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1B) I feel a greater sense of belonging in our congregation the more I participate in its ministries.

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1E) In our congregation, I am part of something bigger than myself.

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1G) I would describe our congregation as a cohesive community.

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1H) I see myself as an integral part of our congregation.

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1A) I believe our congregation is making a difference in people's lives.

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1C) I like telling others about what is going on at our congregation.

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1D) Participating in our congregation energizes me.

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1F) I invite people to participate in our congregation’s worship experiences.

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3C) I feel like a valued part of our congregation.

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3D) It is easy to engage with the ministries of our congregation.

3E) In our congregation, sharing a difference of opinion is welcomed.

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3F) Our congregation respects people with differing views.

3A) Congregational leaders are open with decisions that are made.

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3B) Leaders in our congregation manage the finances effectively.

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3G) When making decisions, the leadership considers the perspectives of our congregation.

2E) My faith informs my daily behaviors.

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2I) Faith is a part of my entire life.

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2J) My experience at church influences my daily life.

2D) Our sense of mission is an important component for decision-making in our congregation.

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2H) As a congregation, we have a clear sense of our purpose.

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2M) I believe in the mission of our congregation.

2A) My involvement in service opportunities through our congregation is important to my faith development.

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2G) Being involved in a group in our congregation is important to my faith development.

2K) My experience with our congregation’s worship plays an important role in nurturing my faith.

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2N) Participating in our congregation’s educational opportunities is important to my faith development.

2B) I have developed and experienced meaningful relationships in our congregation.

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2L) When we do ministry as a congregation, we are all on the same team.

2C) My involvement in our congregation inspires me.

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2F) The worship experience in our congregation inspires me.

4F) Our congregation is willing to take risks to fulfill its mission.

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4H) New ideas are supported in our congregation.

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4I) Challenges in our congregation are seen as opportunities to grow.

4B) It is important that our congregation make changes in order to live out its mission.

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4D) It is important to make changes within our congregation in the next six months.

4A) I believe that God is active in the world today.

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4E) God works through me to carry out God’s mission.

S= Sustainability I= Impact E= Entrepreneurial

PRIORITIES

S= Sustainability I= Impact E= Entrepreneurial

PRIORITIES

S= Sustainability I= Impact E= Entrepreneurial

PRIORITIES

PRIORITIES

6) Which THREE ministry areas would create the greatest impact at FLC in the next 1-5 years?

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PRIORITIES

29) Congregational Growth: Priority and Path

In the next 24-36 months, how strongly should FLC prioritize growing by roughly 40-60 new participating households and increasing average weekly worship by 15-25%?

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PRIORITIES

30) Congregational Growth – What might be our top priority?

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PRIORITIES

31) Congregational Growth – Which of these might be our greatest constraint?

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PRIORITIES

32) Congregational Growth: I would likely personally commit to:

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1A) Participating in the online opportunities of our faith community gives me a greater

sense of being connected.

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1C) Participating in our congregation’s online experiences strengthens my relationship with others.

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1D) Our congregation’s online experiences unite us around a shared purpose.

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14) I participate in our congregation’s online ministry because of

(choose up to three)…

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13) Through participating in our congregation’s online experiences (check all that apply)…

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4B) Participating in online ministry opportunities helps me better understand the mission of

our congregation.

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4D) My overall involvement in the life of our congregation has increased because of the online ministry

opportunities.

4E) Participating in the online ministry has inspired me to increase my financial support of the ministry.

6A) I am unclear just exactly what our “online ministries” are.

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5B) It is important that our congregation continue to develop and grow its online ministry.

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5C) I participate in online experiences with other faith communities.

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15) I intend to connect to our congregation through:

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8A) Our congregation encourages me to be a good financial steward.

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8B) It is important to give generously of my finances beyond my congregation.

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9) Given what my congregation is doing, which of the following best represents what you plan to give over the next year?

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What influences giving?

 �

INCOME & GIVING ASSESSMENT

Average Household Income Breakdown

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INCOME & GIVING ASSESSMENT

Annual Giving Tendencies

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25) I would likely be in support of these sanctuary improvements.

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We are exploring a set of possible sanctuary updates that together could total approximately $200,000. These improvements would enhance flexibility, accessibility, and the overall worship experience. The concept could include:

*Transitioning from pews to moveable chairs for more flexible seating in worship and other

gatherings,

*Installing new carpet and a hearing assistance loop (T-Coil) system under the flooring,

*Creating a more permanent sound and projection booth, and

*Upgrading speakers to improve sound coverage throughout the sanctuary.

