^^^ Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Leadership Interviews
• Congregational Interviews
• Summary & Observations
• Recommended Action

• List of Interviewees
• Leadership Interview Questions (N/A)
• Congregational Interview Questions (N/A)

Goehner Resource Group has conducted a congregational study for Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church to determine the feasibility of and potential for a capital campaign to construct an educational building. This building would be used for Christian education, pre-school and other church meetings and functions.

The Church has undergone a long and sometimes laborious process, including two architects, to reach the point where a vote was held to move forward on a building program. The purpose of this study is to determine the commitment of the congregation to the building program, including their potential financial commitments to a capital campaign.

Goehner Resource Group conducted the study in two steps:

• Interviews of the Church Council and Pastor by Don Goehner
• Interviews of the congregation by Don Goehner and David Buchanan

In addition, two families responded by email and one family was interviewed by telephone. In all, 38 family units participated in the congregational study.

We wish to thank Jan Seerveld who coordinated the study. Her work in establishing the sign-up system for interviews, follow up reminder calls, coordination of completion of the organizational profile and providing a meal for the Consultant helped to make this a very wonderful experience for Goehner Resource Group.

This report is designed to present results, give a summary of observations and make recommendations for the potential of a capital campaign. It is presented with the hope that it will assist the leadership of Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church to make wise decisions as they seek to discover God’s will for the Church.

Leadership Interviews

Don Goehner interviewed eight (8) families in which one or the other spouse serves on the Church Council and the Pastor and his wife.

The following is a summary of the results of these interviews.

What are the strengths of the current ministry of the Church?

Four (4) strengths were most predominantly mentioned:
• Caring community
• Biblically sound
• Commitment and devotion of members
• CRC doctrine

What are the areas that need improvement?

Overwhelmingly, the leaders of the Church feel that outreach/evangelism/service is the number one area that needs improvement. There was some discussion about more volunteers, better inter-generational activities and ministries and facilities. However, overwhelmingly, the leaders feel that the ministry of outreach needs additional and continual attention.

What are some issues this Church may face in the next three years? (Societal, cultural, community)

Three (3) issues were mostly commonly mentioned:
• The issue of homosexuality
• Women in ministry
• Retired people leaving the area

How "in tune" is the general congregation with the vision the leadership has for this Church?

The conclusion of the leaders is that the people are basically on the same page as the leadership team. Communication needs improvement, but generally people understand the vision for the future.

Give me your reaction to the building plans.

The vast majority of the Church leaders expressed excitement about the educational building and the overall building plans. A few indicated that they are still asking some questions, but generally are very positive.

How important are these projects to the ongoing ministry of this Church?

• 45% - Absolutely necessary (4 of 9)
• 33% - Not sure (3 of 9)
• 22% - Somewhat important (2 of 9)

When asked to indicate why these projects are important, the number one reason indicated was that they felt it would give a boost to the Church and psychologically would be a very positive step for the congregation. Other comments indicated this would signal a change in the direction of the Church, provide a resource for growth and give a more positive feeling. Two to three individuals were not certain that the Church would grow and as a result had some doubts as to the long-term importance of this project.

Are there any issues in the leadership body or the general congregation that would prevent a campaign from being successful? (land mines)

The leadership interviewees felt there were no land mines or problems that would prevent a campaign from being successful. In fact, some felt it would be a bigger negative, if the campaign was not held.

Do you think the congregation has the capacity to give up to $1,000,000 over and above regular giving to a campaign? (4 years)

• 56% - Yes (5 of 9)
• 33% - Maybe (3 of 9)
• 11% - No (1 of 9)

The person who responded no, felt that the Church could raise $500,000 and finance the rest.

Do people have the will?

The response to this question was almost equally split between Yes and Not Sure.

Are you willing to serve in a leadership position?

Two-thirds of the interviewees responded Yes.

Are you and your spouse willing to participate financially?

• 75% - Yes
• 12.5% - Maybe
• 12.5% - Probably No

If yes, in what approximate range might your commitment be?

