONAL/GAP PASTOR, CLERGY STANDING BY CALL, LAY PASTOR, RETIRED CLERGY OR CLERGY CANDIDATE? (SELECT ONE) ARE YOU A MCC LAY DELEGATE, ALTERNATE LAY DELEGATE, MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OR FRIEND OF MCC? (SELECT ONE) HOW DO YOU LEARN ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES AND BUSINESS OF MCC? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) WHAT IS YOUR GENDER IDENTITY? (SELECT ONE) WHAT IS YOUR AGE CLASSIFICATION? WHAT IS YOUR RACE/ETHNICITY? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) WHAT IS YOUR SEXUAL ORIENTATION? MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 2

3 Executive Summary As part of the Listening phase of the Moderator Nominating Committee Process, the MNC created a survey that was then made available to all MCC Members and Friends. This survey was designed to ask participants: - What characteristics they want the new Moderator to have - The challenges facing MCC and the new Moderator - The responsibilities of the new Moderator - Various demographical questions The survey was available to be completed online for 27 days, and there were 567 completed responses to the survey. The survey was offered in 4 languages, with the following responses completed in each language: - English: Spanish: 14 - Portuguese: 2 - German: 1 The average time to complete the survey was 9 minutes. The MNC would like to thank everyone who took part in the survey. It has given us vital information that will help us as we do our work. Below we have included a summary of all survey questions, apart from the last question which invited respondents to freely share with the MNC any other questions, comments or thoughts that they had. We are incredibly grateful and humbled by the 248 responses that we received to this question. Thank you for your incredible passion for MCC and for all the offers of prayer and support. We are deeply grateful for all those who are praying for us as we undertake this vital work. We have read all your responses and have taken onboard all that has been said. Where the comment or suggestion falls within the remit of the MNC, we will uphold these as we go about our work. Comments that would be more appropriate for the Governing Board, Board of Elders or the Moderator will be provided to these anonymously in the spirit of transparency and constant improvement. MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 3

4 We believe that providing survey data in to the Fellowship in this report can assist Members and Friends to have some awareness of the current state of the Fellowship, and for everyone to understand what is seen as the important characteristics, roles, responsibilities and goals are for the next Moderator of MCC. We encourage your feedback in all things regarding the Moderator Nominating Process. You can reach us at Please continue to pray for us as we pray for MCC and for the person who shall be our next Moderator. God Bless MCC 2019 Moderator Nominating Committee Velma Garcia (Co-Chair) Rev Gavin Ward (Co-Chair) Rev Brendan Boone (Vice-Chair) Kellie Taylor-White Stan Kimer MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 4

5 Questions 1 to 3 Summary The first three questions of the survey asked respondents to give their views about the responsibilities, characteristics, skills, attributes and qualities they considered most important for our next Moderator. The results for these questions have been summarised below in graphical form as reverse pyramids, with the largest top line being the most important, the line below being the next most important, and so on. This allows for an easy way to see what is most important in the view of the survey respondents. Question 1: Which primary responsibilities of the Moderator do you think/feel should be most important when considering candidates for Moderator? MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 5

6 Question 2: Which of the characteristics below are the most important in a person serving as Moderator? MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 6

7 Question 3: How important are the following skills, attributes and qualities in a person serving as the Moderator? MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 7

8 Questions 4 to 6 Summary These questions asked about the background and experience of the new Moderator, what that person could do to inspire confidence and faith and what the most important challenges are for the new Moderator. The top three responses from each question were: Question 4: How important is it that the person serving as Moderator has the following background and/or prior experience? - Negotiation skills with proven success in gaining consensus and resolving conflict - Experience working in diverse settings and among diverse people - A proven record of building and sustaining a healthy organization Question 5: When our next Moderator is elected, what about that individual would inspire your faith and confidence? - Integrity - Honesty/Trustworthy - Leadership/Visionary Question 6: What are the most important challenges and opportunities for the next Moderator of MCC? (Select up to 7) - Restoration of trust between MCC Leadership, Staff and local MCC s - Discerning the direction and vision for MCC s Future - Developing a plan to restore MCC to financial health and stability MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 8

9 Questions 7 to 17 Summary These questions were asking for information about the demographics of those people responding to the survey. We felt that this information was important to include so we could more fully understand the current make up of MCC, and of those who were engaged and willing to do the survey. The full demographic results are included in this report. A summary of the demographics of survey respondents: - 81% of respondents were from the USA - 44% identified as Male (Cis Male) and 40% of respondents identified as Female (Cis Woman) % of respondents identified as White, Caucasian, Person of European Descent % of respondents identified as Gay, 33% identified as Lesbian. - The age range of respondents was skewed to the older demographic. 78% of respondents were aged 51 and older. Only 1% of respondents were aged between 18 and The majority of respondents have been involved with MCC for 11 or more years. - The majority of respondents were Members of MCC. - The largest demographic group responding to the survey were USA-based Gay, White, Caucasian, Person of European Descent, Male (Cis Male) identifying who were over 51 years of age. MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 9

10 Questions 1 to 17 Detailed Responses 1. Which primary responsibilities of the Moderator do you think/feel should be most important when considering candidates for Moderator? a. Serve as the primary pastoral and prophetic leader of the MCC denomination and its global movement b. Serves as coach, mentor, encourager, pastor and spiritual director to the MCC Council of Elders c. Assures sound financial management of MCC and local church fiscal accountability d. Works with the Governing Board to develop a strategic direction for MCC e. Serve as the Chief Executive Officer of MCC and Personnel Director in the leadership and management of MCC denominational staff f. Serves as the primary spokesperson for MCC to the media, other churches, denominations and LGBTQQIA organizations MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 10

