St Mark’s Going Forward – Survey Results

Report on the survey conducted in March and April 2025

Of the 29 responses reviewed on 21st April, 26 were submitted online, 3 on paper. In addition to these there is the record of the Vestry discussion of 12th March that included the same four questions. There will be more paper replies to come, to be sure. This therefore is an interim report.

1. What kind of a Church are we called to be?

The Vestry response fell into three main areas: being relevant, being community focused and going deeper.

The majority of respondents by far wanted us to remain an inclusive Church. The word inclusive was generally used to mean accepting of all-comers, with some contributions specifically mentioning inclusive of LGBTQ+ members.

Next came welcoming, both generally to all and specifically to young families. Being inclusive and welcoming were seen as major expressions of being loving. Some also used the expression of being ‘a parish Church’, to convey this.

Being modern, embracing change and being forward thinking were also widely stated as important. Some responses added to this the need to be Bible-based and faithfully rooted in the Gospel, and in our Anglican heritage.

2. What can we do as members to help achieve this?

There was wide recognition that it was up to us as members to make the difference that we hoped for, particularly to ensure that we were inclusive, non-judgmental, welcoming and loving as we thought the Church should be.

Phrases such as ‘using our gifts and talents’, ‘act as we say’, ‘fully participating’, ‘reaching out to the community’ and ‘involving our own friends and family’ came to the fore. Some put this as continuing the work of Gav and Helen, and of supporting the ongoing leadership.

People gave examples of particular kinds of ministry such as Lord’s Larder, a cafe, book clubs, bingo, life groups, family nights and weekday church opening.

The Vestry response was about members actively managing initiatives like the above, taking turns to lead Bible study groups and getting involved with youth groups such as Scouts.

3. What kind of leadership now will help us get there?

The Vestry response very much anticipated what most of the later respondents said.

Particularly, leadership that was contemporary and innovative waws seen to be highly important. Gifts around music and technology and the ability to teach well were seen as facets of this.

The personal example of being welcoming and inclusive, open and passionate, loving and caring, empathetic and attentive was seen as vital in leading ministry that wanted to promote these qualities. Some wanted leadership that was young and energetic. Others wanted good organizational and administrative skills.

People valued leaders who got involved in the community and who were good at supporting and equipping volunteers. One respondent usefully referred to the harm caused by having the wrong person as leader, who did not fit the core values of the membership.

4. Any further thoughts or comments that will help plan succession?

The wider survey, so far, overwhelmingly endorsed the direction taken by the present leadership: we should focus on families and continue with the informal, contemporary, progressive and engaging style of our worship and mission.

Other specific comments touched on the importance of fun, food and friendship and of using modern methods of communication. The combination of priest and spouse in leadership was seen as a strong asset.

While early identification of a new priest was desirable, it was though that in any vacancy we should continue with ministry the way it has recently evolved. To maintain continuity we should listen to new members, engage with our young families, support one another in our faith and prize our diversity. Praying together will help us grow closer.

The Vestry discussion saw how, while we may feel uncertain as what the future has in store, God has a plan for St Mark’s and he knows already who is it that he has chosen to lead us in going forward.

This report will be updated as more responses are included. Meanwhile, in my view there is sufficient consensus to know what direction we should be taking, and to form the search committee.

John Stow

23rd April, 2025