This evening I received in my inbox an evaluation to fill out for my local gym. I try to go to this local workout hangout three times a week, at least that's my goal. Unlike many surveys of such kind, I chose to let the gym know of my experiences this time. As I reflect on this opportunity, it made me wonder why local churches don't do that for those who visit or attend. My reflections turned into a blog, so here goes.
What kind of things would you survey if you wanted feedback from those who experienced your worship service? My gym asked for my opinions on several things. They wanted to know what I thought about the person at the front desk and how she made me feel welcome. There was a question about the facilities and equipment to answer. Then another question wanted to know what I knew about all the services they offer and which ones I had experienced. There were a few more, but one toward the end wanted to know what I thought about their staff and what I could mention about their service to me. Get this - they wanted to know more about me than about them. I felt important and valued.
Now back to my question, "What kind of things would you survey if you wanted feedback from those who experienced your worship service?" If you had been attending for a while, what kinds of questions would you want the pastors and church leaders to ask you about your church? Were you made to feel welcome by your first contact, so much so that you enjoy going back again and again? How did the facilities and equipment affect your church experience (sound system, seating, arrangement of the main room, etc.)? What kinds of ministries and services were offered, and in which ones did you participate? Who in leadership made a good or bad impression on you? Do the survey questions make you feel valued and appreciated?
Your list of survey questions might go on longer, but I hope you are getting the idea that sometimes people who visit or attend might want to be heard and valued. How can you do that? Let me say that in a little different way. When will you do that? Give it a try and see what you can learn about your church.
[Photo by Dynamic Wang on Unsplash]