by Suzie Macaluso and Interim Ministry Partners Team Members
As leaders, we can sit in a video conference meeting and make decisions about the first gatherings of our churches in a post-COVID-19 world. But why not listen to our people as we prepare … to see what they’re thinking … to gauge their levels of fear and anxiety … to know how they will react as they emerge from their isolation cocoon?
You could set up this little survey on SurveyMonkey and send it out to your members. You could use a service like Google Forms, Typeform, NinjaForms or a host of alternatives.
First, let’s think about the survey questions themselves … then some hints about increasing participation.
Survey on COVID-19 Impact
Thank you for taking time to complete this short survey. The leadership of our congregation values your feedback as we begin to move into a new normal of worship together. Your responses are confidential and secure.
How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
1. Dealing with the social distancing, isolation, and limitations of the current COVID-19 pandemic has been very difficult for me.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
2. As a congregation, we have done an excellent job of connecting with and encouraging other members over the past few weeks.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
3. I am looking forward to the time when I can gather with my church family again in smallergatherings.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
4. I am looking forward to the time when I can gather with my church family again in largergatherings.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
5. I feel anxious about attending small groups when we get the “all clear” signal from civic authorities.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
6. I feel anxious about attending larger worship services when we get the “all clear” signal from civic authorities.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
7. As we make preparations for public gatherings in the future, the clearer our church can be about expectations, boundaries, and appropriate behavior the better.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
8. I don’t think we need to make many special arrangements or plans for ramping up our worship services again … just get back to business as usual.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
9. The idea of standing in a church foyer with people all around me, wanting to shake hands and hug, makes me feel uncomfortable.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
10. We must find a different way to share the Lord’s Supper in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Demographic Questions?
If you want more detail about which demographics are responding to questions in particular ways (“Our young families seem more anxious than older members”) and someone you know understands how to use cross-tabs, you may want to ask the following demographic questions:
Now we have some basic demographic questions. These will be used in the aggregate only and will not be used to identify individuals.
11. How long have you been a member at this congregation?
- Less than one year
- 1 – 4 years
- 5 – 9 years
- 10 – 14 years
- 15 – 19 years
- 20 years or longer
12. On average, before the COVID-19 restrictions, how often do you attend church services or activities?
- More than once a week
- Once a week
- Once or twice a month
- A few times a year
- Seldom
- Never
13. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 indicating low involvement and 5 indicating high involvement, how would you describe your average level of involvement and participation in our congregation?
1 – Low 2 3 4 5 – High
14. How old are you? ______
15. What is your gender?
- Female
- Male
16. What concerns or comments would you like to share with the church leaders?
(Open-ended “Comments” option)
