Here’s what we heard from you in the MAP

Back in October and November of 2025, First Lutheran members were invited to take the Missional Assessment Profile (MAP), and the results were presented at a summit meeting on Nov. 18, 2025. Here are a few of the highlights from the results of the MAP…

Belonging • Meaning • Energy • Connection

1. You believe First Lutheran is making a real difference. Over 94% of you agree or strongly agree that our congregation is making a positive impact in people’s lives. That’s a powerful affirmation of our shared ministry.

2. Participation builds belonging. About 90% say the more you participate, the more connected you feel. In other words, engagement grows community—and you feel it.

3. You speak proudly about your church. More than 75% say you enjoy telling others about what’s happening at First Lutheran. This reflects strong identity and shared mission.

4. Worship and ministry energize you. Nearly 87% of respondents say that participating in the life of the congregation energizes them and strengthens their faith.

5. You feel part of something bigger. Almost 90% express that being part of First means being part of something larger than themselves. This is a remarkable indicator of purpose and shared direction.

6. Community and cohesion matter deeply. About 80% describe First Lutheran as a cohesive community—a place where connections matter and relationships are strong.

7. You see yourselves as integral. More than 60% of you strongly (or very solidly) identify as an integral part of our congregation’s life and ministry.

Some Additional MAP Highlights & Perspectives

1. Strong Core, Not a Church in Crisis
   Overall MAP responses suggest that First Lutheran is viewed as a healthy, stable congregation with strong worship, capable leadership, and meaningful ministry. The desire for growth is not driven by dysfunction, but by a sense that more is possible.

2. Facilities Questions Reflect Engagement, Not Dissatisfaction
   Questions and comments regarding the sanctuary and narthex do not reflect widespread discontent, but rather increased attentiveness to how space supports worship, hospitality, accessibility, and future ministry needs.

3. Worship Is Valued—Experience Matters
   Worship is consistently named as central to congregational life. At the same time, respondents show awareness that sound quality, seating flexibility, visibility, and accessibility all shape how worship is experienced—especially for newer or older worshipers.

4. Sanctuary Improvements Are Seen as Enabling Ministry
   When respondents reference potential sanctuary updates (sound, seating, hearing assistance, layout), they most often frame them as tools that could enhance participation, inclusion, and engagement, not simply aesthetic upgrades.

5. The Narthex Is Viewed as an Untapped Opportunity
   MAP input suggests the narthex is experienced more as a transition space than as a relational or welcoming hub. There is curiosity—and openness—about how it might better support connection, conversation, and hospitality before and after worship.

6. Hospitality Is a Shared Value, with Room to Grow
   Respondents express pride in the friendliness of the congregation, while also acknowledging that first impressions, wayfinding, and gathering space matter more than ever—especially for visitors and newer members.

7. Growth Without Losing Identity
   Many respondents express a desire for growth and renewal without losing the church’s relational culture or theological grounding. This creates a healthy tension: openness to change paired with care for tradition and identity.

8. Physical Space and Community Life Are Linked
   MAP data suggests that members intuitively connect physical space with relational outcomes—recognizing that where and how people gather affects connection, lingering, and the sense of belonging.

9. Questions Signal Readiness for Discernment, Not Decisions
   Interest in sanctuary or narthex improvements does not imply a mandate for immediate action. Rather, it suggests readiness for thoughtful exploration, shared learning, and prayerful discernment about next steps.

10. A Desire for Clear Direction and Communication
    Across multiple MAP responses, there is an underlying request—not for quick fixes—but for clarity: Why consider these things? How do they serve the mission? What’s the process? Transparency and purpose will matter as conversations continue.