Strategic planning survey results

Mennonite Brethren are keenly interested in their denomination and want to be involved in planning its future. This was the finding of a survey conducted at the end of 2004 by the new executive board of the Canadian MB Conference.

77% of survey respondents said they were “enthusiastic about our denomination,” 82% said it is important for their church to be “part of the MB Conference,” and 72% said their church should support the Conference financially.

1015 people responded to the survey, which was open to all members and adherents of MB churches. It was available through churches and on the conference website, and was also mailed to a random sampling of 325 members from the MB Herald mailing list. Some 80 of this latter group replied.

Participation was fairly representative of MB population geographically. More males than females responded. Response was strong in all ages from 26 up, with the largest numbers in the 40 to 55 age range, and from those who have attended an MB church more than 20 years.

	Percentage of respondents by geographical area
	British Columbia	35.0
	Alberta	13.3
	Saskatchewan	12.6
	Manitoba	25.6
	Ontario	11.4
	(Results combined on chart)
	Quebec	0.6
	Newfoundland	0.3
	New Brunswick	0.0
	Nova Scotia	0.4
	Prince Edward Island	0.0
	Yukon	0.1
	Nunavut	0.0
	Northwest Territories	0.0
	Outside Canada	0.8
	Percentage of respondents by length of attendance at an MB church
	Less than 5 years	10.1
	Less than 5 years	10.1
	5–10 years	11.3
	10–20 years	14.5
	More than 20 years	64.0
	Percentage of respondents by age group
	13–17 years of age	0.3
	18–25 years of age	5.0
	26–39 years of age	17.3
	40–55 years of age	34.1
	56–69 years of age	23.4
	70 plus years of age	20.0
	Percentage of respondents by gender
	Male	64.7
	Female	35.3

The survey consisted of 31 questions, most of them statements to which respondents could choose one of five responses: strongly agree, agree, neither agree or disagree, disagree, strongly disagree. The questions ranged over the areas of ministry currently provided in the conference structure. The board wanted to hear the thoughts and feelings of Mennonite Brethren about these ministries, as well as other concerns, in order to better plan for the future.

Analysis

Les Stahlke of GovernanceMatters Inc. compiled and analyzed the results, and presented them to the final Council of Boards meetings, and to the Executive Board and Board of Faith and Life meetings, held in Abbotsford Jan. 28–29.

The large number of responses and relatively even distribution of data over the demographic variables suggests the survey “reliably reflects the thoughts and feelings of the individuals of the MB Conference” regarding its content, he said. Furthermore, the “number, length and intensity” of the comments made in addition to marking a response suggests that people “embraced the survey and want to be involved in planning the future ministry at the Conference level.”

The comments add “rich colour and meaning to the assessment of the respondents to each statement,” said Stahlke. They were distilled and collated – about a quarter of them yielded more than 40 pages of tiny-print material that board members were urged to read and consider carefully.

Although there was diversity of opinion on some subjects, the survey also indicated a sense of unity within the Conference, said Stahlke. “The willingness to dialogue and share differences openly is a sign of a healthy church.”

In general

Several questions related to the Canadian Conference in general. As already stated, high commitment levels were expressed through the results. Survey respondents also strongly agreed that they are committed to “our Evangelical/Anabaptist distinctives.”

In ranking the four “foci” under which the Conference has organized its ministries, respondents chose “healthy churches” as their highest priority in terms of allocation of resources. Leadership development ranked second, reaching out third, and financial ministries last.

Enthusiasm for the Conference did not necessarily represent knowledge of denominational services, however. Only half of respondents agreed that they have “an adequate understanding of the programs and benefits of the Canadian Conference.”

	I am enthusiastic about our denomination. 28% strongly agree 49% agree 15% neither agree nor disagree 5% disagree 2% strongly disagree
	It is important to me for my church to be part of the Canadian Conference. 41% strongly agree 41% agree 10% neither agree nor disagree 5% disagree 2% strongly disagree
	My church should support the Canadian Conference ministries financially. 23% strongly agree 49% agree 13% neither agree nor disagree 4% disagree 1% strongly disagree
	I have an adequate understanding of the programs and benefits that my church derives from the services of the Canadian Conference. 6% strongly agree 44% agree 17% neither agree nor disagree 22% disagree 4% strongly disagree
	Please rank the following services (higher numbers indicate greater importance): 0.45 for financial ministries 2.10 for healthy churches 1.93 for leadership development 1.55 for reaching out

Confessional integrity

The service of “confessional integrity” offered by the Board of Faith and Life (BFL) was highly valued, expressed uniformly across all demographic variables. Close to 90% of respondents said they were “committed to our Evangelical/Anabaptist distinctives.”

In three questions about resources BFL provides (study conferences, pamphlet series, the Confession of Faith), close to 30% had no opinion on the value of study conferences, some 50% said the pamphlet series on doctrinal issues helped them “develop direction in theology and life practice” and more than 60% said the Confession of Faith helped them develop such direction. Stahlke suggested that the low assessment of the value of study conferences may reflect the low number of respondents able to attend such conferences.

