#3 - Our church has no diaconate. When we were meeting in a school until recently, we had to set up/tear down every Sunday morning, and the "deacons" were the guys on the setup crew. I know, pretty lame. Also... MORE emphasis on small groups. Currently about 40% of our regular attenders do them, I'd like to see that number at least double! ALSO... I believe in church membership. We instituted membership 3 yrs ago, then our leaders backed off w/o informing the congregation. So once again we are just a bunch of people who happen to go to the same church most of the time....

#4 - People are too busy, or not really "ready to take that step", whatever that means. Yep, those are the tops.

Interesting survey Todd, hope it helps!

Great Questions, Brother Todd! And the answers here seem to have a consistant tone--people want to learn, feel and express the love of Christ--at least those that have answered seem to be relaying that message
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Mike--We are experiencing that 'set up-tear down' quandry ourselves right now. Although we are not in a school, we are still in a temporary setting and it is very demanding. At first it pulled out the best in people, now it's a challenge--and I'm sure it will continue to morph through it's phases until we are stabilized again. BUT, we are in a GREAT place and it's been really good for us to realize that it is WORK to work the Word, it pulls you out of your comfort zone for real! The bonding that has taken place through the demands of relocation has brought us into unity and a position of strength that can only be forged through team work--we really have learned that we are each vital to the point that if one falls out, it's a critical hit to all so we have learned to value each other far more than when we just sat next to eachother each Sunday morning--giving the obligatory hug.

Dan--I love your suggestion about an offering for members in need. I once went to a church that did that and it was so wonderful! You truly felt knitted to one another--knowing you were giving to solve a problem, and if you were ever need others were there to help you out. In fact, we talked about this at lunch--the special bond that is created when you are in a group that truly lives "whatever I have is yours"...that is a very strong bond! 

My Answers: 1& 2. I love my church--but I stuck with it, pushing through my personal feelings at times and PRAYING through those times for Christ's love for the church--what kind of love is this...that He would die for this dysfunctional organization that calls it's self by His name? Well--it finally dawned on me that the perfect church is elusive in this life; it is what we attain only through His blood covering, the garments we exchange for dirty rags once the show is over. Until then, we are all just sinners saved by grace and some require more grace than others. I was once one of those who required much grace...but in the church....the same church for 12 years now...I have need less of His grace and now I can extend mercy...understanding how much it means to recieve it.  3. Less of a consumer mentality--more of a heart felt, burning passion to disciple others. I gree with the intimacy of small groups. I think it's vital to building relationships and effective discipleship. 4. Distrust--fear of judgement, less of God than of people. People are usually quick to say, "oh, I believe in God" but they are very distrusting of the church. They believe that God is merciful--but thay don't see the church as equally merciful. Acceptence and love...right where they are this minute is HUGE!