The
planning of a neighborhood survey is very important. It is suggested that a committee
of Brothers be formed, and a chairman or coordinator be appointed. The survey
can be done in one’s own church, or in other churches in the city or town.
Before any planning is done, it is necessary to have the rector approve the plan.
If the survey is to be undertaken in another neighborhood, it will be necessary
to contact the rector there for his approval. A note to the Bishop of the Diocese,
or a personal call, advising him of what is to be done would be strongly recommended. After
approval by the rector, planning sessions are to be scheduled. The first meeting
of the planning committee should include the rector, with the program laid out
for him, requesting his help. Give him reasons why a neighborhood survey can be
done by Brothers of the Chapter, and volunteers from the congregation. Also, what
benefits can be accomplished by having a neighborhood survey, much as the
following: A house-to-house neighborhood calling,
inviting the unchurched to come to the church, is one way to involve the people
in the Decade of Evangelism. The survey will
give the rector a good understanding of peoples’ participation in church
attendance in the neighborhood. The unchurched
will have an opportunity to attend the church, by invitation.
The joy of meeting people, and inviting them to come to the services.
The hope and prayer that new, unchurched families may join the church.
It
is important to involve the congregation in the calling. To some, it might be
unthinkable to ring doorbells. Others will take this as an opportunity to serve
the people, and the Lord. By careful planning and much prayer, it can be a very
exciting and rewarding experience for all in the church. After
a neighborhood area is selected, the rector and the committee will prepare maps
for the callers. Local city halls or real estate offices can usually furnish detailed
street maps. It is best to call on the homes “two-by-two”, such as a
Brotherhood man and a member of the congregation, or two church members. Each
twosome has received a list of homes on which to call, identified with street
names and house numbers, if possible. They will also have handouts to give the
people as they call. The handouts can be flyers with the church services indicated,
the church activities described, etc. Also, the callers may have separate cards,
asking these questions of the people: Are you currently
active in a church? (yes or no) If yes, where? If no, have you been looking for
a church? (yes or no) Are you acquainted with
or familiar with the Episcopal Church (yes, no)
May we leave these flyers with you? Would you
like a get-acquainted visit with our rector?
Would you like us to send you information about our Spaghetti Dinner on October
10 (or whatever event is current)? May we have
your name and phone number?
The callers will indicate
on the card the information for the rector. The following are some suggested categories
and these can be added to or decreased as part of the planning:
- casual interest, churched
- casual interest, unchurched
- good
prospect
- seeking a church
- demonstrated interest
- happy
with current church
- unchurched
- not interested
- would like
priest to visit
Other information may he given
out, such as the history of the church, vestry names, youth programs, Sunday School
class times, weekday programs, etc. After the callers have
returned from the house-to-house visitations, a time of sharing over lunch or
dinner is a must. Here the enthusiasm and experiences will be shared with each
other eagerly. The lunch can be prepared by those who prefer to do this. Other
non-calling assignments can be made in the printing of the flyers, and calling
cards, complication and analysis of the calls, etc., to involve other congregational
members in the project. (one church called on 1,000 homes, in four hours, in.
the city.) Your rector may want a printout of the calls. The
members of the congregation should be encouraged to participate in some part of
the entire program. For additional information, if needed,
to have a Survey, please contact the Brotherhood National Office. Remember
bathe this program (as all others) in prayer. Get your rector’s ear and then
let the Holy Spirit guide you. |
