GOOD CITY PROJECT Florence, South Carolina Community

GOOD CITY PROJECT
Florence, South Carolina
Community Leadership
Survey Results
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this survey is to understand the ways that people are living out God’s callings
in and through their lives in Florence and Florence County, SC. Through gaining a better
understanding of the gifts, talents, strengths, and callings of Christian leaders in our area,
we hope to engage leaders in the issues of our city and county to improve the lives of all. We
believe that we can serve together for a greater impact in our community.
This survey is a project conducted by people of faith in a volunteer-led effort that has
professional support. Throughout the winter and spring of 2014, fifteen trained volunteers
conducted 70 face-to-face interviews with leaders in seven channels of influence (also known
as vocational domains) in Florence and Florence County. The seven channels of influence
included in this survey are the areas of Commerce, Nonprofits, Religion, Education, Media,
Government, and Family.
The survey has many significant findings. At the top of the list are three findings that are
vital for the future of Florence and Florence County. The first came in response to Question
4, which asked: “On a scale of 1-10, 1 being ‘minimal’ and 10 being ‘fully committed’, what
number best represents your level of commitment to making a positive difference in our
city?” Of those respondents who answered this question the average response was 9.01 out
of 10. In addition, 98.6% of those interviewed expressed a willingness to meet with others
who care about similar community concerns to seek solutions to issues facing the city and
county.
This survey also demonstrated strong agreement about the top six issues that need to be
addressed to dramatically improve the quality of life in Florence and Florence County.
Those six are, in order:
1. Racial Division (28.6%)
2. Silo Mentality Among Leaders - Lack of Unity (28.6%)
3. Homelessness (27.1%)
4. Deterioration of the family (24.3%)
5. Unemployment (18.6%)
6. Education (15.7%)
This survey is not an end itself. In saying this, we note that there have been many informative
surveys prior to this one and other surveys will follow helping us understand aspects of our
community. What sets this survey apart is that it is geared toward taking action to improve
our community.
The bottom line is that we value Florence and Florence County because we believe God
values this place and the people who live here. The Bible begins in a garden and ends in a
city. More than 100 cities are mentioned in the Bible in over 1200 passages. Jesus wept over
his own city, Jerusalem. Cities are places of refuge and places of grace for many. Together
we seek the spiritual transformation of persons and social transformation of our place in
fulfillment of the prayer our Lord taught his disciples to pray, “Thy will be done on earth as
it is in heaven.”
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CREDITS
Main Contact:
The Florence Good City Project
The Rev. Mr. Chris Handley,
Chairman
Associate Pastor
First Presbyterian
700 Park Avenue
Florence, SC 29501
Phone:
(843) 662-2583
Email:
chandley@florencefirst.org
Dr. Glenn Barth, President of
GoodCities, an organization
dedicated to providing
innovative and practical tools
for city leaders, wrote this
report. Dr. Barth can be
contacted at his Minneapolis
office by
phone: (952) 975-0516 or
email: glenn@goodcities.net.
BACKGROUND DATA
This survey was conducted in face-to-face interviews conducted by fifteen trained volunteers.
It took place from December 9, 2013 to June 14, 2014. The survey focused entirely on the
opinions of 70 Christian leaders in Florence and Florence County who were nominated by
the interview team. On average, those interviewed were with their current organization 14.3
years, in their current leadership position for 11.1 years, and in their field for 23.1 years.
The selection criteria included the following qualifications.
1. T
he person must be a recognized leader in one of the seven
channels of influence (or domains) either by position or by
influence.
2. T
he seven channels of influence were defined as: Commerce,
Nonprofit, Religion, Education, Media, Government, and
Family.
3. T
he person must be identified as a Christian, either by church
membership or self-identification.
