Many of you know of and many of you participated in the recent self study lead by Jeanne Maes professor in the school of business at the University of South Alabama. In the realm of her expertise is organizational analysis. The process she used and uses for other institutions, businesses and churches and others is termed Appreciative Inquiry. Her work and ours gave us I think a good snapshot into the state of things at All Saints; some very rich information that we can build upon; information with which to grow the vital mission that All Saints offers in this city.
I don’t think any of us were surprised at the data we collected. The comments were mostly very positive, and there was critique as well. That is what a self study is supposed to accomplish. It was pointed out that we need a more functional infrastructure to better attend to the needs of our own parishioners. We will be working on that. It was noted that we need to upgrade our facilities, particularly Stirling Hall and the kitchen. We are looking into the possibility of grant money in that regard. Our tight financial position remains a concern. Attracting and keeping new members will go a long way in easing that problem. One of our members referred to us as a best kept secret. We need to get that secret out.
The positive comments were plentiful which was not surprising. Many spoke of our genuine inclusiveness and welcoming disposition; others spoke of our commitment to outreach and helping out our neighbors; someone used the phrase that we are adept at connecting the Altar to the street; many comments lauded the fact that intelligent inquiry is encouraged here, that our questions of faith are deeply valued; a deep sense of family was a phrase that was used often in the survey; there is a large number of people here because we are seen as the church in Mobile that espouses social justice, a central issue in the gospels; many at All Saints appreciate our music, liturgy and preaching. The list was a long one.
After Dr. Maes’ presentation this past Sunday, which was a summary analysis of the raw data, I expressed my perhaps naive frustration that I don’t understand why this place isn’t teeming with new members. I still don’t understand why not. Maybe it is that we’re swimming a little upstream theologically given our location in the deep south. Her answer to me was, having pored over the data, the numbers we worry about aside, is that we are a vibrant and very much alive church at our core. We just have to share that vitality with others. I’m sure many if not all of us know someone who belongs here; who would thrive here; whose quest for a spiritual life with integrity would be met here. As our stewardship efforts begin let us consider our giving seriously as an outward and visible sign of our commitment here and love for this community. We need a strong response; and lets also consider that growing our membership is also an issue of stewardship. We don’t just aim for sustainability, but we aim to thrive in what God calls us to be and do. We have something unique in Mobile, and I am proud to be a part of it. I hope you feel the same way.
