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Comment
Dorothy and David McMillan
From
the Director
David Porter
Good
Living in Bad Circumstances
Glenn Jordan
Readers
Survey Report
Ruth Hutchinson
The
Local Church and The Local Community
Norman Hamilton
Hospitality
for Ministers
Graham Cheesman
Too
Many Partnerships...not enough partners?
Maurice Kinkead
Community
and Conflict...a Restorative Approach
Debbie Watters
LION & LAMB READERS SURVEY REPORT
Early in 1999 a decision was taken to survey the readers of Lion & Lamb. Eighteen editions had been published and over that time circulation had steadily increased from less than 100 to almost 3,000. Style, appearance, and content had altered, and from humble beginnings as a four-page newsletter it had developed into a full sized magazine.
The Survey Questionnaire was constructed to provide answers to a number of questions being asked by our Steering Group. Who reads Lion & Lamb? From which age range do they come? Do they find the magazine informative, accessible, challenging, useful? How well are they able to assimilate the articles? The survey was circulated in March 1999 with Issue No 19.
General
We have summarised what we believe to be the salient points. First a few general statistics. 144 completed forms were returned, representing 6% of the total sample. We are aware that 6% is not a large sample on which to base conclusions. However, several hundred names had been added to the mailing list only a few months before the survey was distributed. Since 83% of replies came from people who had been receiving the magazine for more than 1 year we believe it is safe to assume that those who responded were on the whole committed readers.
72% of the respondents
were male.
67% fell into the 30-60 age group.
70% came from people resident in Northern Ireland.
83% had been receiving the magazine for more than 1 year.
67% had requested it.
66% stated they were willing to pay a subscription if asked to do so.
Who reads Lion & Lamb?
Sex/age
It would appear that the majority of our readers are middle-aged and it is disappointing to note that we are reaching so few younger people. The gender divide is also interesting, showing a ratio of 3 to 1 in favour of men. Two thirds of the complete sample stated that they held some form of office in the church, just over half apparently volunteers. Two thirds had requested the publication, and roughly the same proportion stated their willingness to pay for it if asked. Of the remaining third, almost all had some previous contact with ECONI.
So who reads Lion & Lamb? The typical reader seems to be male, between 30 and 60, resident in Northern Ireland, with enough money to pay for it! He is likely to be active in his local church, and is already interested in the work of ECONI. Some questions arise for our deliberation. Does the lower response from women indicate that fewer women read Lion & Lamb? If so why? Why do so few younger people appear to read the magazine? Is this an indication that the younger generation is tired of the debate? Have they already opted out?
What about the contents?
Results in this section were gratifying. Readers were asked to classify the contents as very good, good, fair or poor. Opinions were recorded both on separate sections of the magazine and the magazine as a whole. 90% considered the magazine as a whole to be either good or very good. A study of results by section shows that the Director's Page came top of the pole (93% G or VG) followed closely by the articles (90% G or VG). Other features followed, in descending order of popularity, with poetry bringing up the rear.
How much do they read?
Given the responses in the previous paragraph it is not such a surprise to note that 86% of our readers read all or most of each issue. We are pleased to note this figure since so many publications come through our letterboxes and the temptation to 'dip' is strong. However we know that many recipients of the magazine have time only to scan the contents. Those who speak with warmth of the shorter, more accessible articles are often in this category.
Assimilation
Fears that the contents may be too academic or too hard to understand do not seem to have been be realised. Approximately a quarter of the readers found it a challenge, and a small number admitted it was a struggle. But 76% assimilated it well or very well.
We must face the possibility that those who find the contents difficult or intense may not have completed the questionnaire. The sample was too small to be certain. But that said, it does not seem unreasonable to conclude that the magazine as presently presented is 'hitting the mark'.
The survey indicated that for 96% their original contact point was ECONI. It is likely that a high percentage of our readership is already committed to the aims and aspirations of the organisation. Lion & Lamb speaks largely to the 'converted'. Should we consider a wider market? How might that be achieved?
Suggested Improvements?
There is no simple way to communicate the suggestions made. We have tried to categorise them in a general manner.
10% asked for
more news or opportunity to engage in correspondence and debate.
10% requested more simplicity.
7% thought more graphics desirable.
6% were hoping for more news about grass roots practice or resources.
6% wanted us to keep things as they are now.
Church Leaders
This section was included to give some indication of the magazine's possible usefulness to church leaders.
66% of the sample
said they held some form of leadership.
40 were ministers.
35 were elders or had a preaching role.
12 held another lay position, mostly within their local congregation.
(Many respondents held more than 1 office.)
A breakdown by
gender shows that 20 out of 38 women held leadership roles.
13 are located in Northern Ireland.
2 were ministers (1 from Northern Ireland).
2 others (aside from clergy) said they had a preaching role.
The questionnaire asked those who had a leadership role to indicate whether or not they used Lion & Lamb as an aid to their church work. Though most were very appreciative of the magazine less than half (45%) used it directly in their work. Many however said they found it helpful for their personal instruction and preparation, or as an aid to prayer. Is there a possibility that Lion & Lamb could give more practical help to leaders?
In conclusion we wish to thank all those who contributed to the exercise. Though care has been taken to avoid drawing 'wrong' conclusions from the data, we are the first to admit that we are not experts in statistical analysis. It is therefore important that we acknowledge the help given at every stage of the exercise. Rosemary Black and Stanley McDowell advised on the content and format of the questionnaire. Jessica Smith recorded most of the results, and Tucker Ball created the charts that make the data more accessible. Fran Porter and Glenn Jordan helped us interpret some of the results. Lastly thanks is due to all those who took the time to complete and return the survey.
Ruth Hutchinson - assistant editor of Lion & Lamb.
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