The number of interviews conducted in each sphere of influence is as follows:
Commerce: 15
Religion: 26
Education: 7
Media: 4
Nonprofit: 12
Government: 4
Family: 2
SURVEY RESPONSES
The survey was composed of seven (7) questions (five (5) qualitative and two (2)
quantitative). It began with basic contact information about the person being interviewed
and the organization in which he or she is serving. It then proceeded to ask questions about
each one’s sense of calling, personally and organizationally. The third question asked about
the three most pressing problems facing the community and potential solutions. Key to the
results of this survey were the fourth and fifth questions that polled both the respondents’
willingness to make a positive difference in the community and their willingness to
collaborate to address issues.
Personal information from each respondent has been collected by the interviewers and may
be used by the survey steering committee to engage individuals in potential collaborative
solutions to the most pressing issues of Florence and Florence County. This information will
not be sold or given to third parties without the consent of the steering committee.
The personal information section revealed that on average, respondents have served with
their current organization for 14.28 years; in their current leadership role for 11.13 years;
and have been serving in their field for 23.08 years. For the most part, those interviewed are
seasoned leaders in their field.
Fifty-three (53) of the survey respondents came from three vocational domains, Religion (26
- mostly clergy), Commerce (15), and nonprofits (12). These three categories represented
76% of all interviews.
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QUESTION 1:
WHAT DO YOU SENSE IS GOD ’S CALLING ON YOUR LIFE?
All respondents answered this initial question. The answers fell into the following categories
listed in order by the number of respondents who shared a common sense of mission:
• Service (14)
“To work alongside others much
more strategically for the needy in
our community.”
• Serving collaboratively
• Serving children
• Serving the homeless
• Evangelism (7)
• Discipleship (7)
• Evangelism and Discipleship (5)
• Leadership (4)
• To glorify and honor God (4)
• Pastoring (4)
• Strengthen Families (3)
• Healing (2)
• Encouragement (2)
“To transform lives by the power
of God’s love.”
• Communications (2)
• Justice (2)
• Make a difference (2)
• Parenting (2)
• Christian example (1)
• Family first, work second (1)
• Outdoors and recreation (1)
• Preaching and teaching (1)
• Serving Christ in marriage, family, church, and evangelism (1)
• Stewardship (1)
• Teaching (1)
• Unity (1)
• Uncertain (1)
“To glorify Christ in my relationship with
my family, church, and in my workplace.
Specifically to try to make connections
with people and network support together
to serve Christ.”
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QUESTION 2:
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR CALLING PLAYING OUT AT HOME, WORK,
PLAY AND IN SERVICE?
As one might guess, the answers to question 2 were inherently subjective. Each person is
working and leading in their own unique context at home, through their work life, in their
recreational play time, and through the ways they serve. Still there are many things we might
learn about how leaders in Florence are fulfilling their calling in each of these areas of life.
One common refrain in this line of questioning has to do with the area of “Play.” Fifteen
respondents gave answers like “-0-” or “Struggle to find play time,” or “Not enough time!”
Ten ministry professionals viewed recreation as as an extension of their work. One leader’s
comment typified this response in saying, “Work, home, and play; they all go together.”
“To love with mercy, to act justly,
and to serve my fellow man and
our Lord.”
“God has called me to make a
positive impact on the lives of
young people. God wants me to
use my gifts and talent to produce
HOME
Family focus was mentioned by 44 respondents. Almost half of these Godly character in an ungodly
added discipleship of children (20). Others added a community focus
(3), a ministry focus (1), an education focus (1), and a work/business world. I am supposed to let my
focus (1).
light shine for God.”
Eleven (11) responded that their calling at home is to serve their
neighbors and friends. Four (4) cited home as a place where they found
support for their work. Three (3) said their marriage was the most important relationship to
nurture. Six (6) did not answer the question.
WORK
The leaders responding to this question made it clear, they take their callings at work
seriously and have service to others at the top of their concerns. Again, six leaders
did not respond to this area. Most of these felt they had answered this in their initial
statement regarding their sense of God’s calling on their lives.
Here’s the breakdown of the other 64 respondents:
20 11 9 6 5 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 -
Service to God and others
Gospel focused
Ministry
Disciple others
Be an example to others
Provide leadership
Be a person of integrity
Offer wise counsel
City focused
Encouragement
Excellence
Influence
Achieve results
Teaching
NA
“I disciple children
through my example.”