• 11% - Not Certain
• 22% - $30,000 +
• 22% - $10,000 - $20,000
• 11% - $20,000 +
• 11% - $10,000 +
• 11% - $9,600
• 11% - $1,000 - $3,000

Who are the key people needed to lead the campaign in order to achieve the financial goals and have a spiritual impact? (2-3 people)

Five (5) family units were most often mentioned:
• Todd & Carole Hoeksema
• Ron & Mary Schrotenboer
• John & Karen Wynbeek
• Don & Valerie Sterk
• Luke & Jan Seerveld

Is there any additional information about the Church that would be helpful to me or any question I have not asked?

• "If the Church wants it, it will get it."
• "I have some fear about people leaving."
• "There is some tension between the old and the young, the new and the old, and between the traditional CRC and outreach."

Congregational Interviews

Don Goehner, with the assistance of David Buchanan, conducted 26 interviews with congregational families. (David conducted five interviews during my absence, due to my mother’s illness.) Two families responded by email and Don conducted a phone interview with one other family. In addition, Don conducted an interview with Diane Chambers, Director of the Pre-School.

• 15% - 0-5 years
• 15% - 6-10 years
• 12% - 11-15 years
• 19% - 16-25 years
• 39% - 25 + years

Overwhelmingly, the number one reason people were attracted to the Church was because of their CRC heritage.

In what distinct ways has the Church ministered to you? Your family?

The foremost predominantly mentioned impacts of ministry were:
• Friendship/a friendly church
• Sermons
• Family atmosphere
• Ministry to our family, i.e., children

What are the strengths of the current ministry of the Church?

Overwhelmingly, the current strength is that Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church is a caring community.

A second level of strengths identified included: the Pastor, singing/music, preaching, biblical base and the gifted people.

What are the areas that need improvement or attention?

The area most frequently mentioned by far was the declining membership. The other two areas mentioned somewhat frequently were: lack of openness to change and the "Dutch" church within PACRC.

What are some issues this Church may face in the next three years? (Societal, internal, cultural, spiritual)

The number one issue identified was people leaving the Church. Over half of the interviewees indicated this is a real area of concern.

A second level of issues was indicated somewhat frequently and included: the retirement of the Pastor, the declining membership, need for evangelism, and women in office.

From your perception, does the Church leadership have a well-defined vision for its future?

• 37% - Yes
• 30% - No
• 26% - Not Certain
• 7% - Not Necessary

• 13% - Very effective
• 39% - Effective
• 30% - Somewhat effective
• 18% - Not effective

In summary, 82% feel the Church Council is somewhat to very effective.

• 39% - Very effective
• 35% - Effective
• 13% - Somewhat effective
• 9% - Not effective
• 4% - Not certain

In summary, 87% feel the pastor is somewhat to very effective.

Are the finances managed in a prudent manner?

Eighty-five percent (85%) of the respondents indicated the finances are managed in a prudent manner. An additional 12% felt they are managed somewhat prudently (have some questions) and 3% indicated they were not certain.

Please give me your reaction to the building project?

• 24% - Very positive
• 32% - Positive
• 24% - Somewhat positive
• 16% - Negative
• 4% - Mixed feelings

In summary, 80% feel somewhat to very positive about the building project.

How important are these facilities to the ongoing ministry of the Church?

• 32% - Very important
• 20% - Important
• 12% - Somewhat important
• 28% - Not important
• 8% - Not certain

In summary, 64% feel the project is somewhat to very important.

• 32% - Yes
• 20% - No
• 48% - Not certain

• 52% - Yes
• 48% - Not certain

• 36% - Yes
• 41% - No
• 23% - Not certain

Are there any problems in the leadership or general congregation that would prevent a campaign from being successful? (land mines)

Seventy-five percent (75%) of the individuals interviewed felt there were no land mines. Of the remaining 25%, only two were mentioned more than once: the retirement of the Pastor and people moving away.

Are you willing to consider an over and above pledge for three (3) years for this project?

• 75% - Yes
• 8% - No
• 17% - Not certain

If yes, in what approximate range might your commitment be?

• 8% - $1,000 - $3,000
• 17% - $3,000 - $5,000
• 13% - $10,000 - $20,000
• 17% - $20,000 +
• 3% - $25,000
• 42% - Not certain

It should be noted that one of the individuals who indicated they might give $20,000 is considering leaving the area, but would continue to give to the Church during the building campaign.

Who are the key people needed to lead the campaign in order to achieve the financial goals and have a spiritual impact?

