Springwood Winmalee Anglican Church

News

LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS NEIGHBOURHOOD SURVEY

19 January 2009

Conducted by members of the Springwood & Winmalee Anglican Churches (SWAC)
in October & November 2008.

Final results: 136 respondents

 

1. Do you attend any local church regularly?

Response No. of Responses Percentage
Yes 27 20%
No 73 54%
Used to 34 25%
Blank 2 1%
TOTAL 136  

2. Why do you think most people don’t attend church these days (or why don’t you)? (Respondents could give more than one reason)

Reasons No. of Responses Percentage
Too money grubbing 4 3%
Past hurts   9 7%
Too boring   9 7%
Too judgemental   9 7%
Irrelevant 18 13%
Don't believe/not religious 39 29%
Don't like the church system 15 11%
Too busy 41 30%
I don't need it 6 4%
Bad experience at church 8 6%
Feel uncomfortable there  7 5%

3. If you were looking for a church, what kind of things would you look for in a church?

Characteristics  No. of Responses Percentage
Children's activities 28 21%
Relevant issues raised 23 17%
Youth activities  31 23%
Genuine care  28 21%
Traditional style church 25 18%
Lively and interesting 24 18%
Answers to life questions 19 14%
A sense of community and friendship 80 59%

4. How would you suggest our church could better serve this community?

Response No. of Responses Percentage
Blank/No idea 77 57%
Response 59 43%
TOTAL 136  

34 (25%) respondents specifically mentioned our church should better help local people in need or be more involved in local/community causes.

5. What questions would you like to ask the church or God if you could?

Question No. of Responses Percentage
Why does God allow suffering?  36 26%
How can you have eternal life?  2 1%
Hasn't religion caused too many wars?  17 13%
How can I have God in my life?  2 1%
How can you know God is here?  11 8%
With so many religions, is any right?  17 13%
Hasn't science/evolution disproved the bible? 10 7%
Does God answer prayer?  9 7%

6. How likely would you be to accept an invitation of a friend to visit their church?

Response No. of Responses Percentage
Very likely 20 15%
Possibly 50 37%
Unlikely 30 22%
Very unlikely 22 16%
No response 14 10%
TOTAL 136  

7. What do you think of Jesus and who was he?

Response No. of Responses Percentage
God 8 6%
Son of God 20 15%
Creator 4 3%
Saviour 10 7%
Unsure/no opinion 16 12%
Mythical figure 4 3%
Existed but not God 20 15%
Good person 37 27%
Good teacher 6 4%
Prophet 4 3%
Alive today 5 4%
No response 19 14%

8. Would you like an information leaflet about our church and a copy of this leaflet explaining how a person can have eternal life?

Response No. of Responses Percentage
Yes 25 18%
No 50 37%
No response 60 44%
Already  have one 1 1%
TOTAL 136