	I am committed to our Evangelical/Anabaptist distinctives. 45% strongly agree 44% agree 8% neither agree nor disagree 2% disagree 1% strongly disagree
	The Conference helps me develop direction in theology and life practice through the Confession of Faith. 16% strongly agree 50% agree 17% neither agree nor disagree 6% disagree 1% strongly disagree
	The Canadian Conference helps me develop direction in theology and life practice through the study conferences it facilitates. 7% strongly agree 26% agree 28% neither agree nor disagree 12% disagree 2% strongly disagree
	The Conference helps me develop direction in theology and life practice through the publication of the pamphlet series on important doctrinal issues. 12% strongly agree 41% agree 21% neither agree nor disagree 8% disagree 1% strongly disagree

Women in leadership

The statement “Qualified women should be permitted to fill any ministry role, including that of senior pastor” was the one on which respondents were most divided and on which their opinions were held most strongly. Only 10% were ambivalent (neither agree nor disagree); 49% strongly agreed or agreed with the statement; 36% strongly disagreed or disagreed.

This question also indicated divergence by gender and age. Slightly more women than men agreed and more of them were ambivalent. Those ages 18–55 agreed at 58%, compared to 42% in the 56 and older group.

In his analysis, Stahlke noted the 16% spread in these age groups and commented that in 40 years the youngest people in the 18–55 age group will be the youngest in the 56 and over group. If the same spread of opinion continues, he said, the percentage favouring qualified women as senior pastors will rise to 74% in one generation.

Qualified women should be permitted to fill any ministry role including that of senior pastor. 27% strongly agree 22% agree 10% neither agree nor disagree 21% disagree 15% strongly disagree

Our name

The statement that Mennonite Brethren should change their name so it “does not reflect ethnicity or gender” also revealed diversity in the demographic variables. Among respondents as a whole, 52% disagreed with the statement, with 23% agreeing and 18% ambivalent. Those respondents who are pastors (compared to members, attendees and elders/council leaders), however, agreed with the statement at 47% and disagreed with it at 23%.

We should change the name of our Conference so that our name does not reflect ethnicity or gender. 10% strongly agree 13% agree 18% neither agree nor disagree 26% disagree 26% strongly disagree

Ministry resources and historical work

Generally, respondents affirmed the value of resources and training provided by the Conference in ministry areas relating to adults, children and youth. More than 70% agreed that it is beneficial to their leaders to have access to these services. Even more (81%) said that the Conference should continue to produce Anabaptist/MB resource materials for the churches. Similar affirmation was given the work of maintaining historical information and understanding the past.

	The Conference should continue to produce Anabaptist/MB resource materials for the churches. 33% strongly agree 48% agree 12% neither agree nor disagree 3% disagree 0% strongly disagree
	It is important for the Conference to maintain historical information about our church’s activities to help the church understand its past and thus better plan for the future. 36% strongly agree 50% agree 7% neither agree nor disagree 3% disagree 1% strongly disagree
	It is beneficial to our adult ministry leaders to have access to resources and training from the Adult Ministries programs of the Conference. 28% strongly agree 49% agree 15% neither agree nor disagree 5% disagree 2% strongly disagree
	It is beneficial to our children’s ministry leaders to have access to resources and training from the Children’s Ministries programs of the Conference. 22% strongly agree 50% agree 14% neither agree nor disagree 4% disagree 1% strongly disagree
	It is beneficial to our youth ministry leaders to have access to resources and training from the Youth Ministries programs of the Conference. 23% strongly agree 49% agree 13% neither agree nor disagree 4% disagree 1% strongly disagree

Leadership development

Four survey statements dealt with leadership development. All of them related to programs of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS), which is one of the “strategic partnerships” the Canadian Conference shares with U.S. Mennonite Brethren. The positive responses here were somewhat lower than other parts of the survey: 58% agreed “the Leadership Training Matching Grant is a useful program to encourage leaders to move into ministry” and that MBBS “produces effective pastors to lead and serve in our churches.” Fewer (45%) agreed it “adequately serves the region of Canada in which I live.”

	MBBS produces effective pastors to lead and serve in our churches. 12% strongly agree 46% agree 18% neither agree nor disagree 8% disagree 2% strongly disagree
	MBBS adequately serves the region of Canada in which I live. 11% strongly agree 34% agree 22% neither agree nor disagree 11% disagree 3% strongly disagree
	MBBS is effective as a spiritual and academic resource to assist the church in responding biblically to pertinent theological, social and church issues. 10% strongly agree 42% agree 21% neither agree nor disagree 13% disagree 2% strongly disagree
	The Leadership Training Matching Grant Program is a useful program to encourage leaders to move into ministry. 10% strongly agree 42% agree 21% neither agree nor disagree 13% disagree 2% strongly disagree

Reaching out

For reasons of timing and other circumstances in preparing the survey, Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International (MBMSI), the other “strategic partnership” the Canadian Mennonite Brethren share with their U.S. counterpart, was not included in the survey. Some people, Stahlke commented, may have considered it “obliquely” in their response to the statement “The Canadian Conference provides effective means for my church to be involved in serving people and places beyond my local congregation,” to which 60% agreed.

