OAK RIDGE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
Summary of the Congregational Survey
Taken in October, 2023
Compiled by the Ministerial Search Committee:
Carol Beene, Michael Bjerke, David Dunkirk, Patton Fishel, Sarah Gunter, Beth Meyer, Christy White
Thank you to all who participated in the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist 2023 Congregational Survey! Your responses helped your Ministerial Search Committee assess our ministry needs. It provided a contextual picture of what we are looking for in a new minister. Equally important, this report will be included in a Congregational Packet provided to ministerial applicants to help our future minister understand our congregation better.
As you read the highlights below, please keep in mind that any conclusions formed are limited to those who answered the survey; thus, the survey may not fully represent the entire congregation. There were 88 respondents, representing approximately 32% of our total church population. Of those who responded 96.6% were members.
The survey opened on-line and in a paper format on September 8, 2023 and closed on October 4, 2023. The Committee adapted a survey crafted by the UUA Transition Team and Regional Staff. We first announced the upcoming survey in August and continued to publicize it throughout September and October. We utilized many formats: Sunday announcements, FaceBook posts, slides with QR codes before and after services both in the church and in the lobby, and articles and announcements in our weekly newsletter, The Exponent. The communications coordinator and the committee continued all these methods throughout the entire time the survey was available. Additionally, a personal email was sent out to each member of the congregation with links to the survey.
WHO WE ARE
OUR CONGREGATION is strong, active, vibrant and healthy, with thoughtful, passionate, and intelligent members up for a challenge and looking to make an impact in the wider community.WE are diverse in outlook and welcoming to all.
We are primarily white,(97.7%) and 11.5% consider themselves part of a multi-racial family.
Age:
30.7% aged 60-69
27.3% aged 70-79
18.2% aged 40-49
11.4% aged 50-59
Gender
73.6% identify as heterosexual
9.2% identify as bi-sexual
4.6% identify as pansexual
4.6% identify as lesbian
*1.2% represent themselves as transgender
Education:
36% Masters Degree
29% 4 Year Degree
18% Doctoral Degree
OUR CONGREGATION is located in East Tennessee, in the city of Oak Ridge, a city established in 1942 whose purpose was to house people and materials needed for the Manhattan Project. Oak Ridge is west of Knoxville and is surrounded by the Appalachian region.
ORUUC was founded in 1950 by scientists, engineers, and professionals drawn to East Tennessee by this highly secret project. They were eager to form a church in which to raise their families and live out their values. The struggle for equality and justice was alive then and thrives even now in our congregation. We continue to reflect and uphold more liberal values than some of the Southern rural communities around us. Our congregation has strong roots and long branches, and we are committed to offering our children a safe space where they can investigate moral and ethical choices.
Respondents were forthright and enthusiastic in speaking about their deep connections with our ORUUC community and the community at large.
What is your favorite thing about our congregation?
What people love about our congregation is its welcoming spirit, its caring open-minded stance. We are a safe place where the individual can explore both the self and one’s role in a community of covenant. With a confident spirit, we reach out to answer the needs of the wider community.
This word cloud was generated with the responses to the question above.
What do you perceive the top three functions of our congregation to be?
When submitting all responses to a word count, these were the top “relevant” words:
the word "COMMUNITY” was the top contender, being mentioned 45 times
next highest was “COMMUNITY SERVICE”, mentioned 28 times
the third most used was “SUPPORT”, mentioned 9 times.
Within- Among- Beyond: These words are hallmarks of ORUUC’s strategic plan and they aptly describe the top three functions noted by our respondents to this question.
1st_Within: Be a welcoming, caring, inclusive community where the individual can safely explore the self and the world.
2nd Among- Be a community that values and supports growth, diversity, creativity, connection, the right of conscience, and compassion. In the education of children, include moral and ethical guidance and the study of UUism.
3rd Beyond- In the world beyond our walls, live UU values.(“beacon of liberal thought/action”) Answer community needs through loving actions.
Diverse belief systems:
22.1% Spiritual, but not religious
18.6% Christian
12.8% Agnostic
12.8% Atheist
9.3% Humanist
2.3 % Buddhist
2.3% Earth-based
HOW WE ENGAGE WITH OUR CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
OUR CONGREGATION is active and responsive, ready to offer support within and beyond our walls. We bond together to form small ministry agreements.
What activities, groups, or small ministries give you tools to live a dynamic UU life?
Sunday Worship Services: Sunday worship services are a fundamental aspect of UU congregations, where inspiring sermons and messages from sermons play a crucial role in spiritual reflection and exploration.
Volunteering: Many respondents mentioned volunteering in the community and engaging in social action as a way to live out their UU values through practical service.
Small Groups (Circle of Trust): Several people highlighted their participation in small groups like "Circle of Trust," which seem to provide a supportive and reflective space for discussing values, spirituality, and personal growth.
Community Service: Engaging in various community service projects and activities was mentioned as a way to apply UU principles in practical, real-world contexts.
Buddhism Study Group: Some individuals participate in specific study groups focused on Buddhism, reflecting the UU's commitment to religious exploration and diversity.
Caring Committee: This committee is actively involved in providing support and care to members of the congregation.
Youth Faith Formation: Youth faith formation programs are mentioned as a way to engage younger members of the community and instill UU values.
Social Justice: Many respondents mentioned social justice work as an integral part of their UU life, aligning with the UU commitment to promoting justice and equity.
Education and Workshops: Participating in workshops, adult education, and facilitated UU workshops were noted as tools for personal and spiritual growth.
Choir: Some individuals find expression and connection through music and choir participation.
Interfaith Engagement: Interaction with other faith groups, such as the Christian group mentioned, can provide a broader perspective and promote understanding and tolerance.
General Assembly: The UU General Assembly is an important event where congregants come together for worship, learning, and community-building.
Personal Reflection and Meditation: Some respondents mentioned personal practices like Tai Chi and reflections as tools for their UU life.
Participation in Board Membership: Involvement in leadership roles within the congregation, such as board membership, can be a way to actively contribute to the UU community.
What activities make you stretch and grow?
The most common answer was Sunday service, followed closely by Circles of Trust. These small group activities that require trust building between members had the most responses.
Which program, ministry, or activity gives you the deepest sense of belonging?
While most responses mentioned some aspect of Sunday worship, a significant number of responses mentioned our Circles of Trust, as well as our semi-annual rummage sale.
In what church program,etc, have you experienced transcendence?
These responses mostly focused on worship services (not only Sunday - our Solstice services mean a lot to many). Also noteworthy was the approximately 10% for whom the church did NOT give rise to a transcendent experience which pays homage to our roots- Oak Ridge was created as a scientific community, and a significant number of atheists and/or agnostics are members of the congregation.
In which program, ministry, or activity do you feel most Unitarian Universalist?
The winners were Sunday service (25) and Circles of Trust (14). Then various categories can be lumped together as “service in the broader community” (14). These included, Stone soup (5), community service (3), ecumenical storehouse (2), rummage sale (2), social justice activities (1), and programs that feed, help house, and clothe (1).
Faith formation came in next (6). Note that about half of the faith formation responses specifically mentioned youth.
Music and choir were rated fairly high at 6 and 5, and it may be that the “music” responses specifically meant listening rather than being part of the choir.
OUR RESILIENCE TO CHANGE
OUR CONGREGATION has faced challenges and changes throughout the years. At each juncture we chose to embrace the questions, however difficult. We are resilient, brave, and willing to grow.
WHAT WE SAY WE NEED IN A NEW MINISTER
OUR COMMUNITY is eager to welcome a new minister. We are readying ourselves for change - both to be changed and to effect change. We welcome the new ideas and possibilities that await on the horizon.
What do you perceive the top three functions of the minister to be?
The most common answers were pastoral care (42), preaching (35), and community liaison(29). These are straightforward. The next largest categories were inspiration (22) and leadership (22). It may be that administration (12) should be lumped in with leadership, depending on how a respondent defined the two.
There were several categories related to guidance: help with spiritual journey (13),guidance, help with new members (10)
Consider the following roles of our future minister and their importance in different contexts. For each column, choose 5 roles.
* In column 1, choose 5 roles that are important to you. *In column 2, choose 5 roles that serve the good of the whole congregation.
* In column 3, choose 5 roles that will make the biggest impact on the next generation.
**The following results diagram has been divided into 2 pictures with the hope that the reader can better understand respondents' choices.
Summary of the 2 charts shown above:
Roles Important to the person:
68 responses - presenting challenging & inspiring Sunday services
62 responses - provides pastoral care, and by example shows us how
to care for one another
57 responses - fostering a sense of community
43 responses - providing visible leadership in the wider community
Roles that serve the good of the whole congregation:
68 responses - provides pastoral care, and by example shows us how
to care for one another
51 responses - developing volunteers and lay leaders
50 responses - fostering a sense of community
50 responses - presenting challenging & inspiring Sunday services
45 responses - providing visible leadership in the wider community
Roles that will make the biggest impact on the next generation:
66 responses - helps us imagine our future and inspire us
59 responses - supporting families & multi-generational ministries
56 responses - encouraging social justice programs
47 responses - fostering a sense of community
It could become contentious if the new minister tried to change:
It could become contentious if the new minister tried to change: ORUUC traditions, Circles of Trust, Staffing, Sunday Morning experience, Shared Ministries, and basically going to any faith-based extremes to the exclusion of other faiths/belief systems.
It could be unifying and energizing if the new minister tried to change:
Community Outreach- more opportunities including intergenerational opportunities
Creating competitive paid positions for strong leaders particularly with administration, music program, and event tech (ie. worship, funerals, weddings, workshops, etc.)
Summary:
It could be unifying and energizing if the new minister tried to strengthen our community outreach (ie. initiating a campaign to buy land adjacent to church, for ministry purposes). Also, it could be unifying and energizing if the new minister tried to create competitive paid positions for strong leaders particularly with administration, the music program, a youth leader, and event techs (ie. worship, funerals, weddings, workshops, etc.)
The most common response was: write a note to the minister.23.3%
Three responses received the same import:
-Tell the minister immediately 12.8%
-Stifle, just keep my opinions to myself 12.8%
-Would think it said more about myself and less about the minister 12.8%
HOW WE PLEDGE
OUR CONGREGATION is invested in our past, our present, and our shared future. We support our congregation’s financial needs. Our ultimate goal is a fair and equitable wage for our minister and our staff. We pledge to do all that we can to sustain our church and its ministries.
In 2023, 61.1% of our members INCREASED their pledge as part of a concerted effort to pay staff a fair wage.
What do you take into consideration when deciding on an amount to give?
The most commonly cited factor by far from people deciding how much to give was income, with many saying they gave as much as they could afford to with their household budgets. Other factors included how much the individual gives relative to other charities, as well as what their future spending expectations were (anticipating end-of-life care, medical bills, etc.).
What inspired an increase (or decrease) in giving?
The primary response to this question was a change in income, be it a relative increase (such as through promotions) or a decrease (such as due to inflation.). The only other response nearly as common was the pledge drive and a focused desire in 2023 to increase staff pay; many felt the church had demonstrated an increased need. Others still said that they chose to change their pledge due to having become more involved or invested in the church and the wider community, wanting to contribute to that community financially.
What brought you to Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church?
The reasons that brought people to ORUUC are varied. Three or four members were born into this congregation. The majority, however, are here by choice. Many responses focus on our diverse, liberal, free-thinking community. Some members sought a new kind of faith/religious community; others, a community more accepting of all sexual orientations.
The second most frequent response speaks to a desire to raise their child(ren)in a supportive religious education community that presents guidelines and options, rather than dogma.
Many people noted that they were introduced here by a friend’s or family member’s recommendation.
What keeps you here?
Sense of Community: Many respondents expressed a strong sense of belonging and community within the congregation. They referred to it as their "home," "family," and "life." This sense of belonging creates a strong emotional attachment and keeps them engaged.
Spiritual and Intellectual Nourishment: Several respondents mentioned the worship services and sermons as reasons for staying. They appreciate services that feed their minds and souls, emphasizing the importance of intellectual stimulation alongside emotional appeal.
Acceptance and Inclusivity: The theme of acceptance and inclusivity was prevalent in responses. Many mentioned how the congregation is welcoming and accepting, making them feel comfortable and loved. This trend also includes a desire for the community to continuously work on becoming more welcoming and accepting.
Friendships: The importance of friendships and social connections was a recurring theme. People value the relationships they've built within the congregation, and these connections keep them engaged.
Commitment to UU Principles: A commitment to Unitarian Universalist principles and values was mentioned by several respondents as a reason for staying. They believe in these principles rooted in love and find alignment with the congregation's values.
Sense of Purpose and Contribution: Some respondents highlighted their involvement in committees, circles of trust, and other community service activities. They find purpose and a sense of fulfillment in contributing to the congregation's mission and activities.
Music and Arts: The music ministry and choir were mentioned as factors that contribute to people's continued participation. The arts and music programs, along with the community's appreciation for them, are integral to their experience.
Youth and Family Engagement: Some respondents mentioned the importance of a family-friendly environment and youth programs. They want to raise their children within the community, emphasizing the role of the congregation in supporting families.
Hope for Positive Change: A few respondents expressed a desire for the congregation to continually improve, addressing issues related to inclusivity and acceptance. They stay with the hope that the community can transform into a more welcoming, loving, and accepting place.
Tradition and Familiarity: Some respondents mentioned their long-standing history with the congregation and their attachment to familiar rituals and traditions.
Personal Growth: People noted that they continue to grow spiritually within the congregation. It provides them with an environment to learn, evolve, and explore their beliefs.
Open-Mindedness and Liberal Values: Respondents appreciated the congregation's liberal and open-minded mindset, where "all are welcome" is more than a slogan. The non-judgmental attitudes and acceptance of diverse viewpoints were crucial factors for them.
In summary, the responses demonstrate that a strong sense of community, acceptance, shared values, and opportunities for personal and spiritual growth are the main reasons individuals remain part of this congregation. They appreciate the intellectual and emotional nourishment provided by the services and sermons and value their social connections within the community. The desire for continuous improvement and the hope for a more inclusive and accepting environment also play a significant role in their commitment to the congregation.
Why should our future minister consider joining the next chapter of our journey?
Individuals described the community at ORUUC as strong, active, vibrant and healthy, with thoughtful, passionate, and intelligent members up for a challenge and looking to make an impact in the wider community. A minister who felt similarly and wanted to guide the congregation towards that goal would be deeply welcomed. Many thought a new minister may want to consider the church's good financial stability as well.