DeWitt Community Church Stewardship Survey Analysis
April 2026
Big Picture Takeaways
1. A Mature, Committed Core Congregation
The survey reveals a deeply rooted congregation with 47.17% attending for over 20 years and a median age in the 61-80 range (46.30% combined). This long-term commitment translates into strong ministry awareness and a sophisticated understanding of stewardship that goes well beyond simple financial giving.
2. Strong Mission-Centered Giving Culture
Members demonstrate a mature theology of giving: 81.13% define stewardship holistically as managing "time, money, abilities, relationships, and resources," and 80.77% give primarily "as an act of worship to God" (42.31%) or "to fund the mission of the church" (38.46%). Additionally, 92.59% believe their donations make a positive impact, showing strong confidence in the church's effectiveness.
Members demonstrate a mature theology of giving: 81.13% define stewardship holistically as managing "time, money, abilities, relationships, and resources," and 80.77% give primarily "as an act of worship to God" (42.31%) or "to fund the mission of the church" (38.46%). Additionally, 92.59% believe their donations make a positive impact, showing strong confidence in the church's effectiveness.
3. High Awareness but Selective Engagement
While ministry awareness is exceptionally high (all ministries known by 51-100% of respondents), actual engagement desire is more selective. Only 35 of 54 respondents (65%) answered the involvement question, and among those, community-focused activities and Bible studies tie at the top (serving the community 54.29%, Bible studies 54.29%, community outreach 42.86%).
While ministry awareness is exceptionally high (all ministries known by 51-100% of respondents), actual engagement desire is more selective. Only 35 of 54 respondents (65%) answered the involvement question, and among those, community-focused activities and Bible studies tie at the top (serving the community 54.29%, Bible studies 54.29%, community outreach 42.86%).
4. Communication Strengths and Opportunities
Email has achieved 100% preference, but the congregation wants different content: 73.58% feel they hear about stewardship "sometimes" (just right), while 63.83% want more practical sermons teaching "how to live the Christian life" and 57.45% want stories of community ministry impact—not more fundraising appeals.
Email has achieved 100% preference, but the congregation wants different content: 73.58% feel they hear about stewardship "sometimes" (just right), while 63.83% want more practical sermons teaching "how to live the Christian life" and 57.45% want stories of community ministry impact—not more fundraising appeals.
5. Traditional Engagement Patterns with Openness to Change
The congregation strongly prefers traditional giving methods (73.08% offering in worship) and the 11:00 AM service (69.81%), yet shows surprising openness to alternative worship times, with 45.45% interested in Saturday evening services.
The congregation strongly prefers traditional giving methods (73.08% offering in worship) and the 11:00 AM service (69.81%), yet shows surprising openness to alternative worship times, with 45.45% interested in Saturday evening services.
Question-by-Question Analysis
Q1: Length of Attendance
Strongest Response: More than 20 years (47.17%, n=25)
Distribution: 47.17% >20 years, 18.87% 11-15 years, 15.09% 1-5 years
Takeaway: Nearly half the congregation has been attending for over two decades, indicating exceptional stability and loyalty. The 15.09% who have attended 1-5 years suggests recent growth, and the 5.66% under 1 year indicates some new member recruitment.
Strongest Response: More than 20 years (47.17%, n=25)
Distribution: 47.17% >20 years, 18.87% 11-15 years, 15.09% 1-5 years
Takeaway: Nearly half the congregation has been attending for over two decades, indicating exceptional stability and loyalty. The 15.09% who have attended 1-5 years suggests recent growth, and the 5.66% under 1 year indicates some new member recruitment.
Q2: Service Preference
Strongest Response: 11:00 AM service (69.81%, n=37)
Takeaway: The later service dominates, which may reflect the congregation's older demographic preferring a later start time. However, the 9:00 AM service has 30.19% attendance, showing meaningful engagement at both services.
Strongest Response: 11:00 AM service (69.81%, n=37)
Takeaway: The later service dominates, which may reflect the congregation's older demographic preferring a later start time. However, the 9:00 AM service has 30.19% attendance, showing meaningful engagement at both services.
