All-Parish Survey Update

Dear People of St. David’s,

Thank you for your participation in the all-parish survey. The Profile Committee and Vestry greatly appreciate your input and the valuable insights it provides. After thorough analysis of the responses, we are pleased to confirm what we suspected all along: St. David’s is a vibrant, strong, and healthy community with plenty of room for growth and improvement. As we approach the new program year this fall, we will have opportunities to delve deeper into the survey results and share lessons we have learned. Here are some key highlights:

Exceptional Participation: We are thrilled to report that the survey received an outstanding participation rate, with over 400 respondents representing the diverse membership of our congregation. This level of engagement ensures statistically reliable survey results and allows us to benchmark St. David’s against several hundred parishes that have recently conducted the same survey.

High Satisfaction: Seventy-five percent of survey participants expressed satisfaction with St. David’s, while only two percent disagreed. While personal evaluations of satisfaction are influenced by various factors, two important themes emerged from the survey. First, our leadership is widely representative of our congregation. Second, our rector plays a crucial role in bringing out the best in everyone. Compared to other parishes, St. David’s received an exceptionally high satisfaction score.

Energetic Community: A significant number of respondents (73%) identified the overall energy level at St. David’s as high while 5% disagree. This energy manifests itself in numerous ways, including active engagement in activities outside of worship. The survey results show that each member brings their unique energy into our parish life and ministry as we are encouraged to discover and use our individual gifts. Compared to other parishes, St. David’s stands out with its remarkable energy level.

Diverse Perspectives: Our membership encompasses a broad spectrum of theological and political perspectives, making our community remarkably diverse. This diversity serves as a strength in many aspects, particularly in our commitment to welcoming all. However, it also presents challenges, as we recognize the need to continue growing in terms of living together harmoniously and fostering love among one another, especially by increasing our tolerance for differing opinions and beliefs.

Continuity in Direction: As we embark on the search for our new rector, it is important to note that the majority of members expressed their desire to maintain the church’s current overall direction and culture.

These survey findings will inform the parish profile work as part of the discernment process. We will provide further updates and information in the new program year. The survey affirms that St. David’s is a vital and robust community, with ample room to live more deeply into our mission to know God in Jesus Christ and to make Christ known to others.

Many thanks!