This document summarizes the results of a sustainability survey completed by leaders from several Minnesota and Iowa synods. 35 surveys were returned. The majority of respondents felt that providing practical help for congregations facing sustainability issues was important and urgent. Common challenges identified were a focus on buildings/attendance over mission, reluctance to change, and lack of energy for new ideas. Suggested approaches included guided conversations, asset mapping, sharing stories, prayer, and empowering lay leadership. Respondents agreed to participate in further online discussions to develop strategies and resources.

1. Grassroots Ministry
Sustainability Survey
Report on the results of the survey
Prepared by Rev. Peter Soli, Dialog Works

2. Who was asked to
complete the
Sustainability Survey?

3. Participants were given two options
A Long-form survey
This included multiple-choice questions plus several
questions which asked for written responses, explanations,
and ideas.
A Short-form survey
This included only the multiple-choice questions and
provided one space to fill-in other thoughts.

4. 35
Sustainability
Surveys were
returned

5. Responses were from these synods
 Southeast Minnesota Synod
 Northeastern Minnesota Synod
 Northwestern Minnesota Synod
 St. Paul Area Synod
 South Dakota Synod
 Western Iowa Synod
 Northeastern Iowa Synod

6. Summary of results from all 35
multiple-choice questions

7. Who submitted a Sustainability Survey?

8. In your setting and
according to your
perception, how
IMPORTANT is the
need to provide
practical help for
congregations facing
sustainability issues.
Important

9. In your setting and
according to your
perception, how
URGENT is the need to
provide practical help
for congregations
facing sustainability
issues.
Urgent

10. When a congregation is facing
sustainability issues, in general, what
factors seem to contribute to the stress?
Rank each of the factors according to their
importance.

12. Which of these or other factors or concerns seem to
EVOKE THE MOST PASSION in the congregation?

13. Other factors contributing to the stress in
congregations? Summary of themes
Local leadership
Denial of situation
Unwilling or unable to think or act creatively
Stubborn and independent
Clarity of purpose/mission
What is role in community?
What is the connection to the Gospel

14. Written responses from 19
long-form responses
Summarized for reporting purposes

15. When it comes to addressing sustainability, where do
congregations seem to get 'stuck' or 'spin their
wheels’? Summary of themes
 Congregations get stuck in the past
 Grief and nostalgia – looking back not to the future
 Focus on lapsed members and judgement on other generations
 Must do things as they always have been done
 Fear of losing identity
 Focus on buildings and attendance rather than ministry and
mission
 Tired – no energy for new ideas

16. What programs, approaches, interventions, or tools have you
found most helpful with congregations facing sustainability
issues? Summary of themes
 Conversations (an implications that these might be focused, guided, or
facilitated)
 Share stories – both personal (local) and Biblical
 Listening – build trust and awareness
 Asset mapping and other ways to take stock of the current situation –
both blessings and challenges
 Prayer, Bible study, and small group ministry
 Various programs: Ask, Thank, Tell; Healthy Congregations; Faith 5; Hope
for the Heartland; Hope in Christ
 Patient, faithful, gospel-centered leadership

17. Think of a story of a great success or a story when things didn't
go well? What factors contributed to either the success of failure
of your efforts? Summary of themes
 Failure – pastor got ahead of the people; Success – listened to people and
provided a positive feedback loop
 Success – provided organization to bring together people’s passions,
assets, and the mission needs in the community
 Success – working with other community groups and ministry partners
 Success – focus on area mission and ministry
 Success – building relationships, phone calls, listening, discernment
 Failure – egos got in the way
 Success – charismatic leadership

18. What 'hot tips' or advice do you have for
fellow colleagues? Summary of themes
 Network, collaborate, build relationships
 Let congregations lead the process, motivated lay leaders are
key
 Listen – encourage conversation and empower lay leadership
 Pray

19. Would you be willing
to participate in an
online conversation to
help plan and shape
possible workshops,
forums, or other
events for synod
leaders?

20. Next Steps
 Share survey results
 Convene online project meetings (2 or 3 one-hour online
meetings)
We will focus on how God is at work right now and ask how we
are engaging in God’s work
 Develop strategies, materials, models, and practical tools for
leaders.
 Hold workshops, forums, and further conversations to address
sustainability issues in congregations

21. Thank you for
your
participation!
If you would like to
continue to be part of the
conversation, contact me
Peter Soli, Dialog Works