During my sabbatical last summer, I focused on the “dechurching” trend in our country, and now the Sunday morning class, with over 100 attendees each week, is also centered on this topic. I’ve never seen a subject generate as much interest as this one. I am sharing findings from the national research on dechurching; however, we also seek to listen to and collect feedback on the dechurching experiences within our local context. To facilitate this, a brief survey has been created to align with the national survey, which SLC friends and members can complete regarding their own disconnection from worship. Additionally, this survey can be distributed to friends and family members who have experienced dechurching. We care and want to listen to our dechurched friends and family!
Please note our operational definition of “dechurched” refers to individuals who previously participated in worship services at least once a month but currently attend only once a year or not at all. It is important to clarify that online worship is not considered or included in this survey.
Please click the link below and complete the brief survey if you feel you are in the dechurched category. Additionally, please invite your friends, family, or acquaintances who fit this description to take part in our survey. You can copy/paste the survey link into an email or text. I have provided a suggested template below to use… We also have paper copies available for individuals who are unable to complete the digital survey. Stop and pick up a copy in the office or the narthex.
I hope this survey will not only help SLC in its mission but also encourage respectful and compassionate conversations with our friends and family who have stepped away from the in person worship. At the end of the survey, there is an invitation to have deeper discussions with our pastors or leadership if you or someone you share it with is interested.
Feel free to email me or call me with any questions or feedback.
In Christ,
Pastor Bill
————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Invitation Template to share with friends
Our church aims to offer a supportive and compassionate ear to those we know who used to attend in-person worship regularly (about once a month or more) but have since stopped coming (once a year or less). My Church has created a brief survey that aligns with some national research on the topic of “dechurching” to assist with this.
I’m sending you this survey because I genuinely care about your thoughts and want to make sure your experiences are part of our research. Plus, I’d really like to chat more if you’re up for it! The survey is anonymous, but there’s a chance for you to ask for a follow-up conversation with one of our pastors or leaders at Silverdale Lutheran. Just click the link below.
Your _______, (Include your name)