How has the Presbytery Helped Your Congregation?

A significant number of responses highlight the Presbytery’s role in pastoral transitions, including helping with the search for new ministers, providing interim pastors, and offering guidance to Pastor Nominating Committees (PNCs). This support is crucial for congregations during times of leadership change, ensuring continuity and stability.

Another key area of assistance is in conflict resolution and guidance during challenging situations. Several congregations mentioned receiving help with internal conflicts, personnel problems, and navigating difficult experiences, such as dealing with harassment from members.

The Presbytery’s involvement in these matters helps maintain harmony and effective governance within the church.

The Presbytery also plays a vital role in providing educational resources and training. This includes offering training for church officers, ruling elders, and PNC members, as well as organizing retreats, summer camps, and mission trips. These educational opportunities help church members grow in their roles and enhance their ability to serve their congregations and communities effectively.

Additionally, the Presbytery supports congregations through financial assistance and grants. This support has been particularly valuable in times of crisis, such as tornado relief efforts, and in funding local missions and outreach programs. The financial backing from the Presbytery enables churches to extend their reach and impact within their communities.

How has the Presbytery Hurt Your Congregation?

A recurring theme is the perceived lack of support during transitional periods, particularly when the congregation was without pastoral leadership. Members felt that the Presbytery could have done more to assist them in finding a transitional pastor, and there was a general sense of abandonment during these critical times.

Another significant point of contention is the financial management and priorities of the Presbytery. Congregants expressed frustration over the mandatory per capita payments and the use of funds from the sale of church properties to balance the Presbytery’s budget. There is a sentiment that the Presbytery focuses more on its own financial stability and supporting pastors rather than addressing the needs of local churches. This financial strain is compounded by the perception that the Presbytery does not provide adequate returns or tangible support for the money from the congregations.

Additionally, there is a feeling of disconnect and lack of recognition, especially for lay pastors who are seen as not receiving the same respect and support as seminary-trained pastors. The document also highlights a perceived imbalance in the Presbytery’s focus, with more attention given to urban and suburban churches at the expense of rural congregations. This has led to feelings of isolation and neglect among members of smaller or more remote churches.

Those who answered this question conveyed a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the Presbytery’s actions and priorities, with some members even suggesting that their church should break away from the Presbytery. The criticisms range from lack of support to a general sense of being undervalued and ignored.

How should the presbytery support its ministries? (1st Arabic, Cross, Our Sister Parish)

When the question was posed about the support of historically presbytery-related ministries, most respondents were in favor of supporting the ministries – but only if funding was available and if that funding was limited. Statistically, these questions were answered with the most parity among all those in the survey.

How can the Presbytery Improve?

The survey responses provided a comprehensive list of suggestions for improving the Des Moines Presbytery, reflecting a wide range of concerns and ideas from various contributors. One of the primary themes is the need for better communication and active involvement. Many respondents emphasized the importance of improving communication channels, both within the Presbytery and between the Presbytery and local congregations. This includes quicker responses to inquiries, more frequent visits to local churches, and better dissemination of information about the Presbytery’s activities and mission.

Another significant point is the call for fiscal responsibility and modernization. Contributors highlighted the need to address outdated policies and practices, streamline administrative processes, and ensure that the Presbytery operates within its budget. Suggestions included reducing the number of executive directors, eliminating unnecessary staff positions, and avoiding deficit spending. There is also a strong emphasis on supporting struggling churches, with recommendations to provide practical programs, offer more lay services, and ensure fair asset distribution when churches close.

Additionally, the survey takers underscore the importance of fostering a sense of community and support among congregations. This includes enhancing worship and fellowship at Presbytery meetings, coordinating presbytery-wide community outreach efforts, and developing programs tailored to the unique needs of different churches. Respondents also called for more support for youth ministry and greater efforts to help small churches feel valued and included. Overall, the suggestions reflect a desire for a more responsive, efficient, and supportive presbytery that can adapt to changing times and better serve its member congregations.

1. Demographic Trends: The typical survey respondent is a female aged 41-70 from a small church with fewer than 75 attendees. This demographic is consistent with the broader trends observed in the PC(USA) annual statistical analysis.

2. Spiritual Engagement: There is a strong desire among respondents for increased spiritual engagement. This includes more personal devotional and prayer time, Bible studies, vibrant worship services, and opportunities for fellowship outside of Sunday services. Respondents also emphasize the need for more dynamic church leadership and community-building activities.

3. Financial Stability and Concerns: While most churches report financial stability with weekly offerings covering expenses, there is a significant concern about declining memberships and the potential closure of churches within the next decade. Many churches rely on part-time pastoral leadership, and there is a fear of running out of people before running out of money.

4. Resistance to Change: Despite recognizing the need for change due to declining attendance and aging memberships, there is resistance to certain types of changes. For example, respondents are generally unwilling to leave their church buildings, change worship times, or use funds to start new ministries elsewhere.

5. Presbytery Support and Criticism: The Presbytery is praised for its role in pastoral transitions, conflict resolution, and providing educational resources and financial assistance. However, there are criticisms regarding its financial management, perceived lack of support during pastoral vacancies, and a disconnect with smaller or rural churches. Some members feel undervalued and suggest that the Presbytery focuses more on its own stability than on the needs of local congregations.

6. Suggestions for Improvement: Respondents suggest that the Presbytery improve communication, fiscal responsibility, and modernization of policies. They call for more support for struggling churches, and tailored programs for different congregations. There is also a desire for more pastor support and efforts to make small churches feel included and valued.