A Profile of our Members

Prepared by the Ministerial Search Committee, December 2005

Introduction and Highlights
Religious Profile
Demographic Profile
Participation in UU Community and General Society
Role of the Minister
Conclusion

Introduction and Highlights

In March 2006, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa (“UUFO”) celebrated its 10th anniversary. During its decade of existence as a faith community, the Fellowship has had two ministers prior to the current interim minister. This profile was prepared based on responses to a questionnaire that the Ministerial Search Committee circulated within the congregation in October 2005. The results can be considered quite representative because we received 54 responses or more than half of our approximate 92-person membership. The following therefore reflects the congregation's collective views at that particular time and this summary will allow the Committee to verify that the “pulse” taken is still accurate.

• 80% of respondents believe that it is important or very important that our membership increase. The other 20% think it's “somewhat important.” No one suggested that it was not important but many members want assurances that a feeling of community within the Fellowship is maintained.
   
• An overwhelming 94% had a positive/optimistic attitude about the future of the Fellowship! It should be noted that out of this 94%, over half were “guardedly optimistic.” A vast majority find the community respectful of their ideas and suggestions, and feel comfortable expressing them.

Religious Profile

Most respondents are actual UUFO members but there are also “friends” who participate. About half of respondents have associated with the Fellowship for over 8 years – most of the UUFO's life. New people (coming for less than 3 years) account for about 20%. In terms of their identification as Unitarian Universalist, about half of the current congregation are long-standing UUs (over 26 years) whereas a quarter have come to the faith community within the last 10 years. Almost two thirds of people within the Fellowship were raised in a Protestant religious tradition with a significant number of Catholics but very few born-and-raised UUs.

As for their current religious and/or spiritual orientation, 54% identify with Ethical Religion (“The function of religion is to encourage the development of ethical living.”). This was followed very closely by four beliefs: Humanism, Agnosticism/Skepticism, Ethical Christianity, and Earth Centered Naturalistic Theism. (Note: Respondents could choose more than one term to self-describe.) There were also a few who selected Atheism or Non-Theism and a handful who chose Mysticism. As to their beliefs about God, almost half felt that it was “an irrelevant concept, and the centre focus of religion should be on knowledge and values.” There were some who suggested that “God” could be used for some natural processes within the universe such as love or creative evolution. A significant number of respondents took the opportunity to write their own statement about God.

Demographic Profile

There are slightly more women than men within the UUFO (55% to 45%) and the age range tends strongly towards over 50 (87%). This same percentage describes the number of people who have studied at university, in most cases obtaining a degree or even a post-graduate degree (35%). The vast majority of congregants identify as heterosexual but there is a contingent of bisexual or gay people (13%). Most people within the UUFO are married (65%) but this number grows to 89% when you include those who are divorced, widowed and remarried. A remarkable 92% of married people indicated that their spouse is affiliated with the congregation. Given the demographics, most people's children are not involved in the Fellowship but there is a Religious Education program that attracts up to 10 children. In terms of household revenues, it can roughly be divided in three: a third makes under $49,000 annually, a third brings in between $50,000 and $79,000, a final third has annual revenues of over $80,000 including 11% of the congregation who have over $100,000 annually. 48% are retired, 20% work full-time and 11% work part- time. In terms of work, either current or past, 48% are/were employed in the professional or administrative field, 26% in teaching/social services and 20% in science/engineering. Finally, 72% of respondents characterized their overall physical health as being good or very good.

Participation in UU Community and General Society

20% of UUFO members spend an average of over 6 hours per week on Fellowship activities, which includes participation in Sunday services. About 15% spend 1 hour or less where as most people (40%) spend between 2 and 5 hours per week, again including services. The vast majority of congregants (65%) also participate in other organizations in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. A greater number (85%) contribute financially to other organizations. Half of the congregation participates in, or contributes financially to UU related organizations or activities beyond the Fellowship.

