Mission Action Plan Survey - Have Your Say
As part of Our Mission action planning, the PCC invited all members of our congregation, regular or occasional, including those who join us online, to reflect on and complete our survey.
The survey asked;
1) What do you value about St James' and
2) What are your hopes for St James’ in the future?
Why are we doing this?
To plan the future mission for St James’ and what we do next, it is important we know what the body of the Church thinks and feels. We will use this information to plan our next steps to move us as a Church toward the hopes you feel most strongly about and to ensure we retain the things that are important to you in what we do now.
The results of the Survey are below:
Themes from the Written Feedback – What People Value within St James’
- A Welcoming, Accepting Community
Comments largely refer to the welcoming nature of St James' church, particularly towards newcomers and non-Christians. The welcoming atmosphere is highlighted through personal gestures, greetings, a friendly environment, fellowship after the main service, tea and biscuits, and community events. As part of this there emerges strong appreciation of the clergy, especially of Fr Henry. St James' is portrayed as a church which accepts all people, regardless of their faith or beliefs. The comments emphasise the importance of making everyone feel valued and included, of being pastoral, caring, accepting, and loving without being intrusive.
- A Traditional, Sacramental Church
The traditional values and services are valued; the maintenance of a sacramental priesthood based on scripture; music as an aid to worship. The sense of continuity in faith and practice in a changing world is valued.
- Community Spaces
The significance of community spaces, like the hall, is emphasised. These spaces are seen as essential for community links and activities. The importance of a beautiful and well-maintained church building and well-tended grounds are valued.
Themes from the Written Feedback - What People Hope for within St James’
- Balanced Change
Whilst recognising the potential for growth, there's a caution about too many changes and the possibility of losing the existing positive aspects. The importance of building on sure foundations is highlighted. (There were, though, requests for specific changes in services – see comments sheet.)
- More provision for families and young people
Several comments drew attention to the need to attract and engage more youngsters, recognising them as the future of the church. Some people communicated a desire for greater inclusion of children and young people in Sunday services, and others mentioned extra activities, such as a youth club. There were also suggestions of more social activities for young families.
- Community Outreach
Many wrote of a desire to reach out to the needs of the wider community; to involve more people in contributing to services and activities; to be more eco-friendly; to serve as a focal point during times of crisis; to forge more links with local churches.
The hall is seen as a great asset in developing outreach.
- Increase in volunteers and wider involvement
Several comments mentioned the need for more volunteers; succession planning for key roles; the challenge of finding volunteers to develop youth and families’ initiatives.
- Deepening Faith
Some people would welcome a focus on deepening and exploring our faith, living out Christian beliefs, and encouraging fresh expressions of worship away from the Sunday services.