Your Voice Is Shaping Our Future

Earlier this year, we invited the congregation to share your thoughts about the future of McPherson First through a strategic direction survey. Fifty-two of you responded, and I wanted to make sure you got to see the same data the Leadership Board used at our strategic planning retreat on March 7 — because these are your voices, and you deserve to know how they're being heard. Below you'll find a summary of the highlights, and you can watch my video walkthrough at the bottom of this page for the full picture.

What You Told Us

The numbers were encouraging. When asked how strongly you feel you belong at McPherson First, the average score was 8.8 out of 10. Our Net Promoter Score — which measures how likely you are to recommend this church — came in at +68, with 37 out of 50 respondents rating us a 9 or 10. That's a strong foundation.

You ranked building financial sustainability and strengthening community impact as the top two strategic priorities. Support was strongest for community impact work like STEPMC and the food cupboard, volunteer leadership development, and Grace Groups. When asked about Grace Groups specifically, 82% said they're interested or open to learning more.

What You Value Most

Five themes surfaced again and again: community and genuine relationships, meaningful worship and preaching, servant mission in our community, youth and children's ministry, and a welcoming atmosphere where people feel they belong.

You were also honest about where you'd like to see growth — more people in the pews, shared volunteer responsibility, deeper connections through small groups, creativity in worship, and greater transparency about finances and decisions.

What Happens Next

These results are shaping the 2026–2027 ministry funding plan right now. Watch for Grace Groups launching later this year, continued investment in community impact, and more opportunities to connect and serve. If you have questions or thoughts after watching the video, call the church office at 620-241-3626 or find me on Sunday morning.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Andrew