Zoom Inclusion Ministry Checklist and Survey

Part of Zoom Inclusion Ministry Guidebook

By Ben Ogilvie

check boxes being checked off by red pencil

What does Zoom Inclusion look like and how does it impact the community? You can use this list of considerations for an initial evaluation or assessment, then as a checklist or evaluation tool about how your inclusion ministry is serving your community.

Checklist

Participation

  • Does the zoom feed include all spoken words and all music? If you ring a bell or chime, does that sound come through?
  • Does the zoom feed show everything important that’s happening in the sanctuary?
  • Can Zoomies participate in meaningful ways?
  • Do they get advance notice if they would benefit from special preparations (for a Passover Seder, for instance)?
  • Do they have access to all the materials the Roomies have access to?
  • Are there parallel options for them when the Roomies are doing something physical – like eating?

Connection

  • Can Zoomies see Roomies? Can Roomies see Zoomies?
  • Do they have opportunities to interact with each other in meaningful ways?
  • Do Zoomies feel included? Valued? Loved? That they matter?

Impact

  • What difference does it make to the Zoomies? How does it affect their experience and their feelings about the church?
  • What difference does it make to Roomies? How does it affect their experience and their feelings about the church?

What About Children?

  • Are there ways for children to connect through zoom?
  • If Roomies can see the children during intergenerational worship time, can the Zoomies see them as well?