Q3: Age Range
Strongest Response: 71-80 years (25.93%, n=14)
Mean Age Range: Approximately 65-70 years
Key Statistics: 62.96% are 61+, 27.78% are 41-60, 9.26% are under 41
Takeaway: This is a significantly aging congregation with limited young family presence. The almost complete absence of those 18 and under (0%) and minimal young adult representation (1.85% ages 19-30) signals an urgent need for youth engagement. However, there is notable representation in the 41-50 age range (18.52%), suggesting some mid-life engagement.
Strongest Response: 71-80 years (25.93%, n=14)
Mean Age Range: Approximately 65-70 years
Key Statistics: 62.96% are 61+, 27.78% are 41-60, 9.26% are under 41
Takeaway: This is a significantly aging congregation with limited young family presence. The almost complete absence of those 18 and under (0%) and minimal young adult representation (1.85% ages 19-30) signals an urgent need for youth engagement. However, there is notable representation in the 41-50 age range (18.52%), suggesting some mid-life engagement.
Q4: Ethnic Background
Strongest Response: White or non-Hispanic (96.23%, n=51)
Other Backgrounds: Asian or Pacific Islander (1.89%), Multi-ethnic (1.89%)
Takeaway: The congregation remains ethnically homogeneous, which may present both community relevance challenges and opportunities for intentional diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Strongest Response: White or non-Hispanic (96.23%, n=51)
Other Backgrounds: Asian or Pacific Islander (1.89%), Multi-ethnic (1.89%)
Takeaway: The congregation remains ethnically homogeneous, which may present both community relevance challenges and opportunities for intentional diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Q5: Gender
Strongest Response: Female (62.26%, n=33)
Takeaway: Women outnumber men nearly 2:1, which is common in many churches but may influence programming decisions and leadership development strategies.
Strongest Response: Female (62.26%, n=33)
Takeaway: Women outnumber men nearly 2:1, which is common in many churches but may influence programming decisions and leadership development strategies.
Q6: Communication Preferences
Strongest Response: Email (100%, n=54)
Other Notable: Text messages (44.44%), Direct mail (37.04%)
Takeaway: Email has achieved complete saturation as the preferred communication channel. The strong secondary preference for direct mail (37.04%) likely reflects the older demographic, while relatively lower social media interest (Facebook 27.78%, Instagram 16.67%, YouTube 14.81%) suggests traditional channels remain most effective.
Strongest Response: Email (100%, n=54)
Other Notable: Text messages (44.44%), Direct mail (37.04%)
Takeaway: Email has achieved complete saturation as the preferred communication channel. The strong secondary preference for direct mail (37.04%) likely reflects the older demographic, while relatively lower social media interest (Facebook 27.78%, Instagram 16.67%, YouTube 14.81%) suggests traditional channels remain most effective.
Q7: Ministry Awareness
Highest Awareness: DCC Thanksgiving Meals (100%, n=54)
Also High: Stephen Ministry (98.15%), The Samaritan Center (98.15%)
Lowest Awareness: Road to Emmaus (51.85%, n=28)
Takeaway: The church has achieved remarkable ministry awareness across nearly all programs, with local, tangible ministries (Thanksgiving Meals, Christmas Food and Gifts at 94.44%, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and In My Father's Kitchen both at 92.59%) achieving near-universal recognition. The 51.85% awareness of Road to Emmaus suggests either newer program status or less prominent communication about it.
Highest Awareness: DCC Thanksgiving Meals (100%, n=54)
Also High: Stephen Ministry (98.15%), The Samaritan Center (98.15%)
Lowest Awareness: Road to Emmaus (51.85%, n=28)
Takeaway: The church has achieved remarkable ministry awareness across nearly all programs, with local, tangible ministries (Thanksgiving Meals, Christmas Food and Gifts at 94.44%, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and In My Father's Kitchen both at 92.59%) achieving near-universal recognition. The 51.85% awareness of Road to Emmaus suggests either newer program status or less prominent communication about it.