“As a partner to my wife, I lead the
spiritual, financial, and social aspects
of life for my wife, children, and
grandchildren.”
“I strive to build a team of believers at
work who trust in the Lord’s provision
and direction for business...Work tends
to be a day-to-day journey. We set goals
to execute each day, but never know
what the Lord will bring.”
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PLAY
When asked how they live out their calling in play or recreation, we found that most
respondents grounded their answer in their theological beliefs. Fourteen responded that
play is an expression of their witness. Some of these were explicit saying things like “Talking
to people about Christ,” or “Share the Lord.” Others of these were implicit saying that they
hope their life would be an example to others in their recreation times.
The same number, fourteen respondents reported that they do not have time in their lives
for “play.” Five of these said that recreation is an extension of their calling at work. One said,
“Even in my leisure time I am brought back to areas of concern for the community and areas
I would like to see changed so that others could enjoy a better life.” Another commented,
“When it comes to play, I work at getting new volunteers and contributions through telling
my friends about our work.”
Family time was another major area for recreation and play time. Nine respondents
mentioned family activities as their primary calling in this area.
Below is a listing of categorized responses:
14 Witness or example for others
14 No time or play is an extension of work
11 Family activities
8 No answer
4 Exercise and walking
3 People
3 Friends
2 Having fun and enjoying God
2 Mission trips
2 Music
1 Christian community
1 Competition
1 Dialogue
1 New experiences
1 Outdoors enjoying God
1 Time spent with children in the community
1 Sports and entertainment
“Trust in the Lord with all your
heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit
to him, and he will make your paths
straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
5
“I love having fun and God wants
us to have fun and to enjoy life.
We can have fun and exalt God.
I try to have fun in everything I
do. I love the beach and go every
chance I get.”
“In my social relationships, I try to
model God’s Word and precepts in
what I eat, drink, in my talk and
walk. My goal is for everything
I do to be pleasing in His sight. I
want my interaction with people
to be all inclusive, on cliques, no
racism, no sexism.”
SERVICE
This is a very service-minded group of respondents! Twenty-eight stated that they are
involved in serving others as volunteers. Twelve of these listed specific organizations they
are serving in on a regular basis. Another seventeen said their vocation is their primary
service to others. Here is how this are is broken down by category:
17 My vocation is service.
16 When I volunteer, I serve others.
12 I serve in specific community organizations.
11 No answer
4
I serve through my church.
4
My service is as a witness to the gospel.
2
I am an example for others when I serve.
2
I serve through generous giving.
1
Racial reconciliation
1
I have little time to serve.
“I do what Christ taught as I feed
the hungry, clothe the naked, and
care for widows and orphans.”
“We are here to bring the good
news to the rich, the poor and
to everyone.”
QUESTION 3:
IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST PRESSING PROBLEMS
FACING OUR COMMUNITY? HOW WOULD YOU GO ABOUT
ADDRESSING THEM?
This question was one in which every person surveyed had an opinion. We received 213
answers from seventy respondents. A few gave us more than three issues and a few answered
with less. The following table lists all the issues named two or more times with the number
of people who named each issue.
Wt.
21
21
19
17
13
11
9
8
7
6
Issue
Racial division
Lack of unity/Silo mentality
among leaders
Homelessness
Deterioration of the family
Unemployment
Education
Poverty
Crime
Moral condition
Drug and alcohol abuse
Wt.
6
5
Issue
Hunger
Spiritual condition
4
4
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
Health Care
Individualism/Selfishness
Civic image
Churches not on mission
Gangs
Illiteracy
Socio-economic division
Transportation
Aesthetics
6
Other issues named by one respondent each included:
Issue
Abandoned homes in
neighborhoods
Charities not housed together
Issue
Affordable and safe housing
Issue
Awareness of resources
Christians living in bubbles
Church unresponsive to culture
City growth
Connecting people in need to
resources
Early childhood education
Divisive politics
Downtown revitalization
Economy
Early childhood medical
and dental
Fair distribution of services
Financial education
Exclusion of spiritual from
public life
Greed and materialism
Helplessness
Hopelessness
Hurting people
Infrastructure
Lack of civic mindedness
Lack of communication
Lack of positive spiritual leaders
Lack of vision and dreams
Leadership
Life is too fast, no time to rest
Life skills education
Men need to be men
More resources needed
Limited networking
opportunities
No purpose in life
Not pro small business
Obesity
Political Correctness
Politicians are self-centered
Poorly maintained streets
Pulpits preaching law not grace
Retention plan for youth
Shortage of psychiatrists
Unfair restitution system
Veteran services
Undeserved mental health
issues
Young people need guidance
Healthy lifestyles
The full list of issues and suggested solutions should be considered as the community decides
upon potential solutions that could be pursued together. It would also be worthwhile for
task forces to be developed that could evaluate what is currently being done to address these
issues, what best practices may currently exist in Florence but may need more volunteer or
financial resources, or what best practices may exist elsewhere that could brought to the city
or county.
Some issues appear to be related systemically. If this is found to be the case, solutions will
need to address the cause of these systemic problems so that symptoms are not addressed
in isolation.
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Florence. There were small differences depending on the societal domain in which each p
works. Below is a chart that reflects those differences.
QUESTION 4:
ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WITH 1 BEING “MINIMAL” AND
10 BEING “FULLY COMMITTED,” WHAT NUMBER BEST
REPRESENTS YOUR LEVEL OF COMMITMENT TO
MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN OUR CITY?
This question was answered by sixty-seven (67) of the seventy (70) people
interviewed in this survey. The results were impressive in that the average
response was 9.01 out of 10. This shows that in general, there is a deep
desire on everyone’s part to make a positive difference in Florence. There
were small differences depending on the societal domain in which each
person works. Below is a chart that reflects those differences.
Chart Question 4
Commerce
Education
Family
Government
Media
Nonprofit
Religion
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
Desire to make a positive difference by domain
QUESTION 5:
IF YOU KNEW THERE WERE OTHERS WHO CAREQuestion
ABOUT
THE
YOU
ABOVE
5: If you
knewISSUES
there were others
whoLISTED
care about the
issues you listed above (in
3), would you beWITH
interestedTHOSE
in meeting with
those people
to work toward solution
(IN QUESTION 3), WOULD YOU BE INTERESTEDquestion
IN MEETING
PEOPLE
TO
WORK TOWARD SOLUTIONS? YES? NO?
______ Yes
______ No
According the survey results, there is a very strong desire to collaborate around issues of common concern in Florence. Only
According the survey results, there is a very strong desire to collaborate around iss
one person abstained from answering this question and the remaining
sixty-nine (69) or 98.6% answered affirmatively.
common concern in Florence. Only one person abstained from answering this question an
This sampling of leaders clearly have a strong desire to collaborate
tosixty-nine
solve issues
common
These
positiveof leaders clear
remaining
(69) orof
98.6%
answeredconcern.
affirmatively.
This sampling
answers in questions 4 and 5 bode well for Florence, if this latent
energy
can
be harnessed.
a strong
desire
to collaborate
to solve issues of common concern. These positive answers
questions 4 and 5 bode well for Florence, if this latent energy can be harnessed.
QUESTION 6:
Question 6: Which other leaders do you believe should be interviewed? Would you be wi
make an introduction?
WHICH OTHER LEADERS DO YOU BELIEVE SHOULD
BE INTERVIEWED? WOULD YOU BE
WILLING TO MAKE AN INTRODUCTION? Question 7: What
A listtype(s)
of all the
interviews
has been
gathered
this
process
andmos
may
ofrecommended
communication
tools and
social
mediaindo
you
utilize
used
in
subsequent
interviews.
The
steering
committee
wishes
to
thank
all
who
made
A list of all the recommended interviews has been gathered
in
this
process
and
may
be
used
in
subsequent
interviews.
