What I learned from my 2016 reader survey

Congratulations to Pastor Israel Cruz from Fresno, California for winning my survey drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card.  I want to thank each of you for participating in my 2016 reader survey.  

In offering a survey I had hoped to get to know my readers a bit more, as well as your struggles and aspirations.  The survey results gave me a lot of insight and feedback, which I will use to serve you better in 2017.  Here's what the numbers say...

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Based on the survey results, here is a reader profile.  It doesn't offer a complete picture, and there is more to learn in the future, but this is helpful to me.

• My typical reader is male (83%) and is between the ages of 35-54 (55%).  
• College educated (72%) and the largest segment have completed graduate school (33.3%)
• My readers are mostly lead pastors (61%) and assistant pastors (19%).

The focus of the survey was to learn about the struggles and aspirations of pastors.  Here's what I learned...

• The three biggest challenges my readers faced this year were setting and achieving goals (25%), conflict resolution and mangement (25%), and leading change (22%).
• There are two main goals these pastors have for 2017: setting and achieving a clearly defined vision and goals (41%) and overcoming burnout (28%).
• Since I regularly coach pastors I was curious of what would help pastors the most, should they work with a ministry coach in 2017.  My readers said a coach could help with setting clear action plans (30%), overcoming burnout and fatigue (27%), and putting together a system for growth and development (24%).
• The type of blog posts these pastors read most are "how to" - practical help (56%).

What I am taking away from the numbers...

Based on your feedback, this year I want to focus on just a few things.

1. Continue to offer articles and create resources for pastors who are struggling.  I began this site to encourage and bless pastors who are dealing with burnout.  Many pastors simply feel stuck.  My desire is to offer resources that help pastors take steps forward.

2. Keep things very practical.  The survey told me that my readers are interested in articles that help them move forward in their ministries.  In 2017 I will focus more on overcoming burnout, leading change, and accomplishing clear ministry goals.

3. Create short pastor coaching videos that go out each Friday morning.  In three minutes or less I will offer practical lessons that I am learning.

4. Continue coaching pastors by phone.  Coaching is one of the most rewarding things I am currently doing, and I believe pastors are finding value in these calls, especially in accomplishing goals and gaining accountability.  

Click here to learn more about pastor coaching in 2017.

​If you participated in the survey, thank you for your time. It’s the most important window I have into what concerns and motivates you. I consider it a gift. Most of all, thank you for entrusting me with your time and attention.

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