Skip survey header

Assessing the State of Next Gen Ministry in Black Churches and Faith-Based Organizations

Assessing the State of Next Gen Ministry in Black Churches and Faith-Based Organizations


In Black Churches and Faith-Based Organizations, working in Next Gen Ministry presents unique challenges and expectations. Gaining insight into the lived experiences of adults committed to the faith development of Black children, youth, and young adults is crucial for building effective, impactful, and sustainable ministries.

BOON – The Black Next Gen Network is dedicated to understanding these experiences and providing the necessary support. Over the past few months, we conducted a National Listening Tour to gather insights on this vital topic. This survey builds on those meaningful conversations, with questions designed to further explore the themes and needs that emerged.

Whether you attended a tour stop or not, we encourage you to take this survey. Your feedback will help us:

  • Shape a strategic plan for BOON.
  • Develop a culturally relevant ministry framework.
  • Advocate for the resources and support needed to empower Black Next Gen Ministry leaders and churches.

For questions or more information, please contact us at info@thebooncommunity.com.

Next Gen Ministry is defined as ministries serving children, teens, and young adults.

Note: To encourage transparency we are NOT requiring any identifying information other than the state you serve in. If you would like to receive updates you will be given the option to include name and email address. Please plan on about 10 minutes to complete the survey.

1.

Which options describe your ministry setting? (select all that apply)
2.

What is the approximate annual budget for Next Gen Ministry (excluding salaries)?
3.

Rank the areas where the Next Gen Ministry budget is spent, starting with the largest expense down to the smallest?

Order the items from the following list. First select an item with the spacebar to show a menu of possible ranking positions. Next, click a ranking position to order it in the ranked list. Note the menu will display more ordering options as you add items to the ranked list.
4. Are you the primary ministry leader for the age group you serve within your church/organization?
5. What ministries/areas (age groups or other) do you oversee? (select all that apply)
6.

What is your employment status at church/organization?
7.

How much are you compensated per year for serving within your church/organization?
8. How long have you been leading in Next Gen Ministry?
10. Please complete the following statement...  "Children’s, Youth, and/or Young Adult Ministry is…"
11. What barriers do you see to making Next Gen Ministry a lifelong career? (select all that apply)
12. Which age range best describes you?
13. Which best describe your ethnicity? (select all that apply)
14. What are the predominant ethnicities within your church/organization? (select all that apply)
15. What best describes the community makeup of your church/organization?
16. I am connected to others adults serving in Next Gen Ministry in churches or organizations similar to mine.
​​​​​​(Connected = having relationships or regular interactions with)
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
17. I have received encouragement from someone in Next Gen Ministry in a ministry setting similar to mine. (Encouragement = support, affirmation, or motivation)
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
18. I have provided encouragement to someone in Next Gen Ministry in a ministry setting similar to mine. (Encouragement = support, affirmation, or motivation)
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
19. I am interested in connecting with more ministry colleagues who serve in settings similar to mine.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
20. I collaborate with ministry leaders from other churches/organizations beyond my own church/organization.
(Collaborate = have worked with ministry leaders from other churches or organizations to share ideas, resources, or efforts, such as planning events, creating programs, or addressing common ministry goals.)
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
21. What are the primary factors motivating you to connect with leaders from other churches or organizations? (select all that apply)
22.  I am aware of "best practices" for Next Gen Ministry (ie: child protection, safety, leadership training, background checks, etc).
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
23. I utilize "best practices" for Next Gen Ministry (ie: child protection, safety, leadership training, background checks, etc).
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
24. I feel supported by others who serve in Next Gen Ministry.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
25. The ministry I lead would benefit if I had more support from other Next Gen Ministry leaders.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
26. How many continuing education opportunities are you aware of that are attractive, affordable, and speak to your ministry context?
27. If I participate in continuing education opportunities (cohorts, conferences, seminars, etc.), the costs are typically covered by:
 
MyselfMy church or ministry organizationFundraising effortsA mix of the aboveOther - Write In
28. I am encouraged by my church/organization's leadership to participate in continuing education opportunities.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
29. I am currently searching for opportunities to continue my ministry education.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
30. Funding for Next Gen Ministry roles at my church/organization are a high priority.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
31. Next Gen Ministry roles at my church/organization are more likely to be volunteer than compensated.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
32. I feel confident in the longevity of my role as a Next Gen Ministry leader.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
33. Senior Leadership within my church/organization feels confident that faith based curriculum addresses the needs of the children and youth within our church/organization.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
34. Leadership prefers self created resources.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
35. What barriers/challenges, if any, do you experience in using Next Gen Ministry resources?
36. Senior Leadership within my church/organization is hesitant to invest in Next Gen Ministry resources from primarily white organizations.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
37. What are the top ways Next Gen Ministry curriculum providers could elevate their trustworthiness? (choose up to 4)
38. Within the last year, I have had the opportunity to participate in a Next Gen Ministry course, conference, cohort, or seminar. (Outside of the Listening Tour offered this Fall).
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
39. It seems as though continuing education opportunities are available for leaders in other areas of our church/organization but not for leaders of children's and youth ministry teams.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
40.  If given a $1,000 continuing education budget I know exactly how I would use it for myself and team?
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
41. How frequently do Next Gen Ministry volunteers attend Next Gen Ministry conferences or trainings outside of your church?
42.

If Next Gen Ministry volunteers attend conferences or trainings, who typically covers their costs?
43. What are the main barriers to taking Next Gen Ministry volunteers to conferences or trainings? (select all that apply)
44. Within the last 3 years I have paid out of my personal funds to attend a Next Gen Ministry learning opportunity (course, conference, seminar).
Many timesA few TimesOnceNever
45. As I consider attending Next Gen Ministry training options, I see diverse representation in marketing language, images, and highlights.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
46. I feel as though there are training opportunities thoughtfully addressing the concerns of the children, youth, young adults, and families within the ministry I lead.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
47.

What topics would you like more information on to better support the children, youth, young adults, and families you serve? (select up to 10) 
48. I am interested in Next Gen Ministry conferences with more cultural and ethnic diversity.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
49. I know of at least three Next Gen Ministry trainings I would like to attend.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
50. I would attend Next Gen Ministry experiences if I was made aware of them.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
51. I see numerous advertisements for Next Gen Ministry trainings that pique my interest.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
52. When considering training opportunities, I wonder if the speakers and content are culturally relevant for me/my church.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
53.  I often feel as though the content developed by predominately white organizations does not fully address the nuances and complexities of my culture.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
54. I often feel like I could have named three black leaders who could have better addressed the content.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
55. I am concerned I will not see any representation of my culture/identity on the stage, leadership, or attendees.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
56. If I knew my culture/identity would be well represented I would be more inclined to participate.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
57. I am concerned that I will be given solutions that fail to appreciate my ethnicity, culture, traditions and identity.
Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree
58.

Did you participate in the Listening Tour?
59. Would you like to be among the first to access our report findings and discover initiatives designed to impact the faith development of Black children, youth, young adults, and families?  By saying "yes" you will be given the opportunity to include name and email address.
This question requires a valid email address.
0%