St. Bernard

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St. Bernards Church Congregation Survey

• April 2007

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Summary of Survey
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Who completed the survey?

• 88 members, the majority of whom have attended
  St. Bernards for more than 2 years
• Members who attend Sunday services regularly
• Members who are generally active in the church
• Members who are financially dedicated to the
  church by pledging to the church budget and to
  the capital campaign

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What does the congregation want in a minister?

• Actively reaches out to bring new members into
  church
• Creates a church climate where everyone is
  welcome
• Preaches outstanding sermons
• Dedicated to high caliber and quality Christian
  education
• Ministers to the sick, homebound, dying and
  bereaved
• Counsels people about their personal and moral
  problems

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Feedback on Characteristics Desired in a New
Rector

• Excellent, interesting, powerful, meaningful,
  engaging sermons
• Good personality (personable, friendly, warm,
  welcoming style)
• Hands-on with church activities, especially for
  youth
• Enthusiasm about word of God and being a priest
  has a strong spiritual life
• A dynamic, energetic, vivacious leader who
  inspires and grows the congregation
• Moral character, honesty/integrity
• An ability to reach out to everyone in the
  parish, from children to the old and infirm a
  connection with the congregation
• Promotes a comfortable environment encourages
  acceptance

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What are St. Bernards strengths?

• Music program
• Church School
• A congregation that is welcoming, close and like
  a family

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What does the congregation see as the needs of
the church?

• Rebuild the church
• Increase membership
• Find a new rector

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If you could change one thing about St.
Bernards, what would it be?

• Stronger youth program
• Add a service at 5 pm on Saturdays
• Add Rite One to the liturgy once a month
• During youth choir, pick younger songs that are
  easier for kids to sing, i.e. Banner over me is
  love.
• Include more songs of praise from the Anglican
  tradition
• Add at least one morning prayer a month
• Would like to see a greater commitment to the
  church by its membership
• We desperately need wheelchair access or an
  elevator
• Increase opportunities/activities for spiritual
  (not social) growth
• The times of services
• Have more parishioners involved in outreach
  activities
• Become more active in the communitylet others
  know our strengths and hope that will increase
  our membership
• I would hope that as Christians we could resolve
  the divisive issues and see lay leaders lead in
  forgiveness

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Additional Comments

• I think it would be important to get a pastor who
  is interested in expanding the youth programs
  because, especially in a family-centered area
  like Bernardsville, it would probably bring in a
  lot of new members.
• I basically feel we need a pastor who will lead
  us, reach out by either inviting more outreach
  ministries or different music ministries, to
  attract more people making our congregation truly
  vibrant and dynamic.
• As a divorced Catholic, wishing to remain a
  person with strong faith, I found the community
  of St. Bernards to be welcoming and a place for
  me to continue to worship. St. Bernards has a
  become a home away from home for me.
• We have lost the service of Morning Prayer, the
  chants and prayers we no longer hear. I know a
  number of people, nationwide, who have been
  disaffected by thisI want to see a priest who
  will have the sensitivity to the needs of
  long-time Episcopalians to do this, at least once
  a month.
• We need someone who is called to Pastoral Care.
  So much of the leadership of our church is being
  spent on the buildings, raising funds, etc. Of
  course, this is essential, but our new Rector can
  thank John but move on to the people as the
  church.
• My daughter thought we would benefit from a
  rector who is young and has a sense of humor.

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Additional Comments, continued

• I have been a parishioner at St. Bernards for
  over 30 years. I love this church and consider it
  home. It has been one of my greatest blessings.
• I think everything is going to be fine. Weve
  come pretty far for things not to work out.
• One of the many positive things about St.
  Bernards has been the ability to raise our
  family in a friendly, comfortable and open
  environment. We have busy lives, like everyone,
  and no one has ever made us feel uncomfortable
  about our participation. We are always welcomed
  with open arms. The children are growing through
  the youth programs and the relaxed structure
  makes it very easy to participate. The staff and
  volunteers are amazing.
• At this point, it is important to bring a
  minister who can energize and retain this
  congregation into the future. They need to have a
  plan developed that will grow the church and
  increase financial stability.
• A mature, healthy relationship between priest and
  people involves mutual care and respect... Though
  a priest is in a sense set apart, he/she has all
  the same needs, gifts and failings we all share.
  That a rector is held to a high standard and
  public behavior also requires help and loving
  feedback.
• The more we feed ourselves and our surrounding
  community, the more we will grow and give back to
  St. Bernards and the larger community.