By Mark McCulley
Here are the results of the survey conducted about the Festivals.
First, a word about the purpose of the survey. The survey was an opinion poll to determine how many desire to observe the festivals and in what manner, so that we can plan appropriately for those members.
For the fall festival, of the total surveys entered: 60.3 percent prefer a traditional eight-day festival next year; 23.1 percent prefer weekends only in the fall; 10.3 percent do not plan to attend; 6.8 percent prefer a cruise; 5.4 percent prefer weekends in the summer; 4.9 percent prefer an overseas site; 3.7 percent prefer a group tour.
For the other festivals, of the total surveys entered: 64.9 percent prefer traditional dates; 41.8 percent prefer a daytime service; 25.4 percent prefer an evening service; 25.7 percent prefer the weekend nearest the traditional dates; 20.1 percent prefer a daytime service; 4.6 percent prefer an evening service; 6.5 percent do not plan to attend.
Of those who attended the Festival full-time or part-time at a regional U.S. site: 66.83 prefer the traditional eight-day observance for 1997; 23.71 percent prefer weekends only in the fall; 69 percent prefer the traditional dates for the other festival.
Among those who did not attend the Festival in 1996: 39.8 percent do not plan to attend next year; 25.82 prefer the traditional eight-day observance; 24.94 prefer weekends only in the fall; 40.18 prefer the traditional dates for the other festivals; 26.7 do not plan to attend other festivals.
Please note: Not all of these results add up to 100 percent because of rounding and because of multiple possible answers to some questions.
As you can see, there is a diversity of opinion within our fellowship. Our goal is to make worship opportunities available for the largest number of people we can.
Based on the survey results, our plan for 1997 is:
* To observe the Feast in a carefully chosen number of locations, meeting for eight days of worship, fellowship and other focused activities.
Sites will be based on geography, cost-effectiveness and suitability of the meeting hall. Based on survey results, we are planning for a total attendance at those sites of 16,000-20,000.
* To give pastors tools for planning local observances of the Feast on the weekend of Oct. 17-19 so as to maximize the positive impact on the attendees.
Many wrote about how to make our services more effective, how to invite the public or combine with other Christian fellowships, how to reach our children and teens more effectively, and so forth. Some expressed concern about a registration fee. The actual figure will be based on projected expenses divided by expected attendance as estimated from the survey.
A registration fee (as opposed to a voluntary donation) is a way of being sure we have accurate figures. In 1996 projected attendance figures weren't close to actual attendance, and the difference was difficult to deal with. Many registered in the spring, but their plans never materialized. Others showed up without having registered, which caused problems.
A registration fee, required at registration, makes one commit more fully. That gives us more accurate statistics with which to plan.
We are setting up a fund to pay for those who cannot afford the registration fee. If you can, please plan to donate to that fund when your register, for the sake of others.
Jan. 21, 1997, Worldwide News, page 5
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