Colorado Springs, CO -- September 22, 2020– GMI is announcing the launch of the Engage Survey 2015 (http://www.gmi.org/engage), a one-of-a-kind field-missionary engagement survey. First done in 2006, this targeted survey helps mission agencies to listen intentionally to their global staff and then take action on what they hear. The Engage Survey is a partnership between GMI and the Best Christian Workplaces Institute, two research organizations committed to serving the faith-based ministry community.
One finding from the prior edition of Engage was that listening and responding to field staff ideas is linked to retention and satisfaction,” said James Nelson, GMI Vice President. “I can think of no better way to ensure that all field staff are listened to than through a confidential survey custom-designed for cross-cultural workers.”
The survey provides mission agencies with a full report, benchmarks from 20-plus other agencies, up to five custom questions, optional reporting by department or region and a free Engage Consultation and Engage Action Plan as a result.
"The Engage Study is the best way to measure the health of those on your front line and strategically focus your resources to improve their effectiveness. The return on your investment in Engage could be significant. Best Christian Workplaces Institute is thrilled to join with GMI to serve leaders supporting those ministering on the front lines,” said Al Lopus, Best Christian Workplaces Institute president.
Among the agencies that have benefited from the Engage Survey is OC International. “This has given us a fresh look at how our people are really seeing things,” said Greg Gripentrog, OC’s former president. “After seeing the results and what has come out of it for us, I would strongly encourage organizations to participate in Engage. A very valuable tool for our leadership team.”
Dr. Ken Harder, GMI Associate, said, “There are two things I have learned in research about missionary effectiveness: 1) people really do want to be effective and 2) if you listen to them you will find nuggets of insight that you can act upon as a missions leader.”
Nelson and Harder will highlight key findings from past editions of the Engage Survey at an upcoming Missio Nexus webinar, “So Glad You Asked.” To register, go to: http://www.missionexus.org/agencies-listening-together/
GMI (www.gmi.org) is an international team of research, mapping and technology professionals who are passionate about informing, equipping and connecting the Church and Kingdom leaders with timely information. For 30 years GMI has facilitated strategic mission research and mapping for international ministries. GMI is a member of Missio Nexus and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and subscribes to the Lausanne Covenant.
