The Session can derive real benefit and encouragement by doing a random poll of the membership around certain open-ended questions. Depending on the size of the congregation, you might choose to make a telephone call to every tenth family as a way of getting a random sample. You might send them a letter with the questions on it and telling them about the call so that they can do some thinking ahead of time. Some of the questions you might consider are:

1. What do you think are two of this church’s best gifts?

2. What is something that you saw a member do in the past few months that you appreciate?

3. What are two or three strengths of the ministry of this church?

4. What is an advantage that a member might derive from a church this size that might not be as available in a different size church?

5. What is a benefit that you derive from your faith that you are not sure a person without faith might experience?

6. What is one thing that attracted you to this church?

7. What is a benefit that you continue to derive?

8. In what way does being part of this church help you be connected with something larger than yourself?

You may want to select only four or five of the above or compose some of your own. The intention is to shape questions that encourage positive evaluation of a person’s experience in the church.

Occasionally you may also derive some negative feedback. You should make note of it, promise to convey the information, and continue with asking the more positive questions as well.

Once the calls are all made, there should be a meeting to compile what has been heard and to perhaps design a way to share it with the congregation. It will also provide you with ample material on which to begin to build a positive 2019.