In terms of Fellowship activities, almost all respondents have participated in Sunday services. It is the single most popular activity, followed very closely by Coffee Hour after service. The next cluster of most popular activities and events (over half the UUFO have participated in these) include: adult education activities or discussions; anniversary dinners; food bank collection; monthly potlucks; annual pledge campaign. A high number of people have also participated in the following: Christmas/holiday event; Fellowship Committee or food preparation; “Friday Notes” weekly email bulletins; leading worship service; newsletter; pre-service breakfasts at Gabriel's or Bobby's; Religious Education activities for children/youth; set-up for Sunday morning services; and social action meetings or activities. Non- pledge fundraising activities and music at services and other events attracted interest but not as widespread as the above. Events or activities that seem to interest respondents but where they have not yet participated include: book discussions; Caring Committee; concerts; planning of Sunday services. Interest and participation in 5 areas (choir, High Horizons, Perkins' lunches, speaking at a Sunday service and Welcome Table) are fairly evenly split between those who are interested and those who are not. Finally, interest in, and past participation was lowest for the following: board of directors/church governance; lay ministry; membership committee; and French-language group (likely because non-French speakers, while supportive, are not interested in participating themselves).

As for the congregation's view on various aspects of congregational life, the vast majority accorded great importance to Sunday services (which reflects the participation noted above). Other aspects that received very strong support were: “sense of community”; ethical concerns; children's R.E.; social concerns and “intellectual stimulation.” Music and adult R.E. were also viewed as important but to a lesser degree. The two aspects that were ranked lowest in terms of importance were “spiritual inspiration” and event locations.

Whereas 59% of the Fellowship believes that social responsibility rests primarily with the individual, 48% are more inclined towards having the Fellowship play a significant role in social action.

With respect to leadership power within the congregation, it would seem that most people feel it should be distributed more than is currently the case. The responses illustrate this point. When asked if the leadership power in the Fellowship lies with the Board of directors, 31% said that it currently does but only 17% (about half of the previous group) agreed that's where it should be. In contrast, 48% of the Fellowship thinks that the leadership power is shared by all who wish to assume responsibility but a larger group (63%) feels this is where leadership power should lie. Notably, the congregation did not express that leadership power should lie with the minister.

Role of the Minister

The congregation has identified three top focus areas for the minister. They are, in order of importance:

1. to act as an “intellectual leader” by challenging and stimulating the thinking of the congregation;
    
2. to be a “facilitator”, helping involve people in congregational life; and
    
3. to serve as a “spiritual leader” by preparing and leading worship and celebrations.

In a further question, the above was then translated into action when the congregation identified their three most important duties for a future minister:

1. fostering a sense of fellowship and community within the church;
    
2. presenting stimulating and challenging Sunday services; and
    
3. encouraging volunteers and developing lay leadership.

Two other responsibilities drew a lot of support but did not make the top three ranking: caring for and counseling individuals; offering stimulating adult enrichment programs. It should be noted that with respect to sermons or presentations, the two qualities that received top ranking were:

1. “challenges me to examine my core beliefs” and
    
2. “makes me reflect on issues and events that go beyond my personal life.”

Respondents also felt that presentations should touch directly on everyday life, should stay within a reasonable time limit and flow from the presenter's own personal faith and spiritual convictions.

With respect to the minister's administrative role, 1/3 would prefer to let committees manage the congregation so that s/he can focus on the religious life of the congregation. Another 1/3 would have the minister somewhat involved in operations but working collaboratively with the Board and committees in organizing the congregation's programs. Finally, 1/4 of the congregation sees the minister actively involved in many of the committees of the congregation as a “consultant / stimulator / facilitator.”

As for style of ministry:

• 1/3 of the UUFO would like to see a “facilitator”, helping forge connections between congregation members so that the group works spontaneously;
   
• another 1/3 would like to have a minister who acts as a “pastor / chaplain / counselor”, becoming an influential counselor to individuals and to a strong lay leadership; and
   
• 1/4 would like to have a “visionary” minister who inspires the congregation and community to pursue a vision for the future.

The congregation had an opportunity to indicate the level of importance they gave to various ministerial functions:

• Very important: Adult religious education; Anti-racism / anti- oppression work; Children's religious education; Church dynamics; Community building; Facilitation; Leadership development; Membership growth; Preaching; Social action; Spiritual guidance; Staff relations; Worship.
   
• Somewhat important: Administration; Campus Ministry; Committee work; Denominational activities; Facilities design and management; Fundraising events; Hospital calling; Interfaith outreach and communication; Music and liturgical arts; Personal counseling; Scholarship; Young adult ministry; Youth ministry.
   
• Not important: Alternative worship; Finance; Pledge drive canvassing.

Conclusion

This Congregational Profile will be made available to potential candidates for the Minister position. Also, the responses given will guide the Committee in drafting a job description and advertisements.

The Ministerial Search Committee would like to express its appreciation to everyone who completed the questionnaire. We are very encouraged by the high level of participation and the great consideration given in answering the questions.