There was solid recognition (68%) of the benefits of promoting evangelism in the cities of Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver through the Key Cities Initiative. When it came to whether the Canadian Conference is helping the respondent’s own church “make a significant impact in our community,” only 20% agreed or strongly agreed, compared to 36% who were ambivalent on the statement and 31% who disagreed or strongly disagreed.

	The Key Cities Initiative, which has focussed on planting churches in Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, is beneficial for promoting evangelism in those cities. 19% strongly agree 49% agree 15% neither agree nor disagree 2% disagree 1% strongly disagree
	The Canadian Conference provides effective means for my church to be involved in serving people and places beyond my local congregation. 11% strongly agree 49% agree 18% neither agree nor disagree 10% disagree 1% strongly disagree
	The Canadian Conference is helping my church to make a significant impact in our community. 3% strongly agree 17% agree 36% neither agree nor disagree 25% disagree 6% strongly disagree

Finances

Awareness of the financial services the Conference provides to constituents in addition to its role within the infrastructure of conference work – services such as savings accounts, RRSP, student saving accounts, and loans for churches – came in at medium levels (54%). There was higher awareness of will preparation services offered (69%). In his analysis, Les Stahlke suggested this level of understanding may suggest “there are not enough resources allocated to this service to make the members and churches aware of the potential benefits.” This service was only recently identified as a 4th “focus” of the Conference, he said.

	The Conference operates in part as a financial institution with savings accounts, RRSP, Student Savings Accounts, and loans for churches. I understand the banking services the Canadian Conference offers. 10% strongly agree 44% agree 13% neither agree nor disagree 16% disagree 4% strongly disagree
	I have an adequate understanding of the will preparation services offered by the Canadian Conference. 18% strongly agree 51% agree 8% neither agree nor disagree 11% disagree 3% strongly disagree

Building community

Six questions addressed areas of communication or “community building” such as the Conference periodicals, website and biennial conventions. 74% said they read one of the four Conference publications (MB Herald, MB Chinese Herald, Mennonitische Rundschau, Le Lien) either “consistently” (45%) or “frequently (29%); 16% said they read one of the magazines “occasionally”; 10% read one rarely or never. The MB Herald was indicated most often as the periodical read. (96.8% of respondents indicated English as their preferred language and the survey was not translated into Chinese, French and German.) The effectiveness of the website was rated positively at 38%, with a large number marking ambivalence or not responding; this may reflect the relative newness of the medium as a site of Conference information.

About half of respondents (52%) felt the biennial conventions are an effective method of “communicating with the churches about shared ministry,” 64% agreed they are “an effective method of celebrating together and building community,” and 55% agreed they are “an effective method of conducting the business of the Conference.”

Less than half (41%) agreed that “Acting on behalf of our churches, the Canadian Conference is relating to the wider Christian community appropriately.”

	The Conference publishes a variety of magazines. I read at least one of these magazines. 45% consistently 29% frequently 16% occasionally 7% rarely 3% never
	The biennial conventions are an effective method of communicating with the churches about shared ministry. 10% strongly agree 42% agree 21% neither agree nor disagree 13% disagree 2% strongly disagree
	The biennial conventions are an effective method of celebrating together and building community. 15% strongly agree 49% agree 19% neither agree nor disagree 7% disagree 1% strongly disagree
	The biennial conventions are an effective method of conducting the business of the Conference. 10% strongly agree 45% agree 22% neither agree nor disagree 9% disagree 1% strongly disagree
	The Canadian Conference website is effective in providing the information that I am seeking. 6% strongly agree 32% agree 24% neither agree nor disagree 4% disagree 1% strongly disagree
	Acting on behalf of our churches, the Canadian Conference is relating to the wider Christian community appropriately. 4% strongly agree 37% agree 28% neither agree nor disagree 9% disagree 1% strongly disagree

Conclusions

The Executive Board elected at Gathering 2004 met for the first time in October to review and discuss a first draft of the strategic planning survey. It was hoped that the survey could be completed and analyzed in time for the transition from the Council of Boards model to the new governance model in January.

This meant the survey was prepared fairly quickly and that people were asked to respond to it during the busy Christmas season. Similarly, production schedules meant that plans to carry the survey in the periodicals, including translating it for the French, German and Chinese papers, were not realized.

In spite of these limitations in the survey, the Executive Board has been encouraged by the responses and grateful for the keen response and the many helpful comments and critiques. The Board did some initial evaluation of the results at their January meeting and meets again in April.

After more opportunity to consider the results and digest the comments, it intends to develop a strategic plan for Conference ministry. Executive director David Wiebe says the Board will continue to use surveys and other ways of listening in the future, both to hone in on feedback on specific areas of service, or to track results where changes have been made.

—Dora Dueck, from reports