A summary report on the findings from a local survey on church services and religion in Thorold will guide the Living Water Community Church to serve the spiritual needs of people living in the area.
The online survey conducted in the winter of 2018 was sponsored by the Living Water Community Church located at 42 Ormond St S, Thorold. Conducted by Divine Media as an independent communications company, the survey gathered information to help find how the spiritual needs of people living in our area are being fulfilled. The Living Water Community Church commissioned the research project as a community service to assess the spiritual needs of people in Thorold and surrounding areas.
Pictured above at the presentation, members of Living Water Community Church, from left, Rylan Kamerman, George Cottage, Garry Ford, Pastor Rob Kamerman, and Austin Beamer.
Although all survey responses will be anonymous and confidential, a general summary of the data shows some interesting findings. A key question in the survey asked the 148 respondents: “Why do you think people in Thorold do not attend church?”
The feedback on this key question can be categorized into six main segments with some cross-overs:
- Too busy
- No Value / Low Relevance or Interest
- Judgemental
- Growing Population of Non-Believers
- Too Strict / Traditional or Conservative
- Not in Tune with the Needs of People in Today’s Society
The group will also look at the research on points such as activities that would draw people to attend church more frequently.
“Responding to feedback from survey respondents, the Living Water Community Church will develop programs and activities to be scheduled at times that suit the needs in today’s active society. Stay tuned for other community minded initiatives to be announced soon,” stated Rob Kamerman, Lead Pastor, Living Water Community Church.
Responses on a survey question also revealed preferred times to attend a mass service, which will be assessed by the Living Water Community Church.
The research also shows that the majority of respondents, 62 percent, generally feel it is important to involve children in family in programs based on God’s principles.
- More than two thirds of respondents, 68 %, are in the 35 to 64 age group
- Majority of respondents were female 68%, which indexes 18% higher than the actual population of Thorold (2016 census data).
- Respondents live in approximately 140 different postal code areas, indicating a broad representation of respondents in different sections of Thorold and the region, but included respondents from St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Beamsville, Niagara on the Lake, Fort Erie, Vineland, Welland, Fenwick, Sherkston, and a few distant places.
Almost half of the respondents, 47% are living in households with children (Parents living with children or Single parent with child or children)
As many respondents (38) indicated they never go to church as those who responded (38) they go weekly or more often.
Close to one third of respondents, 30% are Catholic, while 33% are other Christian religions (Anglican, Baptist, Mennonite, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian) and 22 % indicated “other” (but did not specify). No responses from Jewish, Mormon, or Muslim.
The mission at Living Water Community Church (formerly First Baptist Church Thorold) is to reach the lost and teach the found in the grace of Jesus Christ. More information about the Living Water Community Church can be found on their website.
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