Nurturing Faith Communities

This research presentation summarizes key findings from a community survey aimed at understanding diverse groups' beliefs, attitudes, and opinions. The survey focused on barriers to religious engagement, the needs of young and diverse communities, the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ adults, and the perceptions of young families and parents towards church life and ELEA schools.

Nurturing Faith Communities Key Findings

• 5-minute video: How to utilize the 'Understanding Young Families' assessment.
• Full Account Setup Guide - START HERE
• Getting Started Guide: Insights
• Assessments Overview

ELEA - ELCA Case Studies

This research highlights that unchurched parents of children under 6 value their children's spiritual development and are open to exploring Christian church attendance for spiritual education. 

God's Love Made Real: Demographics of populations researched and themes studied. 

God's Love Made Read - ELCA Congregation Evaluation Report Key Findings

This resource highlights the importance of understanding child development and family needs for successful educational ministry. It addresses the struggles between ELCA congregations and their schools and early learning center ministry, offering insights and recommendations for strengthening their collaborative relationships to better support families and young children.

Executive Summary

Findings

Qualitative Guide

Parent Qualitative Research

Churched and Unchurched Adults Analysis

Parent & Caregiver Analysis

ELEA Quantitative Analysis | ELCA Brand Study

ELEA Quantitative Analysis | LGBTQIA+ Adults

[PDF] Nurturing Faith Study Series: Welcome to the Nurturing Faith study series, where we explore research from the ELCA and ELEA's partnership with the Barna Group on nurturing faith in our communities. Beginning with the importance of asking good questions - a skill Jesus himself masterfully demonstrated - this series will examine how our churches and schools can strengthen faith formation across generations.

[Video] The Priority of Education: To effectively support families, the ELCA emphasizes the importance of quality education, building strong communities, and prioritizing both academic and spiritual development. Research highlights the need for ELCA schools to create supportive networks for parents, offer welcoming and inclusive environments, and balance valuable education with spiritual growth.

[Video] Supporting LGBTQIA: The ELCA and ELEA partnered with Barna to research the LGBTQIA+ community, revealing that most LGBTQIA+ adults are deeply rooted in their communities and motivated to help others. However, their view of local churches varies significantly based on church attendance. LGBTQIA+ young parents, in particular, show a strong interest in church support, especially in areas like parenting, mental health, and community programs. These insights offer valuable guidance for ministries aiming to serve the LGBTQIA+ community better.

[Video] Perceptions of the ELCA: We researched to understand public perception, revealing that while nearly half of churchgoers are familiar with the denomination, only 4% of unchurched adults know local ELCA churches. However, those familiar with the ELCA generally view it positively, with strong recognition among young parents and the LGBTQIA+ community. These insights offer opportunities for the ELCA to engage better and support diverse communities.

[Video] Knowing Our Neighbors: Our research highlights that churched adults are more connected and involved in their communities, showing a strong sense of neighborly responsibility. In contrast, unchurched adults, who may attend church to seek community or purpose, are less familiar with local churches and are concerned about issues like affordable housing and crime. These insights emphasize the need for churches to better engage with and serve their unchurched neighbors.

[Video] Modern-Day Parenting: Our research explores modern-day parenting. It reveals that many young parents feel undervalued and undersupported, especially those unchurched. Education and school safety are top priorities, with a majority viewing early childhood learning centers positively. Despite challenges, most parents feel a sense of purpose and are hopeful for their children’s future.

[Video] Reaching Communities and Families: The research reveals that many unchurched adults are unfamiliar with local ELCA churches, highlighting an opportunity to connect with them. Additionally, young parents seek support for their children's well-being and are open to churches offering community programs and resources.