Those family units mentioned most often were:
• Luke & Jan Seerveld
• Todd & Carole Hoeksema
• Ron & Mary Schrotenboer

• 53% - Yes
• 32% - No
• 15% - Not certain

Is there any other information that you think will be helpful for me to know about the Church, or any question I have not asked?

• "We need to do something. Maybe not this much." (Indicated by nearly one-third of the respondents.)
• "How could this be done? We are pessimistic and rather conservative, but we’d love to see it."
• "The church is not growing; the project is too big."
• "There is no basis on which to expect growth."
• "We have to do something, but not $1,000,000."
• "The need is not clear. There is some incompatibility with the pre-school crowding us."
• "We’re unhappy with how the church looks. It does not make a favorable presentation."
• "The church needs to move forward; we’ve been talking about it for too many years."
• "It’s a good church, good people; I am questioning whether this is the right location.
• "I’m concerned about the number of single people we have and the lack of money they might have to give to the project."
• "Can we get money from the church help fund or the CRC? Could we sell notes or make a loan?"
• "Most key people come to church here because of the CRC tradition."
• "I think the nursery school is too big."
• "There is a sense of attraction to people who have a CRC background."
• "We’ve lost nine children and two key families since the vote was taken to proceed with the project."
• "I don’t think if you build something, people will automatically come."
• "There has been no hand-off to the next generation."
• "There is a lack of critical mass."
• "I’m concerned about a campaign."
• "Moving has been declared not an option, but I still have concern about building on this site."
• "Activities in a small church mean more work for everyone and I’m afraid people are overworked."
• "One of our real challenges is the geographical scattering."
• "Our church goes against the typical yuppies. We’re about 70% involved and 30% consumer mentality."
• "Some of the people who were the most for change have left."
• "After 12 years, we still feel like newcomers."
• "How much is too much?"
• "We’ve made many attempts at growth and nothing’s worked."
• "I feel we need to listen to God and see what He is saying and where He’s leading us."

Summary & Observations

Based on the information received during the interviews, the Consultant has made the following observations and reached some summary opinions.

1. Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church is a very caring community that receives biblically sound preaching within a family atmosphere. The congregants express a great deal of friendship and concern for each other and are loyal in their faithfulness to Jesus Christ.

2. There is a great deal of concern among both congregants and leaders about the declining membership of the Church. Among the leaders, there is additional concern about the lack of outreach.
3. Among the congregants, many people expressed concern about the lack of openness to change and the reality that there are two churches within PACRC. (Those with a more recent Dutch heritage, i.e., Dutch immigrants, and those who are basically second and third generation Americans.) The study results show that 70% of the congregation has been at the Church more than 10 years.
4. The issues identified as needing attention for improvement are: concern about people leaving, the upcoming retirement of the Pastor, evangelism and women in office.
5. At the conclusion of the study the Consultant is of the opinion that the leadership and the congregation are not "on the same page" regarding vision. During the leadership interviews, the Church Council and Pastor indicated they felt that the general congregation understood the vision of the church. However, during the congregational interviews, only 37% indicated that they felt they clearly understood the future direction of the Church.
6. When asked about the leadership and management of the Church, the respondents were quite positive. The Church Council is viewed as effective and there is appreciation for their labor in ministry. The Pastor is overwhelmingly viewed as effective. The people feel very positive about the financial management of the Church.
7. The building project is viewed positively, but the response is not nearly unanimous: 20% have negative or mixed feelings about the project. Some voiced their disagreement quite strongly. Approximately 30% do not see the importance of these projects; in a small church, this percentage response is more significant than in a large congregation. This is particularly true in a church where 24% of the membership is retired and the dominant trend is declining attendance and membership.
8. The majority are uncertain or skeptical that $1,000,000 can be raised. In contrast, most respondents feel that if PACRC has a project it sees as important, it will be funded.
9. The range of pledges indicated during the interviews is very good. However, it will not raise $1,000,000. It will probably result in a successful goal of $500,000 to $700,000.

