The Pastoral Search Committee (PSC) distributed a ten-question survey that was made available to the congregation between February 18 - March 1, 2022. The surveys were sent via email to members and made available at the church in a hard-copy format. There were 129 congregational responses to the PSC Survey. Of the responses, 111 of these were gathered via email and 18 were hard copies. The goal of the survey was to gather important information from the congregation regarding their perspectives related to the current search for a Senior Pastor (Teaching Elder). Opinion information as well as demographic information was collected with the results being published in this document.

Age, Education, Experience

The first three questions gathered input related to work experience, educational background, and preferred age for a Senior Pastor at KPC. Given the survey results on “Senior Pastor Age,” most responses (51%) indicated an age preference between 40-55 years, and 30% indicated a preferred age of 30-40 years. This aligns with responses concerning “Educational Qualifications” indicating that a Seminary Education (Master’s Degree) was a very important qualification (77%). The pastoral experience responses were divided equally, with half preferring 5-10 years of Pastoral Experience (45%) and half preferring 10-20 years (47%).

Pastoral Priorities

When asked for congregation opinions related to the top three responsibilities of a Senior Pastor, survey responses indicate two clear priorities: “Sermon Preparation” (67.6%) and “Personal Bible Study and Prayer” (61.2%). “Promoting Church Ministries” and “Counseling and Advising” were closely tied for third priority (34-40%). The results were also clearly defined concerning the four areas that should require least priority for a Senior Pastor: “Administrative and Office Work” (62%), “Promoting Cultural/Civic Awareness” (45%), “Visiting Prospective Members” (38%) and “Presbytery Service and Attendance” (34%).

Holy Spirit

Concerning the importance of calling a Pastor who is spirit filled and operating in the various gifts of the Holy Spirit, a combined total of 85% respondents felt this was “Extremely Important” (58%) or “Very Important” (27%).

Qualities and Characteristics Narrative

Question seven in the PSC survey provided an opportunity for respondents to articulate the most important quality that a Senior Pastor at KPC should possess. Congregants were asked to express their feelings about additional characteristics they would like to see in our Pastor. There were 108 narrative responses recorded by the survey ranging from 3 to 150 words and including a seemingly wide range of expectations within them. Words that were often used to describe a Senior Pastor included “A Shepherds Heart,” “Servant Leader,” “Forthright in teaching truth,” “Humble,” and “A sense of humor.” Upon careful consideration, it is possible to group the various traits and qualities into four basic categories. These categories are:

·      A deep and real love of Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit – exhibiting Fruit of the Spirit in all aspects of their professional and personal life. A desire for others within and outside of the Body to know Jesus like this. A transparent faith that is integrous with the Pastor’s life and actions.

·      A deep knowledge of and grounding in scripture, including knowledge of Greek and Hebrew, and historical perspectives, expository teaching, intelligent and thorough biblical study.

·      Excellent communication skills – a true gift of spirit-led teaching and the ability to bring truth in scriptures in a way that is understandable and applicable to the cultural issues of the day. This trait was also applied to the ability to manage a staff, solve problems, provide advice and counseling when needed.

·      Relational / Approachable. The congregants want to know their Pastor. They want to know that he loves them and is concerned for their well-being and their spiritual growth. This was often combined with a “Womb to Tomb” calling, which would encourage an inter-generational congregation supporting children’s ministry, family growth, being relational to youth and retired members alike. The Pastor also should be able to listen, hear, and consider the words and the heart of the congregation.

Obviously, we are looking for Jesus to come and lead us, and in a sense that is true. The desire for a Pastor who is filled with the Spirit, a lover of Jesus, unafraid to speak truth, caring for the lost as well as the saved, an encourager of the development of individual giftings and lover of Scripture and Worship might just be out there waiting for God’s calling.

Survey Respondent Demographics

Questions 8-10 provided information related to the 129 survey respondents. The information that was gathered reflects only the percentages provided by these. In a nutshell, the average congregant responding to the survey was between 55-65+ years of age. One third were occupied in a professional career (35%) and one third (33.63%) were currently retired. The average respondent completed college (31%) with an additional 35% completing graduate school. 30% had attended 1-3 years of college. All respondents had completed High School. The Survey did not request information related to the gender of respondents or to the length of time they had been a member of Kempsville Presbyterian Church.                                                                                            

The information gathered through the well distributed survey provides helpful information. It does not serve as a “means to an end” but is a useful tool to help the PSC as it seeks the Lord’s choice for KPC. The data gathered through the survey will also provide valuable information for potential candidates as they consider God’s calling related to KPC. The results cannot be considered “absolute,” since the entire congregation did not respond. The results only indicate the information and preferences of the 129 respondents, providing insight and guidance into our congregational needs and concerns. The PSC is extremely grateful to those of you who took the time to provide comments, answers, and opinions as we move forward in this important search. Thank you so much for your help and input.