WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?

The couple was getting honest. The husband confided that he really didn't like Brussels sprouts. His wife said, "I made them soon after we were married and you raved about them!"

He smiled and said, "I love you. I wanted you to feel good."

She looked unsettled. "For seventeen years I've made sure to cook Brussels sprouts every week because I thought they were your favorite food," she said.

"I was eating them because I didn't want you to feel bad," he responded.

"Why didn't you tell me instead of being quiet all these years?" the woman asked. "I've hated cooking them and you've endured eating them!"

Sometimes we see things, we experience things, we have questions, we value people or programs or missions, we dream dreams, and if we would share what we're thinking with others in a gracious, honest way it could make a big difference.

A key part of our congregation's Fruitful Congregations' Journey (FCJ) self-study and assessment is an on-line survey. The Church Development team in Indianapolis wants to hear from all of us: new members and recent arrivals, young and old and in-between, conservative and liberal and in-between, The Open Door and Sanctuary, small groups and big groups, men and women, leaders and followers, paid staff and volunteers.

This survey of 30 questions is designed to help the Church Development team as they look at us, assess where we are, and see where God may be calling us. Your voice, your perspective, your dreams, your concerns, and your hopes need to be shared. We are approaching a key moment in our life as a congregation, and what we say (or do not say) at this point can shape our church life for the next 5 to 25 years. This is NOT the time to be quiet about our affection (or lack thereof) for Brussels sprouts! : )

What you will say will be confidential.

We hope you'll be thoughtful, prayerful, and honest.

Each question must be answered, and some of the questions will require extra thought. (Please plan on the survey taking between 15-32 minutes to complete.) If you're not sure about your answer please choose "neutral" for fill in the blank questions or "none" for text answer questions.

What will you be asked? Among other questions you'll be asked:

• What are the 5 strengths of the congregation?

• What are the 5 areas of concern you have for our congregation?

• What percent of the congregation is involved in mission in the community (based on your observations)?

• What percent of the congregation would you say attends worship 50% of the time?

• What percent of the congregation would you say is involved in small groups?

• What are 3 victories our church has had in the last 10 years?

• What are 2-3 new ministries started in the last 10 years?

• What are the 3 ministries that best help our church connect and serve the community?

• What are the 3 pastors you consider to have most effectively led our church (and give 1 reason for their success)?

• What are the 3 most important events in the history of the church that helped move our mission of disciple-making forward?

• What are the 3 most disruptive events in the history of our church that hindered our disciple-making ministry?

• How are decisions made in our church?

To take the survey, please go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/FCJStep2Fall13.

If you do not have a personal computer we will have several computer terminals set up in the church building for you to use on Sunday, August 17, 24, and 31. (Watch for an announcement about where those will be located.)

If you do not have access to the internet, we will have some paper copies of the survey for you to use if that is the only way you can participate. (You will be able to pick up a paper form at the Welcome Desk in the Atrium or the Church Office. Please complete the form and return it immediately so our office team can input the data on-line.)

The deadline for completion of the on-line survey is Friday, September 19th. Completed surveys after that date will not be included in the study since the Church Development team will be working hard to prepare for their weekend with us on October 24th-26th.

Pilots tell us that their instruments must be accurate. Everything depends on good information. What you have to say can help us see more clearly where we are, and that can help us see where God is calling us to go.

Wisdom is a precious thing, Proverbs points out again and again. "Turn your ear and hear the words of the wise," 22:17 says. "By wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established," we're told in 24:3. "Words spoken at the right time are like gold apples in a silver setting," 25:11 observes. And in 24:26 this expert on wisdom says, "Those who speak honestly are like those who kiss on the lips."

Enter the conversation. Share the truth as you see it in as prayerful and thoughtful and honest a way as possible. Take time today or tomorrow and complete the survey you'll find at www.surveymonkey.com/s/FCJStep2Fall13.

Our voices, together, at this point can shape our future for years to come.

In Christ and for Christ,

Mark Fenstermacher