The
frequently? Please rate your usage on a scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being “not at all” and 10
a willingness
to make
introductions. Listening is the
steering committee wishes to thank all who made recommendations
demonstrated
a willingness
to make
introductions.
“several recommendations
timesand
each
day.”and demonstrated
beginning of learning and of forming the kind of relationships that will help Florence.
Listening is the beginning of learning and of forming the kind of relationships that will help Florence.
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Texting
Personal Blog
QUESTION 7:
Corporate Blog
Telephone
Voicemail
Fax
Face-to-face
WHAT TYPE(S) OF COMMUNICATION TOOLS AND SOCIAL MEDIA DO YOU UTILIZE MOST
FREQUENTLY? PLEASE RATE YOUR USAGE ON
A SCALE
OF 0 TO 10 WITH 0 BEING “NOT AT ALL”
Question
andSu
! 7 tells us a great deal about the changes taking place in communications
Florence Good City
AND 10 BEING “SEVERAL TIMES EACH DAY.” many and varied forms of communication are being used. Only two respondents did no
EmailFacebookTwitterTextingPersonal
Blog
this question, meaning that sixty-eight responded. The Summary
Communications char
shows
that
overall,
the
people
interviewed
communicate
most
each
Corporate Blog
TelephoneVoicemailFaxFace-to-face day by email, follow
face-to-face, telephone, and texting.
Question 7 tells us a great deal about the changes taking place
in communications and how the many and varied forms of
communication are being used. Only two respondents did not
answer this question, meaning that sixty-eight responded. The
Summary Communications chart (below) shows that overall, the
people interviewed communicate most each day by email, followed
by face-to-face, telephone, and texting.
We did not evaluate generational differences in this study because
we did not ask the age of those interviewed. However, we are able tell
how respondents from different vocational domains differ in these
uses communications tools. A chart for the communication tools
most used by each domain is shown in the appendix of this report.
Summary Communications
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Texting
Personal Blog
Corporate Blog
Telephone
Voice Mail
Fax
Face-to-Face
Letter
0
2.50
5.00
7.50
10.00
Summary Communications Patterns
We did not evaluate generational differences in this study because we did not as
of those interviewed. However, we are able tell how respondents from different vocatio
8
domains differ in these uses communications tools. A chart for the communication tool
used by each domain is shown in the appendix of this report.
CONCLUSION:
The Florence Exploration Survey reveals talented, committed, passionate people of faith serving in leadership positions
throughout Florence and Florence County. Their answers would lead us to believe that these leaders are ready to act on
issues of great importance to the city and county. Not only are they ready to act, but to act collaboratively on pressing issues
that could greatly improve life in the region. The research represented in this survey has shown conclusively that the time
is ripe for positive concerted action by leaders to transform Florence and the surrounding region.
APPENDIX: COMMUNICATIONS PATTERNS BY VOCATIONAL DOMAIN
Appendix: Communications Patterns by Vocational Domain
Family
Commerce
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Texting
Personal Blog
Corporate Blog
Telephone
Voice Mail
Fax
Face-to-Face
Letter
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Texting
Personal Blog
Corporate Blog
Telephone
Voice Mail
Fax
Face-to-Face
Letter
0
2.50
5.00
7.50
10.00
0
Commerce Communications Patterns
5.00
7.5
10.0
Government
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Texting
Personal Blog
Corporate Blog
Telephone
Voice Mail
Fax
Face-to-Face
Letter
2.50
5.0
Family Communications Patterns
Education
0
2.5
7.50
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Texting
Personal Blog
Corporate Blog
Telephone
Voice Mail
Fax
Face-to-Face
Letter
10.00
0
Education Communications Patterns
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
Government Communications Patterns
9
Media
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Texting
Personal Blog
Corporate Blog
Telephone
Voice Mail
Fax
Face-to-Face
Letter
0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
Media Communications Patterns
Nonprofit
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Texting
Personal Blog
Corporate Blog
Telephone
Voice Mail
Fax
Face-to-Face
Letter
0
2.50
5.00
7.50
10.00
Nonprofit Communications Patterns
!
Florence Good City Survey p. 14
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