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Caldwell 8Molly CaldwellCOMM 251, Spring 2009

Dr. Jennifer F. Wood

COMM 251Research Report

Introduction

This research report is a collection of data from a questionnaire, answered bymyself, as well as my two guests, following a visit to Celebrate Life Christian Church(CLCC.) Through this report, I hope to convey both my feelings and my guests’feelings on our visit, as well as some information on other local churches, and thedemographic that CLCC would like to concentrate their growth on, which is youngadults between the ages of 18-30. First of all, I would like to take a moment to thankPastor Steve and Pastor Andrew and everyone else from Celebrate Life ChristianChurch for the opportunity to provide the information I have gathered to you.

Basic Questions from Dr. Wood

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What did I think when I entered the church?

I was thinking that there seemed to be a lot of cars in the parking lot. Also, Iwas curious about the bus in the parking lot, and what it was used for. Uponentering the actual building, I thought it was very nice to be greeted by a lotof smiling faces, and by Pastor Steve himself! He definitely made our entireteam feel very welcome, very quickly. I also really liked the color schemes –the purple was cheery and relaxing.

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What did I think when I exited the church?

I had a lot of ideas for how they could attract more people in my agedemographic! Also, I was thinking about how contemporary the service was,from the modern praise band, to the usage of PowerPoint throughout thesermon. I was thinking that it was unlike any church I had attended before!

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What were the primary strengths of the church?

I feel that the primary strength of this church is definitely its congregation.EVERYONE was friendly and made an effort to meet us. Also, all of ourquestions were welcomed – Pastor Steve was incredibly open to anything wewanted to ask! I also think the praise band was fantastic. It made theexperience a lot more enjoyable for me! I feel that the music, as well as thegraphics on the screen gives the church a modern feeling that is definitelyattractive to younger people.

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What were the primary weaknesses of the church?

I really think the main weakness of the church is that up until Dr. Woodintroduced this assignment, I had never heard of CLCC. Now, granted, it is notin my immediate area, but I have generally heard of many of the churches inLancaster County, at one point or another. I think that if you want to attractmore people my age, you are going to have to have more of a presence onsocial networking sites (IE Facebook and My Space) and on college campuses!

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What would prevent me from going back?

First of all, my religious beliefs, or lack thereof. I do not identify as a Christian,so church really does not interest me. Secondly, the distance from my home –I live just outside Millersville, and spend a lot of time in Lancaster City, so

Caldwell 8there are plenty of churches that I can attend that are much closer to myhome.

Questions and Answers – CLCC’s Questions

In this section, I will highlight both my answers and my guests’ answers to thequestions provided by CLCC.

Information on my guests:

Guest #1

is a 72-year-old retiree. She identifies as aCatholic, and regularly attends services at a traditional Catholic church.

Guest #2

is a 22-year-old college student. She does not identify as a Christian, and does not regularly attend any type of faith services.

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Question 1: As a first-time visitor, what did you like about CLCC? Bespecific by naming at least three things.My answers:

First of all, everyone was very friendly. Secondly, Pastor Stevewas very open to any questions that I had. Lastly, I really enjoyed the livemusic, which I felt gave the church a very modern flair.

Guest #1:

A heartfelt greeting from the pastor upon entering the building.Also, others coming up, shaking hands, and welcoming our group. Finally,excellent singers and musical accompaniment during the service.

Guest #2:

I liked that everyone was welcoming and kind, because I feltslightly less awkward. I liked that free tea and coffee was provided, because itwas chilly outside, and it felt good to warm up. I liked that we were given giftbags, because it made me feel appreciated.

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Question 2: What suggestion(s) would you make about how toactually get people to attend worship services? Please be veryspecific.My answer:

Do a mail drop, inviting people to attend a service – feed them –and ask members to bring people. Also, use Facebook and My Space – a greatway to reach out…for free!

Guest #1:

Each weekend, ask four church members to each bring along onenewcomer to visit one of the services. Continue this practice until eachmember (if able to do so) has invited someone.

Guest #2:

My number one recommendation is to never pressure or pushanyone into something religious. Provide goods or services without anyreligious undertones and offer contact information if anyone is interested inmore information. I recommend kindness for the sake of kindness.

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Question 3: What would it take to get you back to worship again atCLCC? Please be honest and specific.My answer:

I don’t attend church, so I would not be interested in attendingagain.

Guest #1:

This would be unlikely, as I attend another church, Sacred Heart.

Guest #2:

It would need to be closer to campus, because it was not easy tofind. I would like to be able to sit and clap during the singing portion – I wastired after a few songs.

Caldwell 8

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Question 4: What makes you like a church? What turns you off abouta church? Please be specific.My answer:

I like churches that are open and affirming to ALL beliefs (or lackthereof.) I also like churches that open their space to community groupswithout an agenda. I do not like churches that are pushy with their beliefs,ask for a lot of money, or discriminate against non-believers or other peoplethat may not fit their mold.

Guest #1:

The attractions of a place of worship to me are: its pastor(minister, priest, rabbi, etc); the teachings; the people; and the ambiance of the place itself. There is some gut feeling or inner sense that tells you rightaway whether you are in tune with the teachings of any religious community.

Guest #2:

I like visually-appealing churches with Gothic architecture, bigstained-glass windows, candles burning, and a scent of incense in the air. Ilike churches with food. I do not like churches that emphasize sinning andgoing to hell. I do not like churches that force religion on you. I despisechurches that promote homophobia.

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Question 5: Have you attended church in the past? If so, what kindof church? Are you regularly attending church now? If not, why not?Please be honest and specific.My answer:

I sporadically attended an evangelical congregational churchthat my father’s side of the family belonged to as a child, with my family. I donot attend ANY church now, because of my own convictions. After carefulconsideration and further education, I came to the conclusion that I amagnostic. I feel that I do not know if there is any higher power out there, andthat it is not my place to say that I have a definite answer one way or theother.

Guest #1:

Yes, and I currently attend mass at Sacred Heart Church inLancaster. I consider myself a very broadminded Catholic, because I aminterested in, and tolerant of, the beliefs of others.

Guest #2:

I decline to answer this question.

Questions and Answers: Team Questions

In this section, I will highlight both my answers and my guests’ answers to thequestions generated by my team, prior to our visit.

Information on my guests:

Guest #1

is a 72-year-old retiree. She identifies as aCatholic, and regularly attends services at a traditional Catholic church.

Guest #2

is a 22-year-old college student. She does not identify as a Christian, and does not regularly attend any type of faith services.

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Question 1: What was the most memorable part of your visit toCLCC?My answer:

The most memorable part of my visit was definitely how friendlythe people were – everyone was really nice!