Potential Sanctuary Improvements

27) I would likely be in support of exploring this Narthex/Fellowship Hall expansion.

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We are also exploring the possibility of transforming our current Narthex into our primary Fellowship Hall, roughly doubling its size to accommodate gatherings of up to 150 people. This project would aim to create a more accessible, welcoming, and flexible space for fellowship and ministry. The concept would involve:

*Extending the roofline west toward the Fireside Room,

*Expanding the Narthex kitchen, and

*Designing a new nursery space nearby.

This would allow for larger gatherings without needing to go downstairs and would include a modern, accessible kitchen.

(Estimated cost range: significant investment, potentially $500,000–$1,000,000+, depending on design and materials.)

Potential Narthex Improvements

• FLC in the upper tier of congregations positioned for change and/or growth
• Noteworthy strength of member affirmation of ministry with an accompanying interest in advancing outreach/community ministry. Internal strength – Outward possibilities
• Strong affirmation of missional centering and that the ministry makes a substantive difference in people’s faith/life
• Four in ten could grow in becoming an integral part of the congregation (1H)
• Possible opportunity for increase in inviting differing views/opinions 23-37%
• TOP PRIORITIES: Increasing Community Impact; Teaching the Faith; Growing in Innovation of Being the Church
• 1-5 YEAR FOCUS: Children, Youth & Family Min.; Community Outreach; Worship & Music
• 2/3 affirm hybrid use of digital/internet connections with the church
• 68% affirm making Sanctuary Updates
• 56% affirm expanding Narthex area into more Fellowship space
• 49% intending to give more next year to the ministry
• What are you left curious about?

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From FLC’s Community Leader Gathering�Nov. 13. 2025

Key Insights from Community Leaders

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Top Needs in Our Community

• Youth & family mental health
• Food insecurity
• Safe, stable housing
• Childcare shortages
• Loneliness & connection needs

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Positive Momentum

• School-based mental health partnerships
• Strong collaboration among agencies
• Programs addressing root causes (housing, workforce, nutrition)

How Churches Can Partner

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Where FLC Could Make a Difference

• Strengthen youth & school partnerships
• Support food security efforts
• Explore housing support options
• Increase relational/connection ministries
• Mobilize volunteers in simple, easy ways

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What Leaders Asked For

• “Pick one area and go deep.”
• Flexible financial support (dollars go further than cans).
• Help share the word—lift partners in worship/communications.

How Our Inputs Fit Together

One Strategic Picture

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How the Three Discovery Streams Connect

MAP Survey (Congregational Input)

• Broad, representative voice of the whole congregation
• Identifies strengths, energy areas, concerns, and priorities
• Highlights patterns across worship, mission, community engagement, connection, and ministry focus
• Provides the “wide-angle lens” for where FLC is today

Community Leader Gathering (External Input)

• Voices from schools, social services, hunger partners, mental health, youth organizations, county leaders
• Reveals real needs in the community: family strain, youth isolation, hunger, mental health gaps, housing instability, fragmentation
• Helps clarify FLC’s potential missional opportunities for deeper impact
• Provides the “outside view” of where God may be calling the congregation to serve

Kairos Leadership Input (Internal Leadership Discernment)

• Staff, Council, and Strategic Planning Support Team perspectives
• Interprets findings in light of mission, capacity, resources, and leadership vision
• Helps translate insights into realistic ministry initiatives
• Provides the “leadership lens” necessary for clarity, alignment, and direction

Together These Create One Integrated Discernment Process

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MAP + Community Leader Voices + Leadership Input = Focus Forward Pathway

These three inputs form the foundation of the Focus Forward Strategic Planning Process:

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• Listen Widely (MAP)
• Listen Beyond Ourselves (Community Leaders)
• Listen Within the Leadership (Key FLC Leaders)

Name and Address of Congregation:

First Lutheran Church

410 Main Street

Onalaska, WI 54650

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Name of Middle Judicatory: La Crosse Area Synod

Community Context: Suburban

Total Membership of Congregation: 1,567

Average Weekly Worship Attendance: 468

Annual Budget: $955,100

Active Giving Units: 381