Q8: Interest in Involvement
Response Rate: 35 of 54 (65% response, 35% skipped)
Strongest Interest (tied):
Takeaway: The 35% skip rate may indicate either satisfaction with current involvement or survey fatigue. Among respondents, community service and Bible studies tie for top interest—both at 54.29%—suggesting a balance between missional outreach and spiritual formation. The minimal interest in Sound/Technology Ministry may reflect the older demographic's comfort with technical roles.
Response Rate: 35 of 54 (65% response, 35% skipped)
Strongest Interest (tied):
- Serving the community (54.29%, n=19)
- Bible studies (54.29%, n=19)
- Topical small groups (42.86%, n=15)
- Community outreach (42.86%, n=15)
Takeaway: The 35% skip rate may indicate either satisfaction with current involvement or survey fatigue. Among respondents, community service and Bible studies tie for top interest—both at 54.29%—suggesting a balance between missional outreach and spiritual formation. The minimal interest in Sound/Technology Ministry may reflect the older demographic's comfort with technical roles.
Q9: Definition of Stewardship
Strongest Response: "How I manage my time, money, abilities, relationships, and resources" (81.13%, n=43)
Other Key Responses:
Strongest Response: "How I manage my time, money, abilities, relationships, and resources" (81.13%, n=43)
Other Key Responses:
- Giving time to church activities (66.04%)
- Giving money to the church (54.72%)
- Exercising responsibility (50.94%)
Q10: Most Important Reason for Giving
Strongest Response: As an act of worship to God (42.31%, n=22)
Second: To fund the mission of the church (38.46%, n=20)
Other Responses:
Strongest Response: As an act of worship to God (42.31%, n=22)
Second: To fund the mission of the church (38.46%, n=20)
Other Responses:
- To help people discover Christ (5.77%)
- Because God commands it (3.85%)
Q11: Donation Methods
Strongest Response: Offering in worship (73.08%, n=38)
Digital Methods: Credit Card (25.00%), PayPal (19.23%), Direct Withdraw (9.62%)
Takeaway: Despite the aging demographic, nearly three-quarters still prefer traditional offering during worship, suggesting this act holds liturgical significance beyond convenience. However, 43%+ use some form of digital giving, indicating openness to technology when easy to use.
Strongest Response: Offering in worship (73.08%, n=38)
Digital Methods: Credit Card (25.00%), PayPal (19.23%), Direct Withdraw (9.62%)
Takeaway: Despite the aging demographic, nearly three-quarters still prefer traditional offering during worship, suggesting this act holds liturgical significance beyond convenience. However, 43%+ use some form of digital giving, indicating openness to technology when easy to use.
Q13: Importance of Various Factors
Rated on 5-point scale where 1=Very Important, 5=Very Unimportant
Most Important (lowest weighted averages):
Rated on 5-point scale where 1=Very Important, 5=Very Unimportant
Most Important (lowest weighted averages):
- Church involvement in community's needs (1.33)
- Bible studies that teach God's word (1.40)
- Visionary leaders who focus on mission (1.45)
- Strategies to promote ministries (1.51)
- Supported mission and ministries updates (1.57)
- Thank you letters for giving (2.95)
- Online/social media about church (2.52)
Q14: Frequency of Hearing About Stewardship
Strongest Response: Sometimes (73.58%, n=39)
Distribution: 15.09% "all the time," 11.32% "too much"
Takeaway: The church has struck an appropriate balance—73.58% feel the frequency is "just right," while combined negative responses (26.41% hearing it "all the time" or "too much") are manageable. However, 11.32% feeling it's "too much" suggests some fatigue that should be monitored.
Strongest Response: Sometimes (73.58%, n=39)
Distribution: 15.09% "all the time," 11.32% "too much"
Takeaway: The church has struck an appropriate balance—73.58% feel the frequency is "just right," while combined negative responses (26.41% hearing it "all the time" or "too much") are manageable. However, 11.32% feeling it's "too much" suggests some fatigue that should be monitored.