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12 2. Which of the characteristics below are the most important in a person serving as Moderator? a. Transformational and inspirational leader who can work effectively with others b. Advocate for social justice and human rights c. A visionary who is able to present a picture of what MCC could look like d. A preacher/teacher who understands and knows how to share MCC s message of God s inclusive love for the world. e. Skilled and effective leader who is well-grounded in the dynamics and experiences of congregational life MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 12

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14 3. How important are the following skills, attributes and qualities in a person serving as the Moderator? a. Has the ability to think, act and lead strategically and think outside of the box b. A leader who fosters faith, confidence, loyalty and trust c. Someone who possesses pastoral qualities and spiritual maturity d. A person of integrity, humility, strong character and compassion e. Is a bridge builder, promoting unity and harmony in and outside of MCC f. Works to adapt and lead MCC in response to changes in local, national and global realities g. Is capable of facing and leading others during times of conflict, addressing difficult issues when they arise h. A person whose life is informed by scripture and prayer, with openness and knowledge of different faith traditions i. MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 14

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16 4. How important is it that the person serving as Moderator has the following background and/or prior experience? a. Managerial skills and proven competency in interpersonal relationships, financial management and budgeting b. Experience working in diverse settings and among diverse people c. A strong foundation of biblical and theological knowledge d. Negotiation skills with proven success in gaining consensus and resolving conflict e. A proven record of building and sustaining a healthy organization f. Expertise in donor relations and the ability to create strategies that enhance giving g. Has ordained ministerial standing (or dual affiliation) in MCC h. Holds a Master s Degree (or its equivalent) MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 16

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18 5. When our next Moderator is elected, what about that individual would inspire your faith and confidence? (Select up to 5) a. Integrity b. Humility/Compassion c. Honesty/Trustworthy d. Spiritual Maturity e. Leadership/Visionary f. MCC Experience, Track Record g. Approachable, Down to Earth, Open, Sincere h. Global perspective/inclusive MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 18

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20 6. What are the most important challenges and opportunities for the next Moderator of MCC? (Select up to 7) a. Discerning the direction and vision for MCC s Future b. Continued growth of MCC nationally and globally c. Addressing justice issues and LGBTQQI rights d. Restoration of trust between MCC Leadership, Staff and local MCC s e. Developing a plan to restore MCC to financial health and stability f. Evaluating the strength and effectiveness of the current MCC denominational structure g. Provide resourcing to local churches, particularly smaller, struggling churches h. Reestablish the MCC Office of Church Life and Health i. Establishing plans for resourcing and supporting MCC Networks j. Develop programs for reaching the next generation of MCC ers k. Expand our diversity programming beyond LGBTQQI MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 20

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22 7. Which church do you attend most often? a. An MCC Church b. An MCC/UCC Church c. A church not affiliated with MCC d. I do not attend church regularly MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 22

23 8. In which network is the church you attend most often located? (Select One) a. Africa b. Asia c. Australia / Aetearoa New Zealand d. Brazil e. Canada f. Europe g. Iberoamerica/Caribbean h. The Philippines i. USA j. Does not apply MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 23

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25 9. What is the average weekly attendance of the church you attend most often? (Select one) a b c d. More than 150 e. Does Not Apply MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 25

26 10. Years affiliated with MCC as a member or friend? (Select One) a. Less than 1 year b. 1-5 Years c Years d Years e Years f Years g. Does not apply MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 26

27 11. Are you MCC clergy, Interim/Transitional/Gap Pastor, Clergy Standing by Call, Lay Pastor, Retired Clergy or Clergy Candidate? (Select One) a. Clergy b. Interim/Transitional/Gap Pastor c. Clergy Standing by Call d. Lay Pastor e. Retired Clergy f. Clergy Candidate g. None of the above MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 27

28 12. Are you a MCC Lay Delegate, Alternate Lay Delegate, Member in Good Standing or Friend of MCC? (Select One) a. Lay Delegate b. Alternate Lay Delegate c. Member in Good Standing d. Friend of MCC e. None of the above MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 28

29 13. How do you learn about the activities and business of MCC? (Select all that apply) a. I am a member of a formal or informal social network of MCC b. I interact or gain information using social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, YouTube) c. I read MCC electronic communications d. I attend MCC Network Gatherings, conferences and/or retreats e. I visit the MCC website f. I serve on an MCC denominational board, team or advisory council g. By means of a virtual group of MCC through the internet h. I participate in MCC webinars or other virtual informational sessions i. Other (Please specify): MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 29

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31 14. What is your gender identity? (Select One) a. Female (Cis Woman) b. Transwoman c. Male (Cis Male) d. Transman e. Transgender f. Two-Spirit g. Genderqueer h. Intersex i. Other: I prefer the following term(s) to describe my gender identity: MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 31

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33 15. What is your age classification? a. Under 18 b c d e f g. 76 and over MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 33

34 16. What is your race/ethnicity? (Select all that apply) a. Asian, Asian Pacific, Person of Asian Descent b. Black, African, African-American, Person of African Descent c. Latino, Hispanic, Person of Spanish Origin d. Middle Eastern, Person of Middle Eastern Descent e. Native American, First Nation, Other Native Populations f. White, Caucasian, Person of European Descent g. My race/ethnicity is not specified. I define my race/ethnicity as: MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 34

35 17. What is your sexual orientation? a. Asexual b. Bi-Sexual c. Gay d. Heterosexual e. Lesbian f. Pansexual g. Queer h. Questioning i. Same Gender Loving j. I prefer the following term(s) to describe my sexual orientation: MCC Moderator Nominating Committee 2019 Survey Results 35

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