Some conclusions reached by the Consultant are:

1. The Church may be thinking about building for the wrong reason. Rarely do buildings cause growth in a church; growth comes from a clearly focused ministry plan.
2. The Consultant has some real questions regarding the motivation for evangelism and outreach at PACRC. Is the primary motive simply to grow the institution or to reach people?
3. The number one attraction in the past is a detriment to the future. Whereas many of the current members were attracted because of the CRC heritage, in the 21st century consumer driven church world this will be a barrier more than a help in seeking growth.
4. To an outsider there does not seem to be a clear vision as to the future direction for the Church. Without vision, the people of God tend to lose focus.
5. There must be clarification regarding the commitment of the Church to the pre-school. Several questions have to be answered:
• Is the school part of the church ministry?
• Is one of the primary motivations for building - to simply clean up the pre-school?
• Since the pre-school will not grow in the new facility, is a facility of this magnitude really needed?
6. Currently the ministry of Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church is directed inward, not outward. There have been several attempts, including the Alpha Program, to turn this into an outward looking church. Based on all of our studies and the wisdom of church leaders in the U.S., only outward directed churches are currently growing.
7. The Church faces a key time of transition in the not too distant future. Currently there is a generational change of leadership that is moving the Church from "immigrant leadership" to second and third generation American leadership. As the retired members continue to move away, the membership may have less "Dutch" heritage. This could bring pain, misunderstanding and questions about the nature of the mission of the Church. Our studies show a second factor of significant growth for a local church is a clear mission.
8. Based on the results of the study, the Consultant concludes that a fairly significant number of people will support the building project out of loyalty, not passion. Therefore, it will be viewed as a project that is "somewhat necessary," but not necessarily a critical ministry tool to be used for both the congregation and the community.
9. The Church needs to have a focused project to improve its facilities and sense of self image. The overall majority think something must be done to upgrade, improve and expand facilities.

Recommended Action

Based on the results of the study and the resulting observations and conclusions, Goehner Resource Group makes the following recommendations:

1. Determine the long-range role of the pre-school and how its ministry will be incorporated into the overall ministry of the Church.
2. Develop a clearly focused three year ministry master plan for the Church which considers the following:
• Ministry focus of the Church
• Determination of ministry priorities, i.e., inward, outward, balanced? Target audience?
• Clear understanding of pastor’s retirement and subsequent transition.
• Is the Church willing to make the paradigm shift necessary to reach non-CRC people.
3. Consider a revised building plan based on the decisions reached in the ministry master plan.
4. There are four potential approaches to the current building plan and potential campaign.
1. Conduct a capital campaign for the education building with a potential goal of $500,000 to $700,000. The balance would be financed over a ten year period of time.
2. Revise the plans for the education building to build a facility that costs in the range of $700,000 to $750,000.
3. Take an interim step to "do something" and remodel and revamp the current facilities. The total project might be $300,000 to $500,000.
4. Do nothing.

In conclusion, I know some people will be disappointed with the recommendations. However, it is imperative that this Church experience a victory and celebration. A building campaign based on the current situation will possibly be a hollow "victory" and create as many issues as it might possibly solve.

Addenda

DeYoung, Henk & Corry
Fiske, Tom & Kim
Hoeksema, Todd & Carole
Hofland, Jon & Susan
Schrotenboer, Ron & Mary
Snow, Bill & Joan
Sterk, Don & Valerie
Veenstra, Jack & Laura
Vreman, Henk & Pietie

Congregation:

Baker, Loren & Linda (email)
Brandse, Gary & Pat
Brewer, John
Broeils, Ruth
DeBruine, Tim & Erin
DeYoung, Kim
Ehrman, John & Graafland, Tineke
Kornelis, Sidney & Ruth
Lindemulder, Tim & Betsy
Linton, Sam & Yvonne
Madany, Peter
Olthof, Keith & Ann
Potman, Peter & Nelly
Rathjens, Lisa
Rooks, Wendell & Nancy (phone)
Sakaldasis, Joan
Seerveld, Luke & Jan
Sheng, Harry & Irene
Smith, Milton & Ruth
Thurlow, Rob & Taylor, Michelle
Traeger, Sharon
VanderKam, Rick & Nielsen, Hatsumi
VanSoldt, Hans & Jenny (email)
Vyfvinkel, Tony & Alice
Wynbeek, John & Karen
Zwaanstra, John

Note: Diane Chambers, Director of the Pre-School was also interviewed.