Mutual Ministry Review: Survey Findings & Clergy/Vestry Response
Thank you!
Over 100 parishioners in addition to Leadership Councils & Vestry participated in the Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) Survey. Thank you for your feedback and suggestions. The MMR Survey was created, and survey responses were evaluated by a committee (2 Vestry, 1 at-large, 2 original Dean’s search committee). Sincere appreciation is extended to this team who spent untold hours compiling and reflecting upon all the survey responses. MMR Survey findings were then shared with Vestry. Vestry & Dean Kate prayerfully reviewed the MMR Survey findings, 5-year assessments and prioritized areas of action.
Themes
The consistent theme from every source is a strong love for our Cathedral, with emphasis on the liturgy, preaching and music. At a time when the national Episcopal Church and mainstream downtown Jacksonville churches are shrinking, aspects of the Cathedral have grown or expanded, e.g. ministries, services, events, campus.Your survey feedback and Vestry/Clergy responses indicate aspects of church life which both help and hinder our progress to passionately live the mission of Christ.
Areas of strength or progress include preaching, teaching, worship, liturgy, music, cathedral presence (downtown, broader community through local/national organizations, written publications, digital), and fundraising/development.
Areas of opportunity include pastoral care, parish life, communication of church financials & development status, clergy/staff turnover and mutual commitment (Clergy & Vestry) to the Long-Term Strategic Plan. Regarding pastoral care, our church family has identified a need for a better system of connection and care. MMR Survey results and Clergy/Vestry response share the desire to build up our internal body of Christ so we can better minister to each other as well as others.
Next Steps
Areas of opportunity will be shared more specifically with Clergy, Staff, Vestry, Committees and Leadership Councils. Clergy & Vestry meet in March to align the Long-Term Strategic Plan with this MMR Survey & Response. And, improvement on the areas of opportunity will be reviewed more frequently – beginning with mid-year 2020, and annually thereafter. Many of you participate in various ministries, small and large groups as well as in the pews on Sundays. We urge your involvement and encourage your prayers in making our Cathedral stronger.