Surveys and re-opening church

Several clergy have mentioned lately that they are putting together surveys to distribute to their church members around easing back in to in-person gatherings. I’d like to suggest a few things to keep in mind as you create these surveys:

• Be clear with yourself about what you hope to gain from the survey. Now is not the time for busywork. Ask the questions that give you the information you need.

• Overcommunicate the purpose of the survey, the means of completing it, the deadline, and the people who will lay eyes on individual submissions. This takes more effort in a time when we cannot physically be together, but establishing expectations builds trust. That trust will be essential as you make hard decisions in the coming days.

• Don’t include anything that isn’t up for negotiation. This is very important. If you won’t budge on a matter for ethical or theological reasons, don’t ask for opinions on it. You might get backup for what you think needs to happen, but soliciting feedback could also backfire.

• Make sure the survey is accessible in a number of ways. You’re getting to be a pro at using all the ways to connect with people! Use them to distribute the survey.

• Utilize the results. This goes back to the first two bullet points. Don’t make more work for yourself - you’ve got enough - and don’t blow trust by asking for feedback and then disregarding it.

Finally, I want to give you permission not to survey the congregation about issues related to re-opening. Surveys are most helpful when they attempt to glean what the takers experience, think, or believe or what they’re willing to do. We’re currently dealing with a public health situation in which the main focus cannot be personal preference. The priority must be placed on what will keep the people in our care safe. It is ok to trust yourself, your lay leaders, your judicatory, and the scientific community in order to do just that.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash.