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MISSION STUDY
REPORTFAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SAN DIEGO, CA
DECEMBER 21, 2017
Caesura: who are we, where are we called to go, and who are we led to be? Mission Study Committee Joe Huffaker, Chair Paula Carmack Sharon Gehl Kathy Hays David Helkenn Bonnie Koehler
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Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4
History ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Mission & Vision............................................................................................................................................ 6
Demographic Profile ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Our Congregation ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Our Local Community ............................................................................................................................... 7
Our Regional Community .......................................................................................................................... 9
Future Trends .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Church Facilities .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Governance ................................................................................................................................................. 14
Pastor ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Session .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Board of Deacons .................................................................................................................................... 17
Staff ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Worship, Programs, Organizations ............................................................................................................. 18
Worship Opportunities ........................................................................................................................... 18
Programs ................................................................................................................................................. 19
Music ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Social Media ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Organizations Using FPC’s Campus ......................................................................................................... 20
College Park Preschool ............................................................................................................................ 21
Financial ...................................................................................................................................................... 22
Surveys and Studies of the Congregation ................................................................................................... 23
Theological and Values Survey ................................................................................................................ 24
Discovering Your Church’s Next Step Seminar ....................................................................................... 26
Congregational Survey ............................................................................................................................ 27
SWOT analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats ....................................................... 29
Strengths ................................................................................................................................................. 29
Weaknesses ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Opportunities .......................................................................................................................................... 30
Threats .................................................................................................................................................... 31
Calling a New Pastor and Future Goals ....................................................................................................... 32
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Calling a New Pastor ............................................................................................................................... 32
Future Goals. ........................................................................................................................................... 32
Observations ............................................................................................................................................... 33
MSC Recommendations to Session ............................................................................................................ 34
Mission Study Team Members and Acknowledgements ............................................................................ 35
Appendices .................................................................................................................................................. 36
Appendix 1: Demographics. ........................................................................................................................ 36
Our Congregation .................................................................................................................................... 36
Future Trends .......................................................................................................................................... 39
Appendix 2: Theological Values Survey ...................................................................................................... 40
Appendix 3: Discovering Your Church’s Next Step ..................................................................................... 45
FPC Centers of Gravity ............................................................................................................................ 45
Highest Calling, Keeps, Surrenders, Improves, and Decisions ................................................................ 47
Appendix 4: Congregational Survey ............................................................................................................ 51
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Introduction The Session of Faith Presbyterian Church (FPC) created the Mission Study Committee (MSC) to author a
report on the congregation; who it is, what it believes, and how and where it is led by God.
FPC is in a time of transition with its only pastor retiring after 21 years. As the congregation looks to
choose the next pastor, it is important to understand its sense of identity and self‐awareness. There are
several great challenges, including an aging congregation, vastly changed neighborhood demographics,
and some financial pressures. At the same time, it has tremendous strengths: a warm, loving
congregation, a modern campus in good repair, a university across the street with over 33,000 students,
and a large urban area from which we draw members.
Two surveys and a seminar were held with strong and encouraging participation. From these, MSC has
cataloged many different points of view and has identified several common themes. This report also
contains descriptions of the many things happening in the church and the local community.
Because FPC is a member church of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), there are certain responsibilities
and expectations. In some parts of this report, these are laid out as reminders, and perhaps instruction
to the congregation that in addition to all else, this is also who we are and who we need to be.
Sometimes questions were raised by the congregation; for instance, the duties and differences between
the Elders and Deacons. Throughout this report, MSC has included information it hopes will educate
and enlighten the reader.
MSC has worked hard to make this report a faithful snapshot of FPC; that the many who read it see
themselves reflected, and possibly even challenged. That it can be a caesura, a pause joining two
separate parts, as we end one phase of our congregational life together and begin the next.
History FPC is one of the youngest churches in the San Diego Presbytery, created as a merger of two existing
congregations in the area – East San Diego and College Park. Both congregations were of similar size
and both church buildings and facilities were aging structures with mounting maintenance expenses and
shrinking membership. Merger talks began in February of 1993 and initially included a third church – La
Mesa Presbyterian, which later chose not to continue. In July of 1993, officers from both remaining
congregations were elected to serve on a joint Merger Committee to hammer out terms. It was decided
that the College Park Church campus was in the better physical shape of the two and would become the
site of FPC. Another determining factor in the decision was the College Park Preschool on campus – a
very well‐known and highly regarded preschool in the area. Because of its pre‐existence (it was founded
in 1962) long before the merger was even a dream, the preschool chose to retain the College Park
name.
The Merger Committee had many issues to discuss and work through and toiled diligently to complete
the process. The first worship service at FPC was finally held on March 5, 1995. Reverend Chris Lenocker
accepted the call from the Pastor Nominating Committee and preached his first sermon in the new
church on April 1st, nearly a month after the first service.
Just over two months later, he was joined on staff by Robert Plimpton as music director/organist. Mr.
Plimpton was already widely known and respected in the San Diego area as Civic Organist for the
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famous Spreckels organ in Balboa Park – a post he held for many years. His reputation and popularity
drew many new members to FPC, most of whom stayed even after he moved on to serve as organist at
another local church in November of 2000. A highlight of his music ministry at FPC was when he helped
organize and lead a church choir tour to Europe in the summer of 2000 – where he had also arranged to
play some of the organs in various historical churches along the tour route.
An association from the East San Diego Church that carried over to FPC shortly after the arrival of our
new pastor was their affiliation with the Sudanese immigrants and their efforts to establish their own
church in the area. They had already been holding Nuer services at East San Diego Presbyterian on
Orange Avenue in City Heights prior to the merger. Afterwards, FPC allowed the Sudanese to hold
services at FPC and worked with the Presbytery to conduct a three‐year fund‐raising campaign for a new
Sudanese church at the old East San Diego PC site. FPC contributed $50,000 per year for a total of
$150,000, which the Presbytery matched for a total of $300,000. That amount, combined with other
donations, led to the building of the Sudanese American Church, which is still an active church today.
Other FPC contributions to the Sudanese community helped establish a medical clinic, located next to
the Alliance for African Assistance on El Cajon Blvd. It started as a walk‐in medical clinic for immigrants
and was recently upgraded to an urgent care facility. FPC also donated over $50,000 in educational
scholarships to the Sudanese, so has touched many lives with our connection and caring.
Probably the major event in FPC’s short 22‐year history was the Building Project, which covered a span
of five years in total. Although it had earlier been determined that this facility was in the better
condition of the two merging churches, improvements and expansions were vital for a growing
congregation. The Building Committee first convened in 1999 and met almost weekly, with monthly
congregational meetings after worship to keep the congregation informed. Input from the congregants
was very important to this committee! The sanctuary was remodeled first, in 2002. Worship services
took place in the old Fellowship Hall during this time. In early 2003, a house on Linda Paseo became the
new church office while the old administration building and preschool were demolished. Members had
to park on the street when our parking lot turned into a construction zone. In October of 2003, the
preschool re‐opened and the following month the Education Building was finished and started to be
“Seriously, for those of us who have been fortunate to be
members for the past 20+ years, it truly has been a home
base, a haven, the glue that has held us all together. We need
to find out how to let more people know and share it with
them”
Survey response to sharing hopes and wishes for FPC’s future
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used for Bible studies, choir practice, Sunday School, etc. On March 7, 2004, FPC celebrated the
completion of the Building Project during and after our worship service.
After the departure of Bob Plimpton and in the early stages of the building project, FPC had a couple of
interim music director/organists, but decided to seek a permanent director through an application and
auditioning process. The church was fortunate to hire Joe Rodriguez for the position and his first Sunday
in his new role was April 14, 2002. Joe, known to local organists as Director of Operations at Spreckels
Organ Society, was (and still is) the director of Harmony Ringers, an advanced group of handbell ringers
from all over San Diego.
Dr. Lenocker served as the sole pastor of FPC until his retirement on January 1, 2017, after twenty‐one
years. The congregation feels that his leadership, Bible knowledge, warmth and pastoral skills will make
him hard to replace, but trusts the right person is out there!
Mission & Vision Mission Statement: A family of Christ, welcoming all, worshiping God, growing in the Spirit and
joyously serving others.
Vision Statement: Solely by the grace of God, we desire and declare ourselves to be an inclusive church, where all persons are welcome to come, to inquire and become part of the Faith Family in response to God’s urging. We welcome all persons into membership regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, social or economic status, physical or mental challenge. We acknowledge that each of us is part of Christ’s Body, the Church, not by the merit of our lives, but wholly by the grace and mercy of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Demographic Profile
Our Congregation
FPC is located at 5075 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92115, in the College Area of San Diego,
California, about 15 minutes northeast of downtown San Diego. The neighborhood gets its name from
San Diego State University, a large public university with around 32,000 fulltime students. It was
founded in 1898 and moved to the area
in 1931 at the beginning of the
depression. The area around it didn’t
develop until after World War II. The first
church on this site, College Park
Presbyterian Church, was built in 1952 to
serve the growing residential community.
The congregation has 204 members as of
October 2017, and an average weekly
attendance of 104.
As one would expect of a long‐
established Presbyterian congregation,
the members tend to be older than the Figure 1: FPC's location in San Diego
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general population and predominantly White. The minorities, foreign‐born, and LGBT members that we
do have are an integral part of the congregation.
Figure 2: Racial‐Ethnic breakout
Table 1 and Figure 2, taken from the 2015 annual church report to General Assembly, show the racial
and ethnic breakdown of the congregation. Though these numbers have changed by one or two since,
they underscore a congregation that’s not particularly diverse.
Our Local Community
FPC is both a local and a regional church. Seventy‐eight percent of the San Diego County households in
our 2017 Directory live within a 15‐minute drive of the church. Figure 3 shows the average drive time by
household.
Figure 3:Household driving times to FPC (Derived from 2016 Directory)
White96%
Asian2%
Black1%
Hispanic1%
Congregation Race & Ethnicity
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
5 10 15 20 30 30+
Number of Households
Minutes
White Am. Indian Asian Black Hispanic Other
Pac Island
2 or more
192 4 3 1
Table 1: Racial‐Ethnic breakout by percentage
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About one fourth of the households live nearby in the College Area, zip code 92115. Another fourth live
in five zip codes that extend to the northeast. Together these six zip codes, shown in Figure 4, form an
oblong shaped local church community that fits in between other Presbyterian Churches to the west and
east and encompass an area of almost 250,000 people. For most of these households, FPC is their
neighborhood Presbyterian Church.
The College Area has a large population of college students who live in student housing and apartments.
To the south of the church is a neighborhood of single family houses, some of which have been
converted to student “mini dorms”. Many of the young families who have moved to the neighborhood
recently are Jewish and chose this neighborhood to be within walking distance of the local synagogue.
The other quarter of the congregation in
our local community live in the five zip
codes to the east, including the San
Carlos and Fletcher Hills sections of San
Diego, and the cities of La Mesa and
Lemon Grove. This area has somewhat
newer housing than the College Area and is more suburban and single family. Economically, income
levels increase from the south to the north. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
“I HOPE THE CHURCH CONTINUES TO REACH OUT TO
THE UNIVERSITY AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD.” ~Survey response sharing hopes for the future
Figure 4:FPC and nearby six zip codes comprising the local church community (Derived from 2016 Directory)
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estimates the 2015 median household income at $63,894. The number is lower than might be expected,
because of the large number of college students in the College Area.
Our local church community area has a mix of racial and ethnic residents. The largest group is White at
54%, and the second largest is Hispanic at 26%. Figure 5 shows this mix. The complete data, compiled
from SANDAG is shown in Appendix 1: Demographics, Table 21
Figure 5:Combined 2016 data from the six zip codes in Local Church Community (Derived from SANDAG)
Our Regional Community
The other half of our congregation is spread out over the San Diego Region, where 3,288,612 people live
as of 2016. Many of these members drive 20 to 30 minutes to church, but some drive an hour. They
drive past other Presbyterian churches (listed in Appendix 1) to be a part of this congregation; for some
because of family ties, but for most, because of the way this congregation lives out its beliefs.
Our regional community is a mix of racial and ethnic groups. The largest group is White at 46.3%,
followed by Hispanic at 33.4%. (Figure 6) The median household income for the San Diego Region was
estimated to be $69,595 in 2015.
White54%
Am. Indian0%
Asian9%
Black7%
Hispanic26%
Other0%
Pac island1%
2 or more3%
“WHO IS IT WE WANT TO REACH OUT TO?” ~Survey response to a decision to make soon
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Figure 6: San Diego Region Race & Ethnicity 2016 Estimate (Derived from SANDAG)
Future Trends
Our Congregation
Church membership and attendance have been slowly declining in recent years as older members die
and others move away or become less active and aren’t replaced with enough new members.
Calendar Year 2017 (As of Oct 15)
2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Members (Jan 1) 204 209 210 225 227 230
New 3 1 4 1 9 5
Deaths 2 6 5 6 8 8
Certificates Out 0 0 0 2 2 0
Session Deletions 0 0 0 8 1 0
Inactive 0 8 8 7 7 5
Active 197 196 201 203 218 222
Affiliate 8 8 8 7 7 6
Members (Dec 31) 205 204 209 210 225 227
Avg in Worship 104 117 133 131 135 141
Net Member Gain 1 ‐5 ‐1 ‐15 ‐2 ‐3
Percentage in Worship 51% 57% 64% 62% 60% 62%
Table 2: Five Year Membership Summary (FPC Annual Reports)
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Table 2 shows the size of the congregational decline, with a gain of 23 new members, but a loss of 48 to
death, certificates to other congregations, and Session deletions. The bottom row, Percentage in
Worship, measures the ratio of Average in Worship to Members at the start of the year
From 2012 to 2015, the
decline in the average
number in worship
generally matched or was
slower than the decline in
membership. However, as
Figure 7shows, starting in
2015, average attendance
dropped faster than
membership.
Our Local Church Community
Changing demographics in the College Area has meant that there are fewer young White Protestant
families living close to the church, and more students and minorities. SANDAG predicts that this trend
will continue over the next 20 years, that by 2035, 48% of the residents will be Hispanic, 21% White and
18% Asian. Both the population and jobs are expected to grow 35% in the College Area, three times the
anticipated growth rate of the region as a whole.
SANDAG estimates for the other five zip codes in our local church community are predicted to be 51%
White, 30% Hispanic, and 16% Black. The population of these five zip codes is expected to increase
about 9%, the same as the region as a whole.
When all six zip codes are added together, it is predicted that our local church community will be 42%
White, 35% Hispanic, 7% Black, and 10% Asian by 2035.
0
50
100
150
200
250
20162015201420132012
Membership vs Average in Worship
Members (Dec 31) Avg in Worship
Figure 7: Membership vs Average in Worship
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Figure 8: Local Community Race & Ethnicity 2035 Forecast (SANDAG)
Figure 8 shows the projected demographics in the local church community by 2035. Appendix 1:
Demographics presents the data in greater detail.
Our Regional Community
The population of our Regional Community is expected to increase about 9% in the next 20 years; with
the Hispanic percentage projected to be 41%, and the percentage White 36%. Most other racial and
ethnic groups are expected to increase numerically.
There are opportunities for FPC to grow in the next 20 years if we draw more members from areas
where we already have members, and reach out to groups who are underrepresented in our
congregation now; young families, Hispanics, African‐Americans, Asian‐Americans, Pacific Islanders, and
LGBT.
We have everything we need to serve more members. We have a friendly welcoming congregation and
excellent church facilities.
White42%
Am. Indian0%
Asian10%
Black7%
Hispanic35%
Other0%
Pac island1%
2 or more5%
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Church Facilities
Figure 9: Faith Presbyterian Church campus. Education Building on the left, Fellowship Hall in the center, and Sanctuary on the right.
FPC is located at the corner of Campanile Drive and Montezuma Road, across the street from the main
entrance to San Diego State University. The church campus consists of three main areas on two levels:
the Sanctuary, Faith Family Center, and Education Building. On the lower level, the parking lot connects
to Montezuma Road. The buildings were designed and remodeled by Dominy and Associates Architects
in 2004 to better serve the congregation.
The Sanctuary is located on the upper level at the northwest corner of the property. It was built in 1952
for the previous congregation, and underwent a major remodel in 2004 to adapt it to changing needs
and make it ADA compliant. It now seats approximately 245 people on the main level and 54 in the
balcony. It has a bride’s room off the narthex, and a choir director’s office to the side of the chancel. It
has a piano, digital organ, and an extensive audio‐visual system. The large metal cross at the front of the
Sanctuary was designed and made by a renowned local artist, James Hubbell. It was brought to FPC from
East San Diego Presbyterian Church.
A freestanding 46’steeple is on the west side of the Sanctuary, and a children’s nursery is below
the east end, on the parking lot level.
The new one‐story, 7,500 square feet, Faith Family Center replaced the previous Fellowship Hall
in 2004. It sits on the upper level with a large multipurpose room that holds as many as 395
people for church services, meetings, dinners, basketball, youth sleepovers, and even preschool
play on rainy days. It is served by a professional grade kitchen. The restrooms include showers.
A library and gallery area connect the multipurpose room to the office complex on the west
side of the building, which consists of a reception area, offices for the pastor and youth
director, a conference room, storeroom, and workroom.
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The two‐story Education Building was built in 2004 to replace the old preschool and classrooms.
It is 7,856 square feet total with 4,406 square feet on the first floor and 3,450 square feet on
the second. The upper level consists of three classrooms, 2 restrooms, and a custodial
workroom. The classrooms can hold a maximum of 56, 51, and 24 people. College Park
Preschool is on the lower level. It has five classrooms, a director’s office, workroom, restrooms,
and a variety of outdoor play areas.
The parking lot has 77 parking spaces, 4 of them ADA compliant. It serves the congregation and
some SDSU students who buy semester parking passes. Two staircases and a 35’ elevator tower
connect the lower and upper levels of the campus.
A small memorial garden and columbarium are located at the quiet southwest corner of the
campus. The more public northwest corner has a sandstone patio next to the Sanctuary. The
hot dog stand and other outreach events for the college ministry are most often held there.
Many church facilities have been upgraded recently to meet changing needs, save money, and
the environment. The audiovisual system in the Sanctuary was upgraded to provide for video
projection. The church phone system was switched to a voice‐over‐internet system. Lawn areas
on the north and west sides of the property were replaced with plants that need less water,
and the irrigation system was upgraded. The light fixtures in the three buildings were replaced
with LED fixtures last year, and the parking lot fixtures will be replaced with LED this year.
The church campus should serve this congregation well for years to come.
Governance FPC is a formally chartered and organized community recognized as a member of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A). It is compliant with the denomination’s Book of Order, as amended, instructing its polity,
governance, worship, and discipline. FPC is also guided by the denomination’s Book of Confessions.
Pastor. FPC is led by a minister of the Word and Sacrament, whose job is laid forth in the Book of
Order: “Ministers of the Word and Sacrament (also called Teaching Elders and Pastors) shall in all things
be committed to teaching the faith in word and deed and equipping the saints for the work of ministry
(Eph. 4:12)…When they serve as preachers and teachers of the Word, they shall preach and teach the
faith of the church, so that the people are shaped by the pattern of the gospel and strengthened for
witness and service. When they serve at font and table, they shall interpret and “show forth” the
mysteries of grace in word and action, lifting the people’s vision toward the hope of God’s new creation.
When they serve as pastors, they shall support the people in the disciplines of the faith amid the
struggles of daily life.” (G‐2.0501)
Session. FPC’s Session is composed of 12 Ruling Elders
Per the Book of Order, G‐2.0301, “Ruling Elders, together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament,
exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the
life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.”
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Session is broken into committees that oversee various aspects in the life of the church. Each
committee is chaired by a Session member and rounded out with members from the congregation.
Each committee has a budget approved in the annual church budget. From time to time, and annually
at a minimum, committees report their activities to both Session and the congregation.
Session’s responsibilities are set forth in the Book of Order, section G‐2.03. The Session committees are
described below.
College Ministry Committee. Focuses on outreach to the students attending San Diego State University. This is done in a variety of ways, such as hot dog stands, coffee stands, and co‐sponsorship
of a Halloween "Trunk or Treat" night and the 48‐hour prayer room.
FPC facilities are made available to various on‐campus faith based organizations, such as CRU and
InterVarsity. This ministry is for the most part funded by a grant from Presbytery and ongoing support
from the Board of Deacons.
Congregational Life Committee. Plans and arranges the church social activities, such as luncheons, picnics, and other special
events, as well as rounding out Sunday
worship with greeters, coffee hosts, and
visitor booth attendants. It orders and
serves cakes after worship in
commemoration of occasions of
importance, and oversees the maintenance of the kitchen. Congregational Life, along with the pastor, is
charged with the annual review and update of the membership roster.
Faith Development and Nurture Committee (FDN). FDN is responsible for Christian Education for all ages; with focus on all ministries involving children of any age. Presently, FDN's primary focus is
on routine supervision of the children/family ministry staff and their activity, including Sunday School
curriculum and related items and family ministry events such as the Parent's Night Out.
The principal annual events that are in the purview of FDN are the Children's Christmas program, family
events leading up to Christmas, family events leading up to Easter, an annual Vacation Bible School,
Halloween Trunk or Treat, occasional potlucks, Parents Night Out, and get togethers.
Although under the authority of FDN, adult education has been allowed to function independently for at
least the last 6 years. FDN occasionally provides financial assistance to Adult‐Ed offerings, but is not
currently engaged with this program.
Finally, FDN manages and controls the provision of childcare service for church events, including the
nursery during Sunday worship and all childcare (if offered) at other events.
Mission Committee. The Mission Committee represents the Body of Christ through a ministry of
community outreach, personal service, and financial gifts. Outreach extends globally, nationally, and
locally and is realized by donations of time, talent, and treasure. Locally, FPC supports the Presbytery's
Shared Mission, Presbyterian Urban Ministries (PUM) and Military Outreach Ministries (MOM), as well
as other local organizations. Nationally, the congregation supports PC(U.S.A.) theological education and,
by annually receiving PC(USA)’s four special offerings, supports the greater mission efforts of the whole
“I like the salad luncheon. It helps keep the
congregation together.”
~Survey response to things to hold on to
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church. Internationally, the church has helped Presbyterians in Kenya build two jabari (metal) churches.
It currently supports Bible translation into the Zapotec language of Mexico through a former member of
College Park Presbyterian, Dave Riggs, working with Wycliff Bible Translators. The Mission Committee
also has coordinated use of the facilities for fund raisers, publicity for Senior Care Giver information
fairs, and through personal service, volunteers at several organizations in San Diego.
Nominating Committee. Ensures church committees and non‐staff positions are filled. These
positions include Elders, Deacons, congregational committee members, and the elected leadership of
the church.
Present prospective slate of candidates to the committee chair, session, or congregation.
Work with members of the church leadership to ensure committees are representative of the
congregation, reflecting the diversity and differing views within the church.
Provide information to potential candidates on the roles and responsibilities of those positions.
Personnel Committee. Oversees FPC’s administrative staff.
Hiring new employees
Ensuring that paperwork adheres to current employment laws
Ensuring that employees receive annual performance evaluation ‐ done by pastor
Ensuring that the pastor receives an annual performance evaluation – done by personnel
committee
Keeping up‐to‐date employee files
Ensuring vacation coverage
Submitting annual department budget and determining salaries.
Property, Facilities and Information Technology Committee (PFIT). PFIT exercises three major
responsibilities: the buildings, the landscape, and the information technology. PFIT oversees the
maintenance, painting, volunteer crews and upgrades to the physical structure of the two main
buildings, including a symbiotic relationship with College Park Preschool. The landscape includes a
xeriscape environment with a healthy ascetic. Finally, PFIT maintains an enterprise level IT structure
complete with phone system for both pre‐school and church, a mail server and the computers and
servers for the staff, and the campus Wi‐Fi.
Stewardship Committee. The Stewardship is responsible Committee for campaigning to collect
pledges to financially support FPC. Pledges are sought from mid‐October through mid‐November,
culminating in Stewardship Sunday.
Worship and Arts Committee. This committee works to bring together the various elements that
foster a meaningful worship environment and experience:
Coordinates support of the Easter Sunrise Service with the Balboa Park Committee of San Diego,
including periodically hosting the service itself.
Recommends to Session, changes to the Order of Worship, scheduled time(s), and location of
the Worship service.
Ensures coverage for the conduct of the worship service, including Pulpit Supply and other
needs.
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Schedules liturgists, acolytes and communion servers, and oversees the ushers.
Decorates the sanctuary for special liturgical observances
Maintains all items relating to worship, such as paraments, candles, etc.,
Maintains the overall appearance of the narthex and sanctuary.
Board of Deacons. FPC’s Board of Deacons consists of 12 Deacons serving a three‐year term of
service.
The ministry of the Deacons, per the Book of Order, G‐2.0201, “is one of compassion, witness, and
service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the
friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.”
As Session is divided into committees, the Deacons also serve in various ministries:
Communion. Prepares the elements for Communion and oversees cleanup after the service.
Communion Servers. Enlists servers to distribute the elements.
Correspondence. Receives correspondence and answers, as necessary.
Flowers. Maintains the sign‐up sheet in the narthex, orders the flowers for Sunday service and
ensures that the office has the information needed for the Sunday bulletin. Following the service, the
committee assists in breaking down the bouquet into smaller arrangements for delivery to shut‐ins.
Home Worship. Responsible for making sure shut‐ins have access to the Sunday sermon CD.
Interfaith Shelter. Prepares sack lunches twice a year for a period of 2 to 3 weeks in support of Interfaith Shelters Network.
Labor of Love. In consultation with the family, organizes and hosts the reception following a
memorial service.
Military Outreach Ministries. Serves as liaison between MOM and the congregation,
coordinating the collection of various items requested by the Ministry.
Prayer Chain. Maintains a telephone chain for those parishioners who do not receive
information via email.
Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry. Reaches out to people needing prayers by sewing quilts and leaving ties in them. All are invited to offer a prayer and tie a knot in the quilt. The finished quilt is
then given to the recipient, who can be anyone, in or out of the congregation. Their motto is "It's not
about the quilt, it's about the prayers.”
Prison Ministry. Maintains communication for those in prison and orders items requested.
Presbyterian Urban Ministries. Serves as liaison between PUM and the congregation,
coordinating the collection of various items requested by PUM.
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Staff. The Church has a mix of paid and volunteer personnel maintaining the physical and
administrative operations of the congregation and its facilities.
Minister of the Word and Sacrament: Vacant, paid
Interim/Transition Ministry Specialist Pastor: Filled, paid.
Commissioned Lay Pastor: Filled, volunteer.
Director of Music Ministry: Filled, paid.
Director of Spiritual Ministry: Filled, volunteer.
Director of Youth and Family Ministries: Filled, paid
Children’s Ministry Coordinator: Filled, paid.
Director of Media Ministry: Filled, paid.
Office Administrator: Filled, paid.
Preschool Director: Filled, paid.
Custodian: Filled, paid.
Sexton: Filled, paid.
Worship, Programs, Organizations
Worship Opportunities
Sunday. FPC has a single Lord’s Day morning worship service following the elements as
prescribed in the Book of Order. The service is mostly traditional, with periodic additions of
contemporary elements. The service includes a children’s sermon. During the service, audio
amplification devices are available. Audio sermons are posted on the church’s website, as well as on
CD’s for shut‐ins. Communion is offered on the first Sunday of each month, and on other occasions as
approved by Session.
Discussions have explored holding a contemporary service in addition to the traditional service. To date,
the consensus has been that the average Sunday attendance wouldn’t support two services. There are
no regular Sunday evening or weekday services. In 2014, FPC launched Beacon, a low‐key Sunday
evening worship service geared towards SDSU and young adults held while SDSU was in session. It
lasted about six months before being abandoned due to low turnout.
Lenten Vespers. Starting with Ash Wednesday, vespers have been held during Lent on
Wednesday evenings. Typically, the services have offered a short message, times of reflection, and Taize
singing. A Tenebrae service is often held on Good Friday.
Advent Vespers. Services have been held Wednesday evenings, like the Lenten Services.
Easter. The Easter service is the highlight of the liturgical calendar. Each year a Pancake Breakfast is held prior to worship. Congregants bring in flowers to decorate a huge Easter flower cross
which is processed into the service at the beginning of worship and installed in the chancel. Easter lilies
sponsored by congregants decorate the sanctuary.
Easter Sunrise Service. For many years an ecumenical sunrise Easter service has been held at
Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. Periodically, FPC takes a turn hosting this service, with our
pastor and choir leading.
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Christmas Eve. Services are held on Christmas Eve, typically an earlier family‐oriented service,
and a later service for adults. Poinsettias donated by the congregation grace the sanctuary.
Programs
Adult Education. FPC offers adult education ad hoc after the Sunday service. Typically, this consists of a multi‐week study topic with discussion; perhaps a book or video series. This program is
highly dependent upon the availability of volunteers to lead the group.
Children’s Education. Sunday School classes are offered for children of all ages. When
attendance allows, classes are organized into appropriate age groupings. During summer when
attendance is lower all children are taught together. A separate class is held for the young people in 6th
grade and older. An additional private class is provided for a special needs student. Nursery care is
provided for infants.
Tuesday Eves. Tuesday Eves is a congregational women’s fellowship dating to the founding of
FPC. It meets every other Tuesday evening and uses a variety of Bible study guides.
Women’s Circle. FPC’s arm of Presbyterian Women. The group meets every second Thursday
of the month and uses studies produced by the PW Magazine, Horizons. Circle also participates in PW‐
sponsored mission projects and makes an annual donation to Heifer Project.
Women’s Group Bible Study. Meeting the third Saturday evening of each month, this group
studies books of the Bible.
Bible Study. A weekly Bible study is held each Wednesday morning. Led by the Pastor, the
Scripture for the upcoming sermon is studied. Different translations are shared, aiding clarification and understanding of the passages.
Men’s Group. FPC men meet on Monday mornings at a nearby coffee house or breakfast
restaurant for fellowship and devotionals.
Retreats. Both men and women have a retreat annually for a weekend of fellowship and faith
building. The locations of the retreats can vary from year to year.
Music
Sanctuary Choir. A group of about 30 singing each Sunday during worship. The choir also sings for special services like the Christmas Eve service, Celebrations of Life, etc., as well as performing an
annual Christmas Concert. All styles of music are sung, ranging from classic to gospel. The choir
rehearses on Thursday evenings, taking an annual break in August.
Handbell Ensemble. Composed of 8 members, this ensemble participates in worship on
average every two months, as well as the Christmas Concert. They also practice on Thursday evenings,
just prior to the choir’s rehearsal.
Handbell Quartet. Playing at the start of each Sunday service, the quartet helps call the congregation to worship.
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Social Media
Website. The church maintains an active website, https://faithchurchsandiego.org/ Updates
are made daily and weekly. It is a primary means for communicating with the congregation and with the community.
Newsletter. A monthly newsletter is sent by email, or hardcopy upon request, to congregants
and interested persons.
Facebook. FPC has two accounts; one for the church (https://www.facebook.com/faithchurchsd/) and one for the SDSU ministry
(https://www.facebook.com/FaithPresSDSU/) Currently, neither one has a great following or number of
visits.
Instagram. One account, https://www.instagram.com/faithchurchsd/ The account is intended
to repost the Facebook page.
Organizations Using FPC’s Campus
Chinese Fellowship. The SDSU Chinese Students and Scholars Fellowship (CSSF) aims at
bringing the Chinese students and scholars at SDSU to Christ and growing in Christ. Activities include
hymns, dinner, Bible study (student group) and gospel topics (visiting scholar group). Attendance ranges
from 15 during the summer to 40 during the regular school semester and is divided into 3
groups: children, students, and visiting scholars.
College Area Community Council (CACC). This group meets twice monthly at FPC, with
meetings open to the public. As described on their Facebook page, ““The College Area Community
Council (CACC) is the local community council for the College Area. The CACC acts as a town forum for
neighborhood issues, community organizations, and regular interaction directly with elected officials,
city departments, Police, San Diego State University (SDSU) and other community stakeholders. The
CACC is an all‐volunteer community group and welcomes community members to attend meetings,
receive the newsletters, serve on the board and committees, and provide feedback to the board.
The College Area Community Planning Board (CACPB) is the City of San Diego’s designated Planning Group for the College Area. The CACPB is an all‐volunteer advisory board that makes recommendations
to the San Diego Planning Commission and the San Diego City Council. The CACPB meets concurrently
with the CACC.” (https://www.facebook.com/San‐Diego‐College‐Area‐Community‐Council‐
313029545420558/)
CRU. Formerly Campus Crusade for Christ, CRU has the goal of turning lost students and faculty
into lifelong Christ‐centered laborers. They meet at the church every Thursday evening, once a month
for a monthly large group worship and teaching gathering and 3 times a month for Bible
study. Attendance usually runs between 40 to 60 students.
Gift of Dance. A group exploring faith through liturgical dance; currently with four members
plus a director. The group dances during Sunday service on occasion.
San Diego Harmony Ringers. The Harmony Ringers is an auditioned advanced handbell
organization of 12‐15 ringers based at FPC. They rehearse weekly at the church. During the year, they
play concerts throughout San Diego and the greater Southern California region, including the
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Huntington Library in Pasadena, the Western Regional Convention of the Handbell Musicians of America
at Riverside, Fallbrook and Temecula. They are led by our choir director, Joe Rodriguez.
InterVarsity. InterVarsity South San Diego's mission is to be a multiethnic witnessing
community, transformed by Jesus, reaching every campus culture. Meeting at the church, they host
weekly leadership gatherings for approximately 25 student leaders, and monthly large group gatherings
of about 65 students. The leadership gatherings, held every Friday afternoon, train, teach, and worship.
The weekly large group encourages students to engage with God; a short sermon is given accompanied
with altar call for non‐Christian students so moved. InterVarsity values manuscript Bible study in their
times together. At the start of each semester, InterVarsity holds a 48‐hour prayer room in one of the
classrooms.
King's Church. Part of The Kings Church International, this groups conducts a weekly service in the sanctuary on Thursday evenings. Their mission statement reads "Transforming our world through
our testimony of the King and His Kingdom‐‐The Kingdom of God is now." They are dedicated to
equipping and preparing people for both marketplace and vocational ministry.
College Park Preschool
College Park Preschool was founded in 1962 as a ministry of College Park Presbyterian Church. When
East San Diego Presbyterian Church and College Park Presbyterian Church merged the new church was
named FPC. The preschool kept the College Park Preschool name. The staff is made up of 14 teachers
and 1 director. Each classroom has 2 teachers, the art studio has 1 teacher (contract shared by 2
teachers), and 2 outdoor teachers. School hours are 9:00am‐12:00pm. Extended care is available from
8:00‐9:00am and/or 12:00pm‐2:00pm. The school is licensed for 65 children each day, with 112
currently enrolled attending on various days.
The mission of College Park Preschool is to provide a Christian environment in which each child gains a
positive self‐concept and develops to her/his full potential through a “whole child” approach.
Curriculum is developmentally appropriate for each child. Meaningful experiences are provided for the
children, so they may learn more about themselves, their families, their community, and celebrate the
diversity and uniqueness of themselves and others.
The educational philosophy is based on the Reggio Emilia approach to learning. In this approach
curriculum is co‐constructed with the children based on the developmental needs and interests of the
children in a play‐based environment. Research has shown that the play of young children is their work
that then helps them be ready for the elementary school years. This approach focuses on the intellectual
development (vs academic) that taps into children’s inborn disposition to make sense of their
experience, to theorize, analyze, synthesize, predict, hypothesize, and try to understand cause‐effect
relationships and other similar activities of the mind. Building strong, meaningful relationships among
children, parents, and staff is an important component of this philosophy. The school has “continuity of
care” where the children stay with the same teachers in the same classroom for 2 years. The toddler
class is separate because of diapering requirements.
College Park Preschool does not teach a “Sunday School” lesson as part of the curriculum. St. Francis of
Assisi is credited with saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.” We know that
children have that place within them designed to be connected to God and in their early years they
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experience God through the way they are treated. Each child is treated with love and respect and learns
to be respectful of others. Each family will provide for the faith story they wish to share with their
children. The children say a prayer of thanks at snack time. The Christian Christmas story is read in
December. The Christian Easter story is not read because of the violent components. Families are
invited to take part in the life of FPC.
The website is http://www.collegeparkpreschool.org/
Financial Financially, FPC is stable and meets its financial obligations. There has been some struggle over the last
five years with reduced income and increased expenses, which has been met with financial reserves.
Table 3 shows the 2017 budget, updated through October. Non‐discretionary spending is reflected in
the budgets for the Finance Committee and the Property & Facilities Committee, which cover the
mortgage from the 2004 building campaign and maintenance/upkeep respectively. These line items
account for 41% of 2017’s budget. For the remaining budget, Personnel accounts for 54% and the
various Session committees and Deacons hold the remaining 5%.
Budget YTD (Budget) YTD (Actual)
Envelope Offering (Pledged) 347,716$ 260,787$ 252,513$
Envelope Offering (Anticipated) ‐$
Misc Income 10,000$ 7,500$ 10,182$
Reimbursible 300$ 225$ ‐$
Loose Offering 6,800$ 5,100$ 3,639$
Mortgage Income (Designated) 500$ 375$ 2,005$
Property/Parking Lot Income 21,500$ 16,125$ 29,290$
Per Capita Income 3,900$ 2,925$ 3,814$
Investment Income 10,000$ 7,500$ ‐$
Reimbursement from Preschool 36,180$ 27,135$ 17,760$
Total Income 436,896$ 327,672$ 319,203$
Pastor's Call 96,842$ 72,632$ 48,309$
Non‐pastor HR expenses 183,047$ 136,909$ 128,813$
HR Subtotal 279,889$ 209,541$ 177,122$
Committees
Congregational Life 1,525$ 1,144$ 876$
Faith, Development & Nurture 4,085$ 3,064$ 732$
Finance 142,576$ 112,250$ 91,435$
Mission & Outreach 12,500$ 9,375$ 8,225$
Property & Facilities 70,500$ 52,875$ 52,719$
Stewardship 600$ 450$ 468$
Worship & Arts 3,000$ 2,250$ 383$
Committee Sub‐total 234,786$ 181,408$ 154,838$
Total Expenses 514,675$ 390,949$ 331,960$
Excess/(Deficit) (77,779)$ (63,277)$ (12,757)$
Income
Expenses
2017 Budget
Table 3: 2017 Budget (2016 Annual Report)
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In 2004, the Building Campaign raised just over $1 million, $930K in pledges, towards the cost of
construction, which was just over $3 million. The outstanding amount, $2.1 million, was rolled into a
mortgage financed through the Presbyterian Investment Loan Program (PILP). As of October 2017, the
mortgage was $1.1 million.
Table 4 shows Budget vs Expenses for
the last five years. It should be noted
that the apparent sharp decline
(Figure 10) for 2017 only shows year
to date. It’s common for the budget
to run with a deficit during the year,
with year‐end contributions easing
the gap. This is also shown in Figure
11, Pledged vs Actual Giving, which
shows for 2013 through 2016 that
actual giving exceeded pledged giving,
with the surplus often coming in
December. As noted elsewhere, the
congregation is very warm and
generous.
Surveys and Studies of the
Congregation In late summer of 2017 MSC solicited
input from the congregation through
surveys and a congregation‐wide
seminar, Discovering Your Church’s
Next Step. While these efforts were
separate and varied, they had the common goals: determine who we are, what we believe, and where
do we see God’s vision taking us.
Budget Year 2017 (Sept) 2016 2015 2014 2013
Budgeted Income 436,896$ 500,380$ 469,880$ 434,454$ 443,794$
Budgeted Expenses 514,675$ 522,776$ 530,310$ 533,292$ 513,238$
Budgeted Difference (77,779)$ (22,396)$ (60,430)$ (98,838)$ (69,444)$
Actual Income 319,203$ 495,024$ 518,437$ 484,378$ 473,892$
Actual Expenses 331,960$ 530,274$ 502,372$ 543,907$ 454,549$
Actual Difference (12,757)$ (35,250)$ 16,065$ (59,529)$ 19,343$
Table 4: Summary of Incomes and Expenses (2013‐2016 Annual Reports)
Figure 8 Figure 10: Budget vs Actual Income
Figure 11: Pledged vs Actual Giving
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Two surveys were conducted with the congregation: A Theological and Values Survey (TVS) and a
Congregational Survey (CS). The Theological and Values Survey explored what we as a congregation
believe theologically. Questions probed the degree to which we believe some of the basic tenets of
Christianity, Presbyterian doctrine and polity, Book of Order, Book of Confessions, our society, and our
congregation.
The Congregational Survey consisted of 23 questions and was broken into two parts. The first part,
questions 1‐16, were given to the entire congregation. The second part, questions 17‐23, were only
given to those who were unable to participate in the Discovering Your Church’s Next Step seminar.
These seven questions covered topics presented as part of the seminar and were included so that those
not participating in the seminar could still have voice. These responses are presented alongside, as
opposed to combined with, the seminar results to keep the integrity of the seminar’s results. Results
from this survey supporting discussion in this report are included in Appendix 4; the full results are
available in hardcopy in the church office.
Discovering Your Church’s Next Steps. The Mission Study Committee hosted a seminar led by Dr Neal
Nybo titled Discovering Your Church’s Next Step Saturday, Sept 9, 2017. Forty‐four people participated
in a morning of reflection and discernment about our way ahead as a congregation.
Several figures use word clouds to present information. A cloud takes a list of words and shows them
visually based on their repetition in the list. The more frequently a word is listed, the larger it is in the
word cloud. This allows a quick understanding of the importance, or repetition of a word. In cases
where responses were phrases or sentences, they were aggregated into logical groups, with each group
having a descriptive word. Each response added one more repetition of the descriptive word to the list
for the word cloud.
Theological and Values Survey
The Mission Study Committee generated a "Theological and Values Survey" to draw out the
congregation's core beliefs and glimpse its religious identity. The questions fell into three areas: Christ‐
Centered, Inclusive‐Exclusive, and Conservative‐Liberal. Some questions could fit into more than one
area, but for the purposes of the survey, were placed in the first best‐fit category. Also, respondents
were asked to identify justice areas in which the congregation should be involved. Fifty‐seven
responded.
The answers show the people of FPC seeing themselves as Christ‐centered, inclusive, and generally
liberal, with desire to pursue justice issues. They show a congregation with feelings of having few
resources of people and money to do so. The survey and full results are in Appendix 2 Theological and
Values Survey.
Christ‐Centered. Five of the survey items (questions 2, 13, 15, 17, and 19) relate to a person's view of
Christ in their personal and communal life. Although not a Christology, the goal is to get a sense of
where Christ fits in the participant’s life. Overwhelmingly the respondents viewed their belief in the
triune God as the best expression of their faith and very central in their life, with near unanimous
Somewhat and Strong Agreement (Q 2, 15, 19) Over 80% of the people believe that our Confessions are
authentic and reliable descriptions of what Scripture leads us to believe and do, including working for
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the reconciliation of the world. (Q 17) Over a quarter (28%) disagree or are neutral on the involvement
of the church in justice issues. (Q13)
Inclusive‐Exclusive. Questions 1, 14, 18, 20, and 21 offer a view of the respondent's willingness (or
reluctance) to include others in the life of the congregation. The survey shows nearly 100% of the
respondents agree with Faith’s Mission and Vision statements (Q 20, 21), and 52 of the 57 responses
agree that “To become a member of Faith PC, one needs to make a personal commitment to Jesus
Christ and acknowledge him as one's personal Lord and Savior.” (Q1) Members of Faith see themselves
as accepting others, including LGBT, and supporting their participation in leadership positions. (Q 14, 18)
Conservative‐Liberal. Eleven survey items focused on the participant's theological leanings along the
classic "Conservative‐Liberal" continuum. These are questions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 16.
People responded more conservatively (with an average of 80% agreement,) on subjects like Jesus as
personal Savior, the existence of Satan (Q5), receiving eternal life by faith alone (Q7), Jesus lived a
sinless life (Q8), and Scriptures being inspired by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to me (Q 16). Members
of the church were more non‐committal about having an important imperative to personally share my
religious beliefs about Christ with non‐Christians (Q4). Only 53% of respondents agreed, with 47%
disagreeing.
Respondents answered on the more liberal end of the continuum with an overall average of 79%. On
liberal items like abortion (Q11), matters of justice, and having LGBT people in church leadership
positions (Q14), an average of 82% agreed. Conversely, an average of 76% disagreed on the more
conservative items like: interpreting the Bible literally (Q9), using the Earth’s natural resources as we see
fit (Q12), and not marrying couples of the same sex. Only about 23% of respondents agree that “only
Christians can be saved.”
Social Justice. Finally, people were asked to identify justice areas in which Faith PC should be involved.
Of the 57 respondents, 3 gave “Other” with an explanation; two thought FPC should be involved in none
of these. Figure 12 shows the top six areas, each of which had at least 30 responses. Least favored were
Exploitative Foreign
Debt Relief (14%) and
Pay Inequality. Please
see Appendix 2:
Theological and Values
Survey for the full set of
responses.
Figure 12: Top Social Issues for FPC
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Discovering Your Church’s Next Step Seminar
The seminar gave many helpful insights into the congregation. With 44 participants, it represents a
good portion of the congregation, about one‐fifth, and just under a half of the typical Sunday worship
size. The seminar had two phases, each collecting a set of information. In the first phase, an exercise
identified uplifting experiences and coalesced them into six reasonably common groups. These groups
represent centers of gravity within the congregation, areas around which participants felt the most
energy.
Two sets of information were gathered. Through an exercise identifying uplifting experiences and
coalescing them into reasonably common groups, the first set showed six areas as centers of gravity for
the congregation. These areas are
Congregational Empathy
Mission Outreach
Inclusiveness
Children
Christian Education and Development
Worship & Music
Further exploration into these six areas identified things FPC does well and things that could be
improved. Those items are shown in Appendix 3, DYCNS.
The second set of information showed the group’s idea of FPC’s highest calling, things the congregation
should keep, things to improve, things to surrender, and decisions to make. A summary of these
findings is shown here; the complete information is found in Appendix 3: DYCNS.
Figure 13 is a word cloud
ranking the responses for FPC’s
highest calling, showing the
top six key words. (Appendix
3: DYCNS explains the key
word mapping.) Sharing
God’s/Jesus’ Love, Witnessing
by Example, and Inclusivity
were the most common
elements. These are
consistent with each other.
For things which the
congregation should keep,
being inclusive and missional
were the top standouts, as
shown in Figure 14:
Figure 13: FPC's Six Highest Callings
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Figure 14: Things to Hold
Choosing what must be surrendered to change is an often difficult process. In general, the group felt
that a willingness to let go was key. From Figure 15, this willingness to let go can be amplified as fear of
change, negativity, and old ideas. Importantly, this also included letting go of Dr Lenocker and being
ready to grow in a new direction. (See Appendix 3: Discovering Your Church’s Next Step)
Congregational Survey
The Congregational Survey gave insights in many areas, including demographics, SWOT (Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), who we are now, and who we want to be. Questions 1
through 16 were offered to the entire congregation, and had a total of 64 responses. The remaining
questions, 17‐23, were only offered to those not attending the Discovering Your Church’s Next Step
seminar. Twenty‐two people responded to these questions. Survey questions not addressed elsewhere
are broken out below. Appendix 4: Congregational Survey, lists the results of this survey.
Q7 How do you rank the church's efforts to inform members of events, plans, etc.?
Of 63 respondents, 26 said “Outstanding”, 28 were “Good” and 9 were “Needs Improvement.” No one
answered “Poor”
The majority felt that efforts to inform members was at least “Good” and thought the website and
monthly newsletter were effective in getting the word out. Others commented they learned
information randomly and sporadically; for example, in conversation over coffee following service.
Questions 8 and 9 focused on societal trends that could help or hurt FPC and were answered by all taking the survey. The answers in full are in Appendix 4. They also formed several of the SWOT items in
the next section.
Figure 15: Things to Surrender
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Q10 What helped you decide to join this congregation? Most of the responses were divided into four
categories: Members, Pastor, Music and statement of being long time members/Presbyterians.
Members were described as friendly, welcoming, showing love of Christ, and love and respect for each
other. The pastor was noted for sermons, Bible study, varied interpretations of scripture. The comments
about the choir, organ, piano and music program were equally significant. FPC was described in general
as open, inclusive, accepting, positive, Christ‐centered and caring about social issues.
Q11 What keeps you coming back to Faith Presbyterian? The responses seemed to be in four areas:
Membership: FPC was described as an inclusive, accepting, friendly family and members cited
their involvement, commitment and responsibility.
Service of worship: The preaching (both former pastor and interim), choir, music.
Theology: Responders cited preaching, teaching true to the Word, love of Jesus, ideas and
concepts shared by members and leaders, and Bible study.
Other ministries: Sunday School, college ministry and Parent’s Night Out were mentioned.
Q12 Do you feel comfortable inviting a friend to worship or to a church activity? Please elaborate. Of
the 57 respondents to this question, 46 said “yes.” Those responding “yes” had a variety of reasons,
but mostly centered around a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive environment.
Those uncomfortable with extending invitations fell along four main points:
Friends already attend
Friends have other churches or are non‐religious
Barriers to worship: theology, overwhelming sound system
No desire to reach out
Q13 Our Deacons and Elders conduct ministry in many ways. Do you see their work sharing a
common purpose, even though it's carried out in different ways? 75 % saw a common purpose, the
love of Christ. Elders take care of fiscal matters and Deacons take care of members. However, 20 % are
unsure of what each group does and feel a need for communication in this area.
Q14 Do you see Faith Presbyterian as a neighborhood church or as a regional community based on
shared beliefs? Responses were divided, with regional (53%) being somewhat more than
neighborhood. (37%)
Q 15 Characteristics that characterize Faith. Some of the strongest comments were that FPC is
accepting, welcoming, hospitable, inclusive, loving, non‐judgmental and comfortable. Figure 16shows
the response rate to these characteristics. Additional comments made will be found in Appendix 4.
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Q16 “What are the three most important attributes you would like to see in our new Pastor?” and
Q17 “What are three things you wish we did better? You can elaborate on each answer as you
wish.” These responses are found in Appendix 4.
Questions 18 and 19 sought ideas on things that could help FPC grow, and things that could help FPC
that it’s missing out on. While responses varied, comments of collaboration with other churches and
more contemporary worship were common.
SWOT analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats In looking at who the congregation is and to what it aspires, it’s helpful to consider items that baseline,
detract, favor, and challenge the way ahead. Several questions in the Congregational Survey (8, 9, 17,
18, and 19), as well as responses from the seminar, highlight FPC’s various strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats.
Two Congregational Survey participant groups are defined – those who attended the seminar, and those
who did not. Elements of the Congregational Survey taken by seminar participants only (Questions 2‐
16) are identified as ‘Seminar’. Items from the Congregational Survey taken by people not attending the
seminar (all questions) are identified as ‘CS’. Items in quotations are the actual survey responses.
Strengths: Things or attributes the congregation has that keep it strong as a community. They are a
source power, encouragement, sustenance, helping FPC remain firm and endure through change.
An inclusive congregation, accepting of all regardless of race, sexual orientation, religious tradition, disabilities, etc. (Seminar & CS)
Campus in good repair, with ample meeting space for small groups to several hundred.
Great music
Great preaching
Strong desire to reach into the community through SDSU interaction and mission giving.
Accep
ting
Comfortable
Faithful
Friendly
Gen
erous
Hospitable
Inclusive
Insular
Inwardly‐focused
Loving
Non‐judgemen
tal
Predictable
Shrinking
Traditional
Uninvolved
Welcoming
None of these
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
100%
Figure 16: FPC's Characteristics
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We’re already a friendly, inclusive church family, accepting of all regardless of race, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disabilities, etc. (Seminar & CS)
We have a wonderful physical plant – large Fellowship Hall, spacious kitchen, many classrooms/meeting rooms, etc.
Very hospitable about allowing outside groups to make use of our facilities upon request
Strong music program with a fantastic choir director/organist and a good‐sized choir for a church of its size
A loving and efficient prayer quilt ministry
Educational bible study groups (one of which has been going strong as long as FPC has been in existence)
Informative and well‐constructed newsletter that keeps members and friends informed and goes out to shut‐ins
Strong Mission Outreach program
Weaknesses: Things diluting congregational strength and firmness. They detract and lessen the
congregation’s focus on what it holds as important.
In Worship & Music
o (Spiritually) Lacking music that younger generation can relate to. (CS) o (Spiritually) Traditional services may not be what everyone is looking for. (CS)
In Congregation/Congregational Care
o “It seems it is the same group of people who do everything; this is understandable given our small numbers and advanced ages of many members.” (CS)
o “Having enough members so that the workload is more evenly distributed.” (CS) o (Spiritually) We need more adult education. (CS)
In Outreach
o (Spiritually) Not connected with any other churches in area, perhaps for joint events, etc. (CS)
o “If we start advertising our church, we need to find means within our budget, as the print media is very expensive.” (Seminar & CS)
In Facilities
o Our signage is dated. (CS) o Sanctuary not air‐conditioned, so summer months can be pretty stifling. (CS)
Opportunities: Things that could strengthen the congregation; situations or conditions that would favor FPC attaining its goals. Opportunities can be exploited now and have no barrier hindering implementation.
In Worship & Music
o Many churches offer more than one service during the week, or even a second service on Sunday. This might be a chance to reach the younger generations, and offer a more contemporary service in that second one. (Seminar & CS)
o “Let young children remain in worship if parents wish” (CS) o “Offering different styles of worship.” (CS) o “Start worship at 10:00 making it easier for infirm to attend on time.” (CS) o “Blended music in our services. We do that some now, but probably not enough.” (CS) o “Make the sanctuary look more welcoming – warmer colors.” (CS)
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In Congregational Care
o “Wish we could find a way for those slightly younger members who work and have families to find time to be involved with the church.” (CS)
o “Keep in touch with members who stop coming regularly” (CS)
In Outreach
o “We have an excellent preschool but very few preschool families attend the church. We should seek to understand why and if preschool families would be interested in or feel welcome at the church.” (CS)
o “Follow up with visitors.” (CS) o “Meet new people” (CS) o “Gatherings that include dining together” (CS) o Engage with other churches in the area or in the denomination for joint events where
more families can join in to make it worthwhile. (CS) o Make more use of social media to make our church more visible to those not just in our
neighborhood, but the whole SD area. Maybe even do some advertising in print and electronic media. (Seminar & CS)
o There are more aging boomers now, many of whom are empty nesters who might be looking for a church now that they have the time. What can we offer to attract them? (Seminar & CS)
o If we start advertising our church (Seminar & CS)
Threats: Things that can inflict damage to the congregation, even destroy it. An indication or warning
of likely trouble. They can be present within the congregation or without, in society. They can be acknowledged as unsurmountable, mitigated, or overcome. Mitigating or overcoming threats can lead to great opportunities.
There has been significant growth in nondenominational, evangelical churches that attract many of the younger generation, so that’s where our traditional services often fail many of them. (Seminar & CS)
Society seems to be turning more and more away from any kind of organized religion, at just about every level, including our government. (Seminar & CS)
Sundays aren’t for church anymore. Schools schedule sports, etc. (Seminar & CS)
There’s a general societal degeneration of religion (Seminar & CS)
With the growth of social media, it seems anything to do with religion tends to dwell on the negative and show Christians as close‐minded or narrow‐minded and ultra‐conservative. Examples: Christians bashing Islam (Seminar & CS)
With the advances in cell phones and texting, people tend to turn inward and lose their interpersonal skills. (Seminar & CS)
Families spending less family time together. (Seminar & CS)
As SDSU grows around FPC, traffic is becoming increasingly congested. If there’s an event on campus, it can take 30 minutes to get from the College Avenue exit off the I‐8 to the parking lot, a trip that takes under 5 minutes normally. Similarly, the trip on Montezuma from Fairmount to the parking lot can stretch from 10 minutes to 30. This can have a great impact on evening meetings and groups using the church as many of the SDSU events are at night.
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Calling a New Pastor and Future Goals Calling a New Pastor. In the Congregational Survey, Question 16 asked for three important attributes
the new pastor should have. This question was given to both those participating in the seminar and
those who didn’t. As might be expected, the answers were widely varied. To aid discernment in the
responses, they were aggregated into categories which were then subjected to a word cloud format.
The aggregates and their complete list of constituent attributes are found in Appendix 4, Congregational
Survey.
The five highest responses, in order, were Orator, Discipling, Godly &
Faithful, Personable, and Inclusive.
Future Goals. In general, the Future Goals are DYCNS seminar,
where the highest calling, things to keep, things to surrender, things to
improve, decisions to make were developed.
If we accept the seminar results, our goals would be to share God’s
and Jesus’ love, witnessing by example to all, and
Doing this boldly, willing to go beyond our comfort zone,
Telling who we really are as Christians, despite society’s
perceptions, and
Understanding how we can be relevant in our community to
rise above the noise of day to day life.
FPC’s Mission and Vision Statement already lead in this direction.
Discipling
Teaching, training, and mentoring
towards spiritual maturity and
fruitfulness.
“All scripture is inspired by God and
is useful for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, and for training in
righteousness, so that everyone
who belongs to God may be
proficient, equipped for every good
work.” 2 Timothy 3:16‐17
Figure 17: Desired Characteristics for the Next Pastor
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Achieving these goals‐or any other action guiding the church’s future‐must involve the continued input
of the congregation. Frequent and descriptive communication will foster a sense of energy and
community.
Observations The MSC, after looking at the information gathered for this study, has these observations:
1. We are an aging congregation. Without new and younger members, we will go extinct. We are
challenged by an increasingly smaller pool of congregants willing and able to serve. Many of the
older members are ready for and deserving of rest.
2. Through our physical location adjacent to SDSU and its affiliated organizations’ use of FPC’s
campus, we see our relationship with the University as intrinsically part of who we are. While
we have several current members who joined as students, it is rare for a college student to
attend services now. We have little organic discipling for university students. We need to
decide how and if to engage SDSU students as a source of new members.
3. We have been blessed by great preaching underpinned by strong and broad education and
scholarship. We want this to continue. We want to be intellectually challenged and stimulated.
4. Worship‐‐how to meet a desire for contemporary to appeal to some and keep the traditional
that appeals to others? We need to also remember that the Book of Order guides the format
and content of our worship services, and that the pastor controls the music and sermons.
5. We are ready to change. We want to be open to change; however, we don’t want to give up our
Presbyterian identity or tenets of our faith.
6. We want to grow in our faith, led by a discipling pastor.
7. We want a pastor who can relate to families.
8. We value high education in our pastor. The congregation supported and encouraged the last
pastor’s attainment of his doctorate and will do so for the next one.
9. We want to hold onto our roots as we move forward.
10. We love and value a high quality of music fostered through two excellent choir directors. We
want ways to make music available to more contemporary tastes, as well as available to
children.
11. If we want to witness by example, we must get out there so the example may be seen!
12. Declining membership and revenue make for added internal stresses and strains. This in turn
leads to an increase in tension, fear, and anxiety.
13. We should refocus on building up our trust and confidence in the Lord while remaining obedient
stewards as we build up the congregation.
14. Considerable feedback was received about changing our worship style. Yet, when it comes time
to actually changing it, we encounter resistance.
15. In the past, our outreach efforts have been concentrated in the College Area where only a quarter of our members live. We have done little to reach out to the rest of our Local and
Regional Communities where the other three quarters live. While about 61,000 people live in
the College Area zip code, about 150,000 live in the five zip codes just to the east of us, and over
3,000,000 live in the San Diego Region.
16. Is the work of the church aligned across the board? Most felt that the work of the Elders and
Deacons was in alignment with the work of the church even though they have different
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responsibilities. This is encouraging since it indicates that leadership is all going in much the
same direction. Still, it’s fair to ask if we have the right alignment in the work of the church:
a. We have a decreasing membership.
b. Several commented that it would be nice if we could spread the work out more; that the
same folks kept being asked to serve.
c. Are we doing too much and spreading so thin that we go back to the same talent pool
time after time, sucking it dry?
d. Are there duplication or gaps in committee and mission work?
e. DYCNS identified six areas of energy; centers of gravity. Do we then want to look at our
Session and Deacons with just this scope in mind?
f. Could we analyze what really needs to be done, and then reduce the number of Elders
and Deacons serving? Currently we have a total of 27 Deacons and Elders. Is this too
many? If we could reduce it, it would ease the strain of finding candidates each year to
replace those going off board.
Are we really and truly focused on what we think we should be doing?
17. Each of the surveys, as well as DYCNS, are summarized above. The Appendices document the
complete set of answers. Sometimes there are nuggets hidden away; please take the time to
read through them, especially as this report is used to guide future focus groups.
MSC Recommendations to Session Above all, be mindful that prayer, discernment, and listening should lead us in all our efforts to serve more people. The church’s way ahead is a balance between bringing more into the congregation and working within our church to build a closer relationship with God. 1. Message target demographics. Tell them here we are, who we are, come and visit! Resources
can include social media, targeted marketing, College Area Community Council, and demographic trends.
2. We have limited resources with which to reach the community. Determine the focused direction to take for this. The Congregational Survey, Theological and Values Survey and DYCNS findings offer practical ideas. Historical relationships such as Military Outreach Ministries and Presbyterian Urban Ministries can also provide framework.
3. Prioritize the allocation of resources fostering growth. 4. Explore ways in which FPC’s interaction with SDSU might be expanded. This could include
music, social services and support of on‐campus religious or student welfare groups. 5. Work with the Director of the College Park Preschool to expand our outreach to those families. 6. Reach out and develop relationships with nearby churches and organizations for mutual support
and community engagement. Consider groups that already meet here, sharing services throughout the liturgical year with other congregations, etc. SDSU also has resources we might collaborate with, for example, alleviating student hunger and homelessness. The Congregational Survey and Theological and Values Survey show areas in which the congregation has interest.
7. There are many voices calling for a contemporary style of worship. This is conceptually vague. We need to understand what this is and how to incorporate it in our worship.
8. Building relationships fosters member engagement. Strive to encourage this in our congregational life at every opportunity. Recent great examples are Rally Day, cakes/fellowship
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after worship, and the Potato Luncheon. Leverage the website, newsletter, and times of conversation.
9. Consider using ”shepherds" for keeping in contact with members or visitors. This could include a follow‐up with congregants absent over a period of time.
10. Assume oversight and give direction for more cohesive education across all age groups. 11. Update FPC's signage to announce our presence. This can include banners, signs, marquees, etc. 12. Investigate the needs of our senior citizens with an eye toward connecting them with people,
programs, and events that may address their needs. 13. Hold times of conversation to engage the congregation and visitors in various topics, including
the results of the DYCNS Seminar and its results, the six centers of gravity, this study, and topics raised in the surveys. Then bring actionable ideas to life.
14. Since the Mission and Vision Statements resonate so well with the congregation, make them more prominent.
15. The way forward implies direction, the determination of which is Session’s responsibility. This may result in better coordination and consolidation of resources to take the next steps. Hold a retreat, or other format, for cooperative work and discernment on this. The DCYNS Seminar, Congregational Survey, and Theological and Values Survey provide a rich source of ideas and focus areas.
Mission Study Team Members and Acknowledgements The MSC is comprised of Joe Huffaker (Chair), Bonnie Koehler, Paula Carmack, Sharon Gehl,
Kathy Hays, and David Helkenn. The committee gratefully acknowledges the help from many members
of the congregation. Michael Gehl worked hours creating many of the tables and graphs in this report.
Dr Gary Ziccardi, FPC’s Interim/Transition Ministry Specialist, was always ready with sound
advice, guidance, and cheerleading. As the team’s number one promoter, he was out front letting the
congregation know what was going on. Also, a big shout out to Dr Neal Nybo for his guidance and
direction for the Discovering Your Church’s Next Step seminar.
Finally, and most importantly, the congregation of Faith Presbyterian rallied behind the team with
constant comments of encouragement and cheerful willingness to participate in yet another online
survey. Thank you!
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Appendices
Appendix 1: Demographics.
Our Congregation
The Congregational Survey collected additional basic demographic data in questions 2 through 6,
presented here. From a congregation of 204, 63 congregants gave answers.
Answered 63
Skipped 1
Q2. How long have you
attended worship at Faith
Presbyterian Church?
8
6
18
31
1‐5 years
6‐10 years
11‐20 years
20+ years
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Answered 63
Skipped 1
Q3. How often do you attend
worship?
46
10
1
6
Weekly
A few times a month
Once per month
Several times a year
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
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Our Local Community
Answered 63 Skipped 1
Q4. What is your age group?
0
4
1 1
8
14
1716
2
Younger
than 21
21‐30
years old
31‐40
years old
41‐50
years old
51‐60
years old
61‐70
years old
71‐80
years old
81+ years
old
Prefer not
to answer
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Answered 63
Skipped 1
Q5. What is your gender?
41
17
5
Female
Male
Prefer not to answer
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Answered 63
Skipped 1
Q6. In my household, the
number of minor children is
53
9
0
None
1‐4
5+
0.00% 20.00% 40.00% 60.00% 80.00% 100.00%
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Figure 18: FPC and nearby six zip codes comprising the local church community (Derived from 2016 Directory)
Figure 19: Households by Zip Code
Figures 18 and 19 show the numbers of households, taken from the 2017 Directory, against the six
surrounding zip codes.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
92115 91942 91941 92119 91945 92071
Church M
embers
Zip Code
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Zip Code 92115 92119 92071 91942 91941 91945 Total
# households 22,110 9,550 19,930 16,874 13,080 8,644 90,188
Median Income $45,693 $76,681 $78,929 $59,093 $71,030 $60,230
Median Local Community Income $ 63,893.94 Figure 20:2016 Local Community Median Incomes (SANDAG)
zip code White
Am. Indian Asian Black Hispanic Other
Pac island
2 or more Totals
91941 20,457 133 2,464 2,236 7,305 62 135 1,088 33,880
91942 22,975 171 3,006 2,209 9,257 101 173 1,394 39,286
91945 10,460 139 2,287 5,563 9,908 70 195 989 29,611
92071 38,397 303 3,280 1,037 11,571 95 213 1,679 56,575
92115 23,186 209 8,813 5,286 21,347 150 242 1,983 61,216
92119 15,718 101 1,872 805 4,288 60 119 795 23,758
Totals 131,193 1,056 21,722 17,136 63,676 538 1,077 7,928 244,326
Figure 21:Community Race & Ethnicity 2016 (Derived from SANDAG)
Nearby Presbyterian churches in the regional area:
Sudanese American Presbyterian Church of San Diego 5202 Orange Ave San Diego, CA 92115 619‐582‐6401 Christ United Presbyterian Church 3025 Fir Street San Diego, CA 92102 First Presbyterian Church 320 Date Street San Diego, CA 92101
Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church 455 Church Way El Cajon, CA 92020 Palisades Presbyterian Church 6301 Birchwood Street San Diego, CA 92120 Taiwanese Presbyterian Church, San Diego 4426 Harbinson Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942 Trinity Presbyterian Church 3902 Kenwood Drive Spring Valley, CA 91977
Future Trends
zip code White
Am. Indian Asian Black Hispanic Other
Pac island
2 or more Totals
91941 16,654 132 2,774 3,203 11,159 67 280 1,867 36,136
91942 23,175 146 4,068 3,668 13,561 135 288 2,313 47,354
91945 4,293 128 2,444 4,109 15,990 63 295 1,331 28,653
92071 41,721 141 3,448 1,311 13,743 79 288 2,663 63,394
92115 17,891 234 15,525 6,736 41,445 232 528 3,877 86,468
92119 15,344 77 1,846 985 4,832 54 197 1,069 24,404
Totals 119,078 858 30,105 20,012 100,730 630 1,876 13,120 286,409Figure 22: Local Community Race & Ethnicity 2035 Forecast (SANDAG)
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Appendix 2: Theological Values Survey The Theological and Values Survey was conducted both online and hardcopy, with 57 responses.
(Rest of page intentionally blank)
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Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
6 22 16 8 511% 39% 28% 14% 9%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
20 16 10 5 635% 28% 18% 9% 11%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
4 9 14 16 147% 16% 25% 28% 25%
Q6. Only Christians can be saved.
Q4. I have an important imperative to personally share my religious beliefs about Christ with non-Christians.
Q5. Satan exists. He is not just an idea.
Strongly Agree,
11%
Somewhat Agree,
39%
Neither Agree nor
Disagree, 28%
Somewhat
Disagree, 14%
Strongly
Disagree, 9%
Strongly Agree,
35%
Somewhat Agree,
28%
Neither Agree nor
Disagree, 18%
Somewhat
Disagree, 9%
Strongly
Disagree, 11%
Strongly Agree,
7%
Somewhat Agree,
16%
Neither Agree nor
Disagree, 25%
Somewhat
Disagree, 28%
Strongly Disagree, 25%
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Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
28 16 3 7 349% 28% 5% 12% 5%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
37 7 11 1 165% 12% 19% 2% 2%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
4 11 10 10 227% 19% 18% 18% 39%
Q8. Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth.
Q9. The Bible is to be interpreted literally.
Q7. One receives eternal life by faith alone, not good works.
Strongly Agree, 49%
Somewhat Agree, 28%
Neither Agree nor Disagree, 5%
Somewhat Disagree, 12%
Strongly
Disagree, 5%
Strongly Agree,
65%
Somewhat Agree,
12%
Neither Agree nor Disagree, 19%
Somewhat Disagree, 2%
Strongly Disagree, 2%
Strongly Agree, 7%
Somewhat Agree, 19%
Neither Agree nor Disagree, 18%
Somewhat
Disagree, 18%
Strongly
Disagree, 39%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
1 4 6 8 382% 7% 11% 14% 67%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
36 15 4 2 063% 26% 7% 4% 0%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
3 7 3 13 315% 12% 5% 23% 54%
Q10. The Church must not marry couples of the same sex
Q11. Abortion is permissible under certain circumstances.
Q12. The Bible tells us to "subdue the Earth and have dominion over it." Therefore, we can use natural resources as we see fit.
Strongly Agree, 2%
Somewhat Agree, 7%
Neither Agree nor Disagree, 11%
Somewhat Disagree, 14%
Strongly Disagree, 67%
Strongly Agree, 63%
Somewhat Agree, 26%
Neither Agree nor
Disagree, 7%
Somewhat Disagree, 4%
Strongly Disagree, 0%
Strongly Agree, 5%
Somewhat Agree,
12%
Nei ther Agree nor Disagree, 5%
Somewhat Disagree, 23%
Strongly Disagree, 54%
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Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
25 16 12 4 044% 28% 21% 7% 0%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
46 6 3 1 181% 11% 4% 2% 2%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
49 7 0 1 086% 12% 0% 2% 0%
Q13. The Church must be committed to, and involved in, social, economic, environmental, and political justice issues.
Q14. It is permissible to have LGBT people in church leadership positions (Ministers, Elders, and Deacons.)
Q15. I trust Jesus Christ, and through him, believe in the one triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Strongly Agree, 44%
Somewhat Agree, 28%
Neither Agree nor Disagree, 21%
Somewhat
Disagree, 7%
Strongly Disagree, 0%
Strongly Agree, 81%
Somewhat Agree, 11%
Neither Agree nor Disagree, 4%
Somewhat Disagree, 2%
Strongly
Disagree, 2%
Strongly Agree, 86%
Somewhat Agree, 12%
Neither Agree nor Disagree, 0%
Somewhat Disagree, 2%
Strongly Disagree, 0%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
34 18 1 4 060% 32% 2% 7% 0%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
17 29 8 3 030% 51% 14% 5% 0%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
55 1 1 0 096% 2% 2% 0% 0%
Q16. The Old and New Testaments are inspired by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to me.
Q17. The Confessions of the PC(U.S.A.) are authentic and reliable descriptions of what Scripture leads us to believe and do.
Q18. All are welcome into the Body of Christ, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, social or economic status, physical or mental
Strongly Agree,
60%
Somewhat Agree, 32%
Neither Agree nor Disagree, 2%
Somewhat Disagree, 7%
Strongly
Disagree, 0%
Strongly Agree, 30%
Somewhat Agree, 51%
Neither Agree nor
Disagree, 14%
Somewhat Disagree, 5%
Strongly Disagree, 0%
Strongly Agree, 96%
Somewhat Agree, 2%
Nei ther Agree nor
Disagree, 2%
Somewhat Disagree, 0%
Strongly Disagree, 0%
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Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
50 6 1 0 088% 11% 2% 0% 0%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
51 6 0 0 089% 11% 0% 0% 0%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
50 7 0 0 0
Q19. The best expression of faith is to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, love your neighbors, and to work for the reconciliation of the world.
Q20. I agree with our Church's Mission Statement: "A family of Christ, welcoming all, worshiping God, growing in the Spirit and joyously serving others"
Q21. I agree with our Church's Vision Statement: "Solely by the grace of God, we desire and declare ourselves to be an inclusive church, where all persons are welcome to come, to inquire and become part of the Faith Family in response to God’s urging. We welcome all persons into membership regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, social or economic status, physical or mental challenge. We acknowledge that each of us is part of Christ’s Body, the Church, not by the merit of our lives, but wholly by the grace and mercy of God revealed in Jesus Christ."
Strongly Agree,
88%
Somewhat Agree,
11%
Nei ther Agree nor
Disagree, 2%
Somewhat
Disagree, 0%
Strongly Disagree, 0%
Strongly Agree, 89%
Somewhat Agree, 11%
Nei ther Agree nor Disagree, 0%
Somewhat Disagree, 0%
Strongly Disagree, 0%
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Appendix 3: Discovering Your Church’s Next Step The full results from the Discovering Your Church’s Next Step are presented here. The first set of results
are the Centers of Gravity identified by the participants. The second set of information shows the
results used to support Figures 11, 12, and 13.
FPC Centers of Gravity
The six centers of gravity developed at the Discovering Your Church’s Next Step Seminar are shown
here. They also include the uplifting experiences, things the congregation does well, and the things the
congregation could improve for each one.
Children
Uplifting Experiences
Special kid events (e.g. Trunk or Treat)
VBS
Exposing youth to our and other religions
Children’s ministry and congregational participation
Things to Hold on To
Families participating in Advent candle lighting
Helping the children to know God and His love
Serving the community through children’s events
Opportunities for serving in children’s ministry
Children and youth participating in service
Things That Could Be Improved
The quality of the ministry
Increasing the number of volunteers teaching children
Increase the number of children and families
Grow youth programs
Music‐singing and playing
Expand youth participation in service
Christian Education and Development
Uplifting Experiences
Education programs, both learning and teaching
Retreats
Small group Bible studies
Bible studies Things to Hold on To
Keep small groups
Leaders guide but don’t dictate thought
Loving acceptance within the group
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Things That Could Be Improved
Better publicize educational opportunities
Get more and different people involved
Organized adult education
Congregational Empathy
Uplifting Experiences
Friendship
Prayer Quilt
Congregational empathy Things to Hold on To
Prayers & Squares
Make effort to meet new people
Be open to others
Reaching out to needs of others
Prayers of the People Things That Could Be Improved
Being more receptive to God’s message and follow through
Improve outreach with different programs
Activate entire congregation
Improve communication throughout the community
Make effort to meet new people
Be open to others
Inclusiveness
Uplifting Experiences
Marriage vow renewal for Joe & Geoffrey
Inclusiveness
Mixed marriage Things to Hold on To
Invitation for joy in worship
Love generated and shared through music and worship
Open minds and hearts through worship and worship music
Open‐mindedness
Exclude no one
Invite everyone to grow to their best potential Things That Could Be Improved
Public image more widely known for inclusiveness
Stronger presence in social media
Get out of our comfort zone (meet with those who are different)
All are called!
More diversity in worship without losing what we have now.
Listen to our children and the newcomer
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Mission Outreach
Uplifting Experiences
Mission Outreach: Amor trips, Trunk or Treat, College
Ministry: caring for others, gifting for those who minister
Hot Dog Stands
Hot Dog Stands
Deacons Visitations
Deacons‐sponsor outreach like MOM and PUM Things to Hold on To
Mission outreach programs (MOM & PUM)
Our Church’s desire to grow
Inclusivity in outreach programs
Continuing to allow others to use campus
Living God’s love‐help your neighbor
Our openness to all Things That Could Be Improved
Better communication to our community on who we really are
Better follow‐up on missing members, visitors, and mission
Helping others to understand there is no quid‐pro‐quo in our outreach
Worship and Music
Uplifting Experiences
Vital worship/communion music
Choir Christmas Concert
Easter Service participation
Music Ministry
Choir and music
Worship‐uplifting sermons
Special services, i.e. Good Friday, Easter, Celebrations of Life
Worship music‐spiritually moving
European Choir Tour 2000 Things to Hold on To
Appreciation of the depth and variety in theology, worship, and music
Breadth of theology
Continue to widen our field of expectancy Things That Can Be Improved
Visual aids
Focus and mindfulness
Open minded to new directions
Highest Calling, Keeps, Surrenders, Improves, and Decisions
The seminar participants, broken into six groups, developed what they perceived as FPC’s highest
calling, things to keep, things to improve, things to surrender, and decisions that need to be made.
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These items are summarized in Figures 14 & 15. The complete responses are below. In some cases, the
different groups came up with the same or very similar thought; duplications in the lists are therefore
deliberate and are not listed in any specific order of precedence.
Our church’s highest calling includes (the words and phrases in parenthesis show how Figure 2’s key
words are mapped against the actual responses from the seminar)
Stay true to God and praying and caring for others (True to God, Pray/Care for Others)
Continued involvement and participation in the community, i.e. SDSU (Community Involvement,
SDSU)
Sharing God’s love and grace with openness and inclusivity to all (Share God’s/Jesus’ Love,
Inclusivity, Openness)
Involving a diverse group of people into a worshipping and serving community (Inclusivity)
Spread the word, reaching all with God’s love shown through actions (Share God’s/Jesus’ Love,
Witness by Example)
Living out Christ’s love and message of acceptance and of loving our neighbor as ourselves
(Share God’s/Jesus’ Love, Love Our Neighbor, Witness by Example)
Sharing Jesus’ love through worship and education. (Be) open minded, caring and serving (Share
God’s/Jesus’ Love, Open Minded)
Growth through love and acceptance of Christ (Growing)
Moving forward without losing the traditions of our past (Move Forward, Respect Our Past)
Outreach to community; inclusivity of congregation; youth and children’s programs (Community
Involvement, Inclusivity, Children’s Programs, Youth Programs)
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These are things our church needs to hang on to, with the word cloud key word mapping for Figure 14
These are things our church needs to surrender:
Our previous Pastor
Negative thoughts toward things we
don’t have
Let go of being close minded
Comfort with familiarity
Denominational differences
Structures from the past that don’t
meet present needs
Not including children in learning at
their understanding
Let go of some past actions
Our comfort zone and fear of change
Unwillingness to change and rigidity in
worship
Financial fear and anxiety
Negativity
“We’ve always done it this way”
Programs and ideas that are not
working
In general, these are things that need to improve:
Communications with others
Youth ministry
Communications‐both within the
congregation and without to the
community
Hang on to
Caring and sharing and helping each other throughout our community Caring Sharing HelpingCommunity
Involvement
Continue relationship building Inclusive Build Relationship
Being a safe place for diversity Inclusive Diverse
Joy, enthusiasm, passion Joy Enthusiasm Passion
Personal growth through dynamic preaching, stirring music, and
educationInspiring Music Inspiring Preaching Inspiring Education Inspiring Worship
Spreading the word of God and teaching Sharing
Accepting and welcoming diverse people Diverse
Intergenerational Intergenerational
Openness to all Open Minded
Affirmation that Jesus is our Lord Christ Affirming
Our inclusiveness Inclusive
Our outreach as an expression of God’s love Sharing Missional
Our servant attitude and desire Servant Attitude Servant Desire
Worship and education Inspiring Preaching Inspiring Worship
Being open minded Accepting Open Minded
Caring and serving through mission Caring Servant Desire Missional
Acceptance Accepting
Inspiring worship‐music and sermon Inspiring Music Inspiring Preaching
Campus outreach SDSU Outreach MissionalCommunity
Involvement
Music in worship Inspiring Music
Loving compassion and inclusiveness Inclusive Loving Compassion
Open minds and hearts Open Minded
Mission outreach Missional
Bible study Inspiring Education Growing Faith
Youth and children’s programs Children's Programs Youth Programs
Word Cloud Key Word Mapping
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Amount of participation in the life of
the church by all ages
We need to remember and say that
Jesus Christ is our Lord
Getting the community to understand
what we are as Christians vice what
they perceive based on their view of the
church
Outreach to SDSU students
Reaching young families and neighbors
around the church
Broader participation
Relations with SDSU and surrounding
community
Communication with each other about
our ideas and needs
Our inaction‐get all involved
Given the above, these are decisions that need to be made in the near future:
How to improve communications and relations
Where to devote our resources‐personnel and financial
Choice of outreach efforts
How can we invite more people to participate in the life at the church?
How can we expand Christian education to the youth?
How to reach more people
Are we going to prioritize and fund the changing of our church perception in the community or
not?
Are we willing to follow up and change? How much are we willing to change to attract?
Call an appropriate pastor
Prioritize next steps and needs
What we need in a new pastor
Complete Mission Study
After finding pastor, form planning group to address growth objectives of our church
These are works that need to be done first:
More group decision and
congregational input
Outreach to young adults and young
families
Tell our story more effectively
Expect/improve organizational outreach
efforts
Expect/improve “in reach” effort to
raise participation
Recognize different groups‐we have
many subsets like youth, college,
women, men, etc., and we need to
make sure that we understand their
presence
Prioritize‐set priorities
Understand the community’s view of us
Understand our limits
Prayer discernment/listening
Determine our needs and objectives
Follow up….
Find a pastor
Develop a growth plan
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These are actions that need to be taken:
Recognize the need to look forward
instead of at the past
Keep our Mission Statement before us‐
Sunday bulletin, monthly newsletter
Keep the pastor seeking process on
track
The Session and Congregation need to
commit time and resources to this work
Find ways to show God’s love
God’s love is the basis for how we live
and share
Work to let them know who we are‐
communicate
Open engagement/less threatening
Prayer
Thanks to Mission Study Committee
and prayers for Pastoral Nominating
Committee
More communication
Get Pastoral Nominating Committee
Pastor
Find a pastor
After finding pastor, form planning
group to address growth objectives of
our church
Importantly, each one of the participants signed on to the results with the following statement: “We,
the undersigned, have participated in the Discovering Your Church’s Next Step process. We have come
to understand what some of our church’s most uplifting experiences are. We have identified six key
topics in our church. And we have identified things about each that we should hold on to and things
that could be improved. From these, we will recommend a variety of conclusions, observations, and
answers that will help us find our congregation’s heartbeat and direction for the future. While any of us
might have changed a few things, we agree with the overall results.”
Appendix 4: Congregational Survey The Congregational Survey, like the Theological and Values Survey, was conducted both online and
hardcopy. The responses are broken out throughout the report. Answers not already given in detail
follow here.
Q1: Gatekeeper question to separate those who attended the seminar from those who didn’t.
Q2‐Q7 are in Appendix 1‐Our Congregation
Q8 Are there trends in society that you think might be helpful to Faith Presbyterian?
Can't think of any.
diversity
There is a growing trend for diversity and inclusion in society. They key here is inclusiveness. We have a diverse society. Any group needs to be inclusive to all, regardless of age, gender, race, orientation etc. That just means being respectful and welcoming to all, not necessarily targeting any particular group. Faith Presbyterian is a welcoming church, particularly for disabilities where I think the facilities and the people are accommodating and respectful to disabled members and include and value their contributions to many activities.
They are a very inclusive church.
A second service geared to the tastes of younger families' needs.
Helpful? It depends what your goals are?
I have a close family member who is gay and married to her wife. She felt comfortable before she came out in our church and very accepting by Pastor Chris, but not sure now how she will be
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seen by a new pastor. She grew up in the church. I think that is something that needs to be addressed in this process. No one has ever been unkind to her with the church and don't think any one would be. Just something that needs to be discussed.
I think we are already aware‐‐‐less interest in mainline denominations and more move to non‐denom/evangelical. also in San Diego, there are a lot of other things for people to do instead of coming to church. We need to have something special that makes people want to be a part of Faith
Spiritual search outside denomination
Honesty and respect for others (ANY others)
Millenials are joiners. They want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Social media
Trends are ok as long as they are scriptural
People want to be connected with others
Aging boomers‐many folks who did not participate in church while they were busy with all their kids activities, now empty nesters, getting older, may be ready to return.
The isolation that alot of people feel could be answered by effective ministry by the pastor and the congregation
Electronic? Facebook, etc?
Use of social media to disseminate information
Social media for younger people.
Inclusion of all God's people. What does it mean to be God's people in the 21st century?
Young families are looking for wholesome activities
Younger groups
Yes‐the huge cultural shift away from classical music and tradition. How to address and reach the new generation.
More use of technology
Keeping up with technology
Acceptance of non‐traditional people/lifestyles
Group of churches‐meet‐friend asks me, "where are the Presbyterians?"
Greater acceptance of differences
People are disconnected from immediate surroundings. Church is a place to fill this void.
More contemporary music‐not all the time, but maybe a few songs
Q9: Are there trends in society that you think might be harmful to Faith Presbyterian?
Polarized views. Individuals tuned in to their electronics.
The trend these days is for the young adults don't go to church.
Society is becoming less religious in general. Christian churches are on decline with a general complacency that we live in a safe and civilized country with laws based on Christian values so we don't need to try any more and don't need to go to church to be good people. It is good to be reminded now and again that we should be humble and unselfish and that many of our values in a western society are Christian values.
No
I think there has been a tendency for quite some time for younger people (certainly not ALL of them) to be unwilling to learn from and respect older people as being out of touch or outdated. They want instant gratification and "entertainment". I think many are not looking for "traditional" approaches to worship.
Changing what we stand for.
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Yes.
I'm not sure. Faith is an accepting group of people. At this time there is such hate and division in the country.
LGBT advances
Our people have seemed to be able to ignore those trends that might be destructive to a church and continue doing what we do best‐‐care for people and worship God.
Well, plenty of opportunities!
the trend toward secular science
I see the younger generation not going to church on Sundays. They think they don't need to.
Everyone is so fragmented in time and attention. It's hard to compete with all that San Diego has to offer.
General public is not attending traditional services as much as in the past.
Competition for time‐many activities
Homeless on campus
Yes, the trend toward considering faith and church attendance as irrelevant. Also the many demands on people 's time and often scheduled on Sundays (youth sports and other organizations)
If a trend is against what the scripture teaches then I think they might be harmful.
Going to church is out of fashion
Nobody seems to take commitments very seriously
Several. Lack of public perception of importance of religion. General ignorance by public of individual responsibilities for "good citizenship"
The general societal degeneration of religion is a huge problem
With our faith we should be able to counter
Dependent on social media and belief in anything found on the Internet
No, we are all God's people and we live in this world and are called to be the love and care to others. We need to respond to the world through our lens of Godly people.
Too much online activity, including texting, can lead to a lack of interpersonal skills. Can tend to make people not join a church
"Local‐neighborhood primarily Jewish
Nat'l‐extreme conservative Christians in the news"
Unwillingness to make a long term commitment. Keeping all options open
Conservative religious views
Increase in racism, negative news about minorities, illegal aliens, etc
"Rise of white supremacy
Christians on TV not showing love of Christ
Christians bashing Islam"
Lack of respect for political leaders
Society seems to be giving up on Christian faith
Society seems to have less faith in Christian beliefs
Growing intolerance of senior leaders in government and view of Christians
Over scheduling, not enough family time
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Q10: There are many churches in San Diego. What helped you decide to join this congregation?
Parents went
I joined as a college student when the minister was college leader.
I had to do try other churches in days past, but I've found out that I am Presbyterian! Faith Pres. is the closest to were I live
member since 10 years old. Location, friends
The love of Christ, the caring members, and the music
The church is in our neighborhood and is of a denomination that we are comfortable with. The congregation is welcoming and does have family oriented events such as vacation bible school and Parent's Night Out.
I'm the 4th generation to be members of the church.
I left First Pres when Bob Plimpton was forced to resign as organist. I came to Faith, along with several others from First, when Bob signed on as music director.
Invitation from a staff member.
Friendliest of members
Chris Lenocker and his Bible study..
Pastor Chris's sermons, music program, friendliness of congregation
The pastor, choir, organ, piano‐‐all music and all the friendly people.
They were willing to let me join.
I am a former member of East San Diego Presbyterian Church and grew up there. My parents and children just became part of Faith when the two churches came together.
I was a student at State choir
The preaching of Chris Lenocker
Members love and respect for one another and varied interpretations of scripture.
specific invitation from a former Pastor and the present Music Director
The loving family of the church, and the fact that our church is Christ centered.
Warm, caring congregation that made me feel welcome on my first visit. I also connected with the more liberal approach to social issues. And cake.
I was actively involved with one of the churches that was a part of the merger of Faith. I didn't want to start over with a new congregation, and I didn't want to leave my former church family.
Pastor, music program
Friendliness‐inclusiveness‐location
Come from a family of Presbyterians
The people
My husband and I joined East San Diego Pres in 1959. We had looked for a church for a year or more. We immediately felt ESD was a good fit after one visit.
Pastor and music program in 1995
The people in this congregation are the reason and the way they live out their faith.
Proximity to my home, friendliness
The positive attitude toward moral stands of pastoral leadership. The positive attitude of folks in the Presbytery of San Diego and Synod of SoCal
I grew up at ESDP and when the churches merged, I came here.
Invited to choir. Stayed for minister
Close to home. Enjoy service. Our Pastor
Chris, Bob, and the loving and accepting congregation
The choir
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Very much came for the Pastor
Location, friendly congregation, good preaching pastor
Grew up in the church
Pastor and friends
Inclusive of all people. The pastor.
Already a Presbyterian and knew Chris Lenocker
Proximity to home at time of joining
East San Diego Pres and College Park Pres joined together
I was hired!
Openness and acceptance
Teh people were very welcoming. Also it is close to my home
Parents attended. Family friends attended
Relatively close to our home. Friendly congregation. Interesting Pastor
Not a member
Not a member
Its welcoming nature and openness to all.
Proximity and the preschool
Close‐grew up here
Parents went, close to home. When my children were in middle/high school had excellent leaders and group
Q11: How do you rank the church's efforts to inform members of events, plans, etc.?
Better for those with email.
There needs to be more timely information in the newsletter and on the website. Some strides have been made, but there's still room for improvement.
I get some emails, but not all?
Music ‐‐organ, piano, choir and bells are excellent. Add much to the service.
Much of the time it is probably closer to excellent, but we can always improve.
I know from listening to others there's a perception that Session and Deacons don't keep the congregation informed what they're doing.
Some things get out pretty well, but we need to know what our Session and Deacons are doing‐what decisions are being made, etc.
Newsletter does a great job
Updated often
Getting better all the time
Joined FPC on merger in early 1990 after a period as moderator of SD Presbytery. Visit all SD Presbyterian churches. Enjoyed the process of integration and the relationships...and the positive attitudes that have continued.
It seems I get info randomly; sometimes in conversation with an Elder
Some people drop their voices when saying names of people who need prayers
Always announced in bulletin/newsletter. Email would be a good option.
Little support for new comers
Communication efforts remain sporadic
This church if very strong in faith and also very good caring for each other
Between announcements during the service, in the Sunday bulletin, and on the website, there are many ways to let people know what is going on. A weekly email to people would also be helpful (if this is not already done)
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Process (standard procedure) well thought out and seems well organized
Internally to church‐yes. Externally to church/community‐no.
There are many areas, jobs that congregation and even committee members are not award of
Q12: Do you feel comfortable inviting a friend to worship or to a church activity? Please
elaborate.
Forty‐six said yes, eleven no. Of the reasons given,
No
My friends all have their own churches.
Most of my friends are at FPC. Not close to neighbors.
The audio system is overwhelming
Don't like to pressure people
I'm not good at sales.
We live too far away
It is difficult because of demographics
Theology narrowed. Unsure of my own ability/desire to stay
Not during this transition time
My friends at FPC are already here. My other social contacts are non‐religious
Members tend to gather‐meet with friends‐do not seek with people who are visitors
Most of my friends attend Faith Yes
It has a family atmosphere
Most of my friends already come to this church.
I'm comfortable here, and if I know someone who's looking for a church I'll invite them
I have had friends come to the Christmas concert, but they seem to always have other things to do on Sunday mornings.
It would depend on the friend. Some are open to church and would feel welcome. Others seem to feel uncomfortable and are worried that someone will try to convert them. Faith Church is not too pushy in this regard, and most people strike the right balance, but nevertheless some people seem to have an irrational fear of churches.
I know that anyone would feel comfortable in this church.
I know they will be warmly welcomed by any/all they would meet here.
We are a welcoming congregation and the sermons always give us something to think about and help us to grow in our love of God.
We are warm and welcoming.
Friendly environment.
But it's tough. all of my friends are involved in their own churches.
It is a thinking church.
I have always invited friends to the Christmas Concert. I invite people also to Sunday worship, but most don't come because they do other things
I'm not an evangelizer, but invite friends to the Christmas concert every year. I know they'll be made to feel welcome.
This congregation is so welcoming and warm. We seek out the new faces and make it a point to engage with those we don't yet know.
I know visitors will be welcomed
The folks here have made me feel wanted and welcome so I am sure if a friend came they would be welcome
This is my church home
I know they would enjoy service and people
I usually invite people to special music events. Usually the people I invite are musically inclined and I'm part of the presentation.
We're inclusive
We don't because it is a sixty mile drive
I would like to share our church with other friends
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Again‐the love and acceptance
As long as I explain what they are getting into. Example traditional music, older congregation
Everyone is welcoming of visitors
Faith Pres is welcoming and inclusive
The congregation is interesting
Depends on the case
But nobody ever accepts
Very welcoming congregation
Depends on activity
Too lazy
Both‐I oppose direct evangelism, but would invite friends to events if they were interested!
Q13: Our Deacons and Elders conduct ministry in many ways. Do you see their work sharing a
common purpose, even though it's carried out in different ways?
Several had thoughts:
They only meet together once a year.
While doing different tasks, everyone is contributing to the same, common goal
The common purpose is the love of Christ. Elders make sure the church runs smoothly and the Deacons take care of the members
All deal with different aspects of ministry with different groups generally sharing a common purpose, but I haven't seen enough of the range of work to be able to be able to definitively say yes.
It's all about service to others. It doesn't matter what form that takes....it's all good.
Nobody is ask to do anything they are uncomfortable doing and they seem to enjoy their service.
There are many church activities for all ages.
They are caring people and give of their time and talents.
Session takes care of fiscal matters so Deacons can minister to other needs
I see the light and love of our Lord being shared throughout the various jobs
Both groups serve the church, some in service to those in the congregation who need help and the session makes the decisions for the church and handles the upkeep of the church and grounds.
Lack of communication
They both do an excellent job.
The work together with the pastor
Lack of definition of what their ministries encompass
Both groups are trying to keep the church organized and working on its mission.
I've been a part of some of it‐seen some positive results.
It's what they do as elected members
Would like to know more about the work they do in this/for this congregation
The focus seems to be financially focused right now. The college ministry is mostly done by parachurch groups at SDSU.
A multiple facet approach is required in any effective campaign.
As a part of those efforts, I am familiar with our common cause.
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Deacons have always helped out in lots of different ways in caring and sharing for the church and its members.
I'm proud to serve as a Deacon.
Everything they do is for the good of the church and its members.
I am/was a Deacon
Our Deacons and Elders are very effective
I have no information about what they do. Occasionally conversations with one and I gain the scope of their ministry
We seek to live out God's love and message of loving our neighbor
don't know enough about what they do.
Sometimes
Q14: Do you see Faith Presbyterian as a neighborhood church (i.e., College Area, Talmadge, etc) or
as a regional community based on shared beliefs?
Responses were varied:
There are people of various faiths in the area, so the church needs to reach out farther.
While we're in the College area, I feel where a regional church because we have people from through the whole San Diego area
not only students or UCSU employees
We have members from all over San Diego County, not just the neighborhood
Generally I see it as a neighborhood church although there are members who travel a significant distance in the community due to their long standing attachment to the church. I don't think the church really attracts new members from far afield so I think it is mostly a neighborhood church
I, as well as several others, drive some distance to get here. I think, when Bob was civic organist, he had an opportunity to attract people from other areas who came to visit and stayed. At this time, I'm afraid only neighborhood people get to know us and our traditional approach doesn't necessarily appeal to all of them.
I wish it was neighborhood, but I think it isn't because we are confined to one form of worship.
I don't think Faith attracts college‐age or young families
I think we are a "Love thy neighbor" church...
I wish there was a larger attendance of college age.
I know there are people in the congregation that do live in the close neighborhood, but also those that live farther away as I do.
Not a wide area of ministry
I think we will always be primarily a neighborhood church because of our geographical location. However i think we can become a regional place of excellence theologically as we continue to grow.
Our members come from all areas of San Diego, not just our neighborhood.
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I think we're a congregation that attends Faith because of its uniqueness‐in that congregants find something here they don't find elsewhere and will travel down the street or across the county to be a part of.
We come from all over SD to attend this church for a reason so it's regional!
Some members come from afar
We represent both
Membership is not localized. Large Jewish population
Most live out of the zip code
People attend from all over
Most members pass other Presbyterian churches to get here.
We have some members who travel a distance to be part of us.
A lot of the congregation comes from outside of the college area.
I'm not in this neighborhood
Few of our members are within walking distance of the facility and some members drive as much as an hour to get here.
We have people come from different areas
Because I don't live in the area, but I still participate as much as possible
We like supporting the college as well as area.
Many of our members drive long distances to participate
Attempts to reach neighborhood appear to be negligible
Both. They present as a neighborhood resource and look at commuter members who choose this church.
Geographic distance of congregants
It's unique and worth driving to. Upgraded facilities are a big draw.
We don't really meet the needs of the neighborhood
It is involved with the college community by doing things such as the hot dog stand for the college kids
Why can't it be both?
No information of extended connections in the neighborhood
Churches need to be open and understand there are many ways to God that as sinners none of us are always right and by nature are flawed.
Many members travel far
It's close to SDSU
Members come from many areas. We try to approach college students
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Q15: Please mark the characteristics listed below that you feel characterize Faith Presbyterian
• Aging • I have been going to faith since I was 5 years old. Pastor Chris married my wife and I. We were the first same sex couple that he married. I've never felt uncomfortable or unwelcome at Faith. We now have a son and couldn't be happier to be involved with Faith. • I wouldn't say inwardly‐focused, but in one sense we are because we keep clinging to traditional methods of worship. • I don't believe that Faith Pres wants change, or wants to grow. Therefore, it will die/ fade. • Not very open to change. • Great people • A loving, caring group‐hands full caring for older members • Staid, old‐fashioned • Very good at being a family and at the same time welcoming to newcomers • fun, enjoyable • Unusually fine music for this size congregation
Q16: What are the three most important attributes you would like to see in our new Pastor?
Fifty‐four respondents gave at least one attribute. To make sense of the answers, they have been
aggregated into categories, as shown below. Figure 16 depicts this question as a word cloud. The
individual responses are underneath the category. Sometimes the response logically fit more than one
category. Those responses are repeated for each of the logical categories.
Accepting He is non judgmental
Must be tolerant, open, accepting of those who differ theologically
respects new ideas
Adaptable Ability to adapt and
innovate
Adaptable
Caring Cares for individual
members
Caring
Caring
Caring about individual members
Know members and demonstrate care for all
Loving and caring
Warm and caring
Well informed about the gospel, caring, "down to earth".
Who cares for his congregation
Changer respects new ideas
Will to try new things/change with the times
Worship style less formal
Committed
Compassionate Compassion
Must have a compassionate heart
Counselor always willing to
listen to your problems
Counselor
Helpful‐give good advice
Wise, knowledgeable, yet comfortable
Accepting 85% 52Comfortable 80% 49Faithful 79% 48Friendly 92% 56Generous 66% 40Hospitable 77% 47Inclusive 67% 41Insular 5% 3Inwardly-focused 11% 7Loving 79% 48Non-judgemental 69% 42Predictable 20% 12Shrinking 59% 36Traditional 70% 43Uninvolved 5% 3Welcoming 82% 50None of these 0% 0I would also add 11
Answered 61Skipped 3
Responses
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Discipling Ability to listen and
communicate God's love
Attentive to their spiritual journey and ours
Explore what God is calling us to be in the world
Good communicator
Grooming the church
Helpful‐give good advice
Loves to share the Word
Meaningful messages
Must be a good preacher
Must be excellent teacher.
Preaching that makes me think and grow
Supportive of education for all ages.
Teaching the Bible
Who cares for his congregation
Wise, knowledgeable, yet comfortable
Down to Earth Down to earth
Well informed about the gospel, caring, "down to earth".
Energetic Active
energetic
Energetic
Energetic
Energetic, engaged
Enthusiastic
High energy
Friendly friendly
Friendly
Friendly
Friendly and outgoing
Godly & Faithful A person of God
A person who truly LIVES his/her Christianity
Bible emphasis (up to a point)
Deep faith and commitment
Faith friendly
Faithful and committed to this church
Godliness
Grounded in the faith
He loves Jesus as his Savoir
Heart for evangelism
They are Christ centered
Whose salvation is through Jesus Christ
Grower Ability to bring in
new members
Commitment to adding staff and members
Desire to reach neighbors; ethnic, collegiate, etc.
Growth oriented
Ready to grow the church
Inclusive Accepting of same
sex couples and equal rights.
Inclusive
Inclusive
Inclusive
Inclusive
Inclusive (LGBTQ affirming)
Inclusive of all God's people‐including language in worship
Must be tolerant, open, accepting of those who differ theologically
Part of community
Progressive/inclusive
Innovative Ability to adapt and
innovate
innovative
Insightful Able to articulate a
vision towards growth
Appreciative of what we are and willing to use that as a basis for helping us grow.
Brings new ideas but respects tradition
Creative
the ability to know people
Will to try new things/change with the times
Inspiring Inspiring
Preaching that interests and informs all ages
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Preaching that makes me think and grow
Leader A good leader,
organized and business minded
Ably delegates
facilitator
leader
Leadership and engagement beyond sermons
Not bossy
Strong leadership
Liberal Liberal theology
Liberal. Progressive
Listener always willing to
listen to your problems
Approachable and a good listener
Good listener
Good listener
listener
Loving Love for people
Loving
Loving and caring
Musical He loves music
Likes to sing
Nice if he or she sings in the choir
Open Open and available
as a person
Open to all
Open to everybody
Openness to inclusiveness of congregation
Warm, open personality
welcoming all
Orator A pastor that does
not need to read his sermon
A pulpitee of the Chris Lenocker style
Ability to make a sermon come across with ease.
Excellent preacher who inspires and teaches
Good at sermons
good preacher
Good preacher
Good preacher
Good preacher
Good preacher‐sermons told, not read
good sermons to remind me of Christ's message
has the ability to give a non‐boring sermon
Intelligent and able to deliver an original well‐constructed sermon
Must be a good preacher
Preaching that interests and informs all ages
Preaching that makes me think and grow
Organized A good leader,
organized and business minded
Organized
Organized
Pastoral Experience Experienced in life
inside and outside the ministry
Experience‐not a first church pastor
Personable Approachable and a
good listener
Easy to get to know
kind
outgoing
Passionate
Personable
Relates well to people
Sense of humor
Sincere
Warm and caring
Warm, open personality
Progressive Progressive
Progressive/inclusive
Theologically open‐we are not the church of the 1950's.
Worship style less formal
Scholarly A professional pastor
with more than adequate religious education and some knowledge of actual public ways.
Bible smart.
clarifies and elaborates different interpretations of scripture
Must be a skilled, biblically based preacher
Scholar of the Word
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scholarship
Theologically open‐broad understanding and insight
Well informed about the gospel, caring, "down to earth".
SDSU able to reach the
college neighborhood
Accepted by SDSU
Interested in college ministry
Traditional Theologically
mainstream Presbyterian
Traditional
Worldly A professional pastor
with more than adequate religious education and some knowledge of actual public ways.
Cross generational
Experienced in life inside and outside the ministry
Has or has raised a family
Well‐traveled/rounded
Young(er) Young
Young or at least young‐thinking
young(er)
Youth Oriented Be creative in
children’s and music programs.
Good with youth
The ability to connect to kids.
Welcoming of children
Q17: What are three things you wish we did better? You can elaborate on each answer as you
wish.
Keep in touch with members who stop coming regularly
sorry, but can't think a thing
Bring in more younger youth
First half of the service is always very predictable with the reading of confessional statements from the bulletin. This is not particularly engaging for adults or kids alike. I would like to see this part of the service be more engaging.
It's not necessarily "Better" that I wish...rather, "More". I think we do an excellent job with the number of people and the demographics that we have. If we had more people and a wider spread of ages, we could do more.
Offering different styles of worship.
Meet new people
I wish we had more "toe tapping" hymns to sing...
Attracting new members. The hot dog stand days are great but they don't come to the church service.
I have never had anyone of the employees express an interest in me by contact
Gatherings that include dining together
I can't think of anything
Wish we had a better way to attract new members
Sorry, I'm too old to do much with these 3 questions....
I wish we could attract more young people.
Follow up with visitors
Engage with other churches in the area or in the denomination for joint events where more families can join in to make it worthwhile.
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Kind of a continuation of #1: It seems it is the same group of people who do everything; this is understandable given our small numbers and advanced ages of many members.
Seeing the music program grow.
Let young children remain in worship if parents wish
wish we could find a way for those slightly younger members who work and have families to find time to be involved with the church.
Increase giving
We have an excellent preschool but very few preschool families attend the church. We should seek to understand why and if preschool families would be interested in or feel welcome at the church.
Having enough members so that the workload is more evenly distributed.
Start worship at 1000 making it easier for infirm to attend on time.
Q18: Is there something Faith Presbyterian doesn't have that could help us grow?
Collaboration with other churches or organizations for events
This is a tough time for churches. Are there any churches out there who might be suitable to merge into Faith?
We are full of spirit and as a congregation have a really big heart. But we need to grow! Reaching out to the community by offering a second, different‐style service would be a start.
Air conditioning in the sanctuary
More families. Programs for singles.
Signage is dated.
Attract more young families
Same as above
Prayer groups
sorry. can't think of a thing
Have evening service on Sunday
Collaboration with other churches or organizations for events
This is hard for me to say because the kind of worship services we have (traditional) are what I like. That's not to say that I would necessarily oppose changes that would attract younger people. I think it's become apparent that we MUST attract some younger people/families or we won't survive. Maybe publicity would attract more people but, unless we make some changes, those people won't be younger.
Classes; more adult education
Music that inspires younger members
A way to become better known in the area (and area has to include Del Cerro,etc, not just SDSU and the church)
Q19: What opportunities for growth do you think Faith Presbyterian is missing out on
Attracting families of preschool children
Collaboration between church and preschool for events
A second service that is praise‐themed. We need younger families to carry on.
The neighborhood is less family oriented than it was years ago. We need families to help us grow.
Colors to warm the sanctuary. It is so 1950
Same as the above question
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Not sure
again, I'm sorry, but I can't think of a thing
Collaboration between church and preschool for events
I'm sure there are but I don't know what they are.
Reaching out to more people.
Same as above
Can't think of anything
Q20: These are two or three things Faith Presbyterian needs to hang on to:
High quality worship and music
i like the salad luncheon; it helps keep the congregation together
music
Bible Study
Pastor Gary Ziccardi (or failing that having a pastor who can listen to the membership and gauge how to lead the church in the right direction)
Inclusive
It's accepting and all‐inclusive attitude
One‐on‐one caring
Choir
Each other.
Music program
Site
Caring congregation
It's openness to people, visitors as well as members
friendly, accepting attitude
Caring for members
college outreach
Music program
Open and welcoming spirit in the congregation
Neighborhood activities
Strong music program
A relaxed atmosphere in worship
Good teaching from the Word
Collage ministry
Friendliness of the congregation
Hot dogs plus
Choir and organ music
It's commitment of caring for those in our midst in time of difficulty
Friendliness to visitors
Young families
Kids Inclusive
Bible‐based teachings
Inclusivity
Memorial services
Share facilities
Meaningful pastor messages
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Q21: These are things Faith Presbyterian needs to surrender:
Excessive focus on SDSU. We should be open and welcoming to all including college students, but I don't think devoting significant time and energy to recruiting students will prove fruitful for long term growth of the congregation
Being "inclusive"
Reluctance to change
I can't think of any. Are we doing anything wrong?
Pastor Chris and the way we have always done things
Just don't know
Thinking that we need just one service that will fill the needs of all.
Traditions
I don't know
Reluctance to try new things, especially in worship
Q22: Given your answers to the two previous questions, what decisions should be made in the
near future?
Select a new leader who will be a true guide and inspirer. Is radical change the way to go.
Keep the salad luncheon
Appointment of the next pastor is key for the church. Needs someone with the right level of energy to drive the church forward and grow for the future but respect the loyal congregation and its values. The congregation is becoming quite elderly and we need some momentum or the congregation could start to decline.
If there are things to be done that we know will attract younger people/families, we need to do them but not sacrifice our basic principles.
"Decide if we are going to follow the Word.
Who is it we want to reach out to?
We need to really build our children's program.
Generate more support by members
Certainly continue the connection to SDSU students. The hot dog stands and outreach should be continued.
We need to be very careful not to change things, "just for the sake of change": We have a lot that has served us well these past 22 years and we need to add to, just just get rid of.
Q23: Please share your hopes and wishes for the future of Faith Presbyterian.
That a new leader will bring ideas and inspiration that enables the church to grow in numbers and service. That each member may serve and be served to grow in the faith.
A good minister who'll lead us into the future
My hope is that we can survive the dwindling membership. Get the college age kids to be involved in the worship service.
That the church can sustain or grow its numbers by being a welcoming, open friendly church that is engaged in the local and Christian community.
To continue to be the all excepting church and stay with the welcoming environment.
"I would love to win the lottery and pay off our mortgage...:‐)!
Seriously, for those of us who have been fortunate to be members for the past 20+ years, it truly has been a home base, a haven, the glue that has held us all together. We need to find out how to let more people know and share it with them."
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During the building program, the message was "We're not going...we're growing." Right now it looks like the other way around.
"Let's keep the old but embrace the new
Don't ask the same people to fill positions all the time
I would like a pastor to deal with people more boldly who are clearly not leading a Godly life"
I would love to see our church filled with children every Sunday and have more old hymns to sing...
I pray that attendance will increase so it won't fade out like so many of the small churches.
I would be happy to see the membership grow in numbers, and more of the once‐in‐a‐while people become more involved.
I hope the church continues to reach out to the university and the neighborhood.
Serve ethnic groups
I hope the search for a new Pastor will be successful to find a person that can continue the programs we have in place and be a beacon to the community. A great group of caring people here!!
If we can be as open and successful in spreading God's word and caring for each other in the future as we have in the past, we will continue to do well.
i hope the church will continue to be a vital influence in the neighborhood.