Q15: Want to Hear/See More
Strongest Responses:
Strongest Responses:
- Sermons that teach me how to live the Christian life (63.83%, n=30)
- Stories of our church doing ministry in the community (57.45%, n=27)
- Personal testimonies of what God has done (51.06%, n=24)
- Children/youth ministry (25.53%)
- Generosity/stewardship information (14.89%)
Q16: Preferred Giving Terminology
Strongest Response: Stewardship (30.19%, n=16)
Other Leading (tied): Giving Back to God (20.75%), Generosity (20.75%)
Less Preferred: Tithe (7.55%), Donate (11.32%)
Takeaway: "Stewardship" leads at 30.19%, with "Giving Back to God" and "Generosity" tied for second at 20.75% each. This aligns with Q9's holistic definition. The low preference for "tithe" (7.55%) reinforces the grace-based rather than legalistic giving culture observed earlier.
Strongest Response: Stewardship (30.19%, n=16)
Other Leading (tied): Giving Back to God (20.75%), Generosity (20.75%)
Less Preferred: Tithe (7.55%), Donate (11.32%)
Takeaway: "Stewardship" leads at 30.19%, with "Giving Back to God" and "Generosity" tied for second at 20.75% each. This aligns with Q9's holistic definition. The low preference for "tithe" (7.55%) reinforces the grace-based rather than legalistic giving culture observed earlier.
Q17: Perceived Impact of Donations
Strongest Response: Strongly Agree (70.37%, n=38)
Combined Agreement: 92.59% (Strongly + Somewhat Agree)
Uncertainty/Disagreement: 7.41% "I don't know," 0% disagree
Takeaway: Exceptional confidence in the church's effectiveness—over 9 in 10 believe their giving makes a difference. Zero disagreement and only 7.41% uncertain indicates strong communication of ministry outcomes. This is a significant organizational strength that should be maintained.
Strongest Response: Strongly Agree (70.37%, n=38)
Combined Agreement: 92.59% (Strongly + Somewhat Agree)
Uncertainty/Disagreement: 7.41% "I don't know," 0% disagree
Takeaway: Exceptional confidence in the church's effectiveness—over 9 in 10 believe their giving makes a difference. Zero disagreement and only 7.41% uncertain indicates strong communication of ministry outcomes. This is a significant organizational strength that should be maintained.
Q18: How Donation Amount Determined
Strongest Response: Give a set amount each time (54.72%, n=29)
Proportional Giving:
Strongest Response: Give a set amount each time (54.72%, n=29)
Proportional Giving:
- Give a percentage of income (26.42%)
- Give 10% or more (15.09%)
- Combined proportional: 41.51%
Q19: Interest in Alternative Worship Times
Response Rate: 33 of 54 (61% response, 39% skipped)
Strongest Interest: Saturday service at 5:30 PM (45.45%, n=15)
Others: Wednesday at 7:00 PM (42.42%), Sunday at 5:30 PM (12.12%)
Takeaway: Despite the traditional orientation, 45.45% would attend a Saturday evening service, nearly matching Wednesday's appeal (42.42%). The 39% skip rate suggests many are content with existing options. However, among those interested in alternatives, Saturday evening shows strongest appeal—possibly attractive to those with Sunday commitments or who prefer weekend flexibility.
Response Rate: 33 of 54 (61% response, 39% skipped)
Strongest Interest: Saturday service at 5:30 PM (45.45%, n=15)
Others: Wednesday at 7:00 PM (42.42%), Sunday at 5:30 PM (12.12%)
Takeaway: Despite the traditional orientation, 45.45% would attend a Saturday evening service, nearly matching Wednesday's appeal (42.42%). The 39% skip rate suggests many are content with existing options. However, among those interested in alternatives, Saturday evening shows strongest appeal—possibly attractive to those with Sunday commitments or who prefer weekend flexibility.
