October 2022 Member Survey Results

Get Results Two Ways: Video & Download

During September and October of 2022, more than 1,500 people completed the online Member Survey. This number represents just over 10% of TWMC’s total membership. Watch the video on the left for a brief overview of survey results or click the link below to view a complete set of results for each survey question.

Didn’t participate? You will have another chance. A second survey will be offered this spring for comparison of results over time.

How familiar are you with the Forward in Faith affiliation campaign at The Woodlands Methodist Church?

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
Extremely familiar	22.56%	344
Very familiar	45.11%	688
Somewhat familiar	26.75%	408
Not so familiar	4.33%	66
Not at all familiar	1.25%	19
TOTAL		1,525

Are you aware TWMC members voted to disaffiliate from the greater United Methodist Church denomination?

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
No	0.59%	9
Yes	99.28%	1,514
Unsure	0.13%	2
TOTAL		1,525

Which of the following future affiliation options have you heard about? Please select all that apply:

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
None of the above	12.13%	185
Foundry Network	3.67%	56
Global Methodist Church	81.38%	1,241
Wesleyan Church	27.61%	421
Free Methodist Church USA	31.21%	476
Independent Methodist	51.80%	790
Total Respondents: 1,525

How would you describe your level of personal investment in the affiliation discernment process?

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
Extremely invested	25.90%	395
Very invested	46.10%	703
Somewhat invested	22.16%	338
Minimally invested	4.92%	75
Completely uninvested	0.92%	14
TOTAL		1,525

To what degree will TWMC’s future affiliation affect your participation at the church?

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
Extremely affected	20.00%	305
Very affected	30.69%	468
Somewhat affected	24.46%	373
Mostly unaffected	16.72%	255
Completely unaffected	8.13%	124
TOTAL		1,525

Based on what you know today, finish the sentence to express your current attitude on affiliation. “Joining another Methodist denomination is .”

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
Extremely important for our church	16.07%	245
Very important for our church	30.62%	467
Somewhat important for church	21.44%	327
Not very important for our church	11.87%	181
Completely unimportant for our church	4.20%	64
I don't know enough to have an opinion	15.80%	241
TOTAL		1,525

Based on what you know today, how would you respond to the following statement: “Joining a network of other large, Methodist churches is the best option for TWMC.”

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
I strongly agree	10.49%	160
I agree	26.75%	408
I neither agree or disagree	30.95%	472
I disagree	8.79%	134
I strongly disagree	2.82%	43
I don't know enough to have an opinion	20.20%	308
TOTAL		1,525

Based on what you know today, how would you describe the Free Methodist Church USA as an option for TWMC’s future affiliation?

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
The very best option	0.52%	8
A good option	6.75%	103
An "okay" option	11.74%	179
Not a good option	10.89%	166
The worst option	0.98%	15
I don't know enough to have an opinion	69.11%	1,054
TOTAL		1,525

Based on what you know today, how would you respond to the following statement: “Staying an independent Methodist church is the best option for TWMC.”

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
I strongly agree	6.56%	100
I agree	14.16%	216
I neither agree or disagree	22.56%	344
I disagree	16.07%	245
I strongly disagree	7.41%	113
I don't know enough to have an opinion	33.25%	507
TOTAL		1,525

Based on what you know today, how would you describe the Global Methodist Church (GMC) as an option for TWMC’s future affiliation?

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
The very best option	12.79%	195
A good option	28.92%	441
An "okay" option	10.30%	157
It's not a good option	4.85%	74
It's the worst option	2.16%	33
I don't know enough to have an opinion	40.98%	625
TOTAL		1,525

Based on what you know today, what is your number one preference for TWMC's future affiliation?

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
Officially affiliate with a different Wesleyan / Methodist denomination such as the Global Methodist Church, Free Methodist Church USA, or the Wesleyan Church	42.30%	645
Become an unaffiliated, independent Methodist church	15.61%	238
Join an alliance or network of other large Methodist churches	8.72%	133
I don't know enough to have an opinion	33.38%	509
TOTAL		1,525

In your opinion, what are best reasons for affiliating with another Methodist denomination?

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
Wesleyan Theology	74.91%	842
Formal system for accountability	61.83%	695
Clergy connections	42.26%	475
Historical tradition	39.15%	440
Congregational affinity and camaraderie	33.54%	377
Resource development	31.32%	352
Oversight by a bishop	24.64%	277
Leadership opportunities	17.79%	200
Geographic connections	16.28%	183
Other (please specify)	8.54%	96
Total Respondents: 1,124

In your opinion, what are top three reasons for staying independent?

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
Relief from theological misalignment	70.30%	949
Self-governance	58.74%	793
Relief from paying apportionments	38.15%	515
Freedom from institutional structures	26.22%	354
Freedom from denominational oversight	21.63%	292
Other (please specify)	14.30%	193
Total Respondents: 1,350

What do you see as the top three reasons for joining an alliance or network of large Methodist churches?

ANSWER CHOICES	RESPONSES
Allows for connection without formal commitment	58.96%	79
Simple and nimble structure	43.28%	58
Freedom from denominational leadership oversight	39.55%	53
Freedom from institutional structures	39.55%	53
Informal clergy accountability	32.84%	44
Increased social relevance	23.88%	32
Other (please specify)	15.67%	21
Total Respondents: 134