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Associate Pastor Survey 2026:
First Presbyterian Church | Fargo, ND
We value your response. This survey is one of the tools that will be used to determine whether hiring an associate pastor is viable and wise. The information will be used in a report provided to Session in mid-fall.
1.
Where do you
currently
see
unmet
needs in the life of the church?
Please choose up to three.
Pastoral care and visitation
Worship leadership
Adult education or faith formation
Youth and family ministry
Children's ministry
New member connection and assimilation
Mission and community engagement
Fellowship or small groups
Leadership development
Communication and administration
Other (please specify)
2.
With current staffing, the 2026 fiscal year will end with a balanced budget. An associate pastor position would require a significant annual financial commitment, likely costing in excess of $140,000 per year, which includes salary, housing, benefits, continuing education, professional expenses, and administrative support. Knowing this, which statement best reflects your view?
I believe hiring an associate pastor should be a priority, and I would be willing to increase my giving to help make it possible.
I believe hiring an associate pastor should be a priority, but I would be unable to increase my giving at this time.
I believe we should first focus on strengthening lay leadership, parish associate support, and current staffing before adding a pastor.
I do not believe hiring an associate pastor should be a priority at this time.
I need more information before answering.
3.
If we were able to hire an associate pastor, what should be the primary focus of that position?
Please select only one per column.
First Priority
Second Priority
Third Priority
Pastoral care and visitation
Worship leadership
Adult education or faith formation
Youth and family ministry
Children's ministry
New member connection and assimilation
Mission and community engagement
Fellowship or small groups
Leadership development
Communication and administration
Other:
4.
Some ministry needs may be met through ordained clergy, staff, elders, deacons, committees or trained lay leaders. Which of these persons would you feel comfortable handling the following areas?
Please choose all that apply.
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
Pastor care/visitation
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
Worship leadership
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
Adult education/faith formation
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
Youth/family ministry
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
Children's ministry
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
New member connection/assimilation
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
Mission/community engagement
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
Fellowship/small groups
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
Leadership development
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
Communication/admin
Clergy
Staff
Elders
Deacons
Committees
Trained Lay Leaders
5.
Where would you personally be willing to help?
Please check all that apply.
Occasional one-time projects
Monthly leadership or support
Weekly leadership or support
Teaching or facilitating a class
Visiting or caring ministry
Youth or children's support
Hospitality or fellowship
I am unable to volunteer at this time
Other (please specify)
6.
What ministries do you believe are most important for the future vitality of the church?
7.
What hopes or concerns do you want the task force to hear as we continue this process?
8.
What is your age range?
Under 21
21 to 40
41 to 64
65 and over
9.
What is your first and last name?
Please leave your name. It will be used only to verify participation and will be separated from your survey responses before the results are summarized.
