Almost every pastor will tell you that it’s been a little tricky trying to get an accurate read of congregational life in the past couple of years.
It’s hard to know who’s still here, who’s moved on, and who is just waiting at home a bit longer before venturing out.
Hollydene Church in Victoria, BC sent out a one-answer survey during the pandemic to help figure out how their people were doing.
They asked everyone to email a number – 1, 2, 3, or 4.
1 meant “I’ve moved away or on – but I’m no longer here.”
2 meant “Yes, I’m with you and all is good – but I’m not always here.”
3 meant “I’m here and I’d like to know how to get more involved.”
4 meant “I’m having a hard time. Please call.”
Probably the simplest survey ever – but it gave the leadership a picture of how their community was coping.
And it gave them a chance to follow-up with those who responded with a 3 or 4.
Pastoral care comes in all sorts of ways – sometimes even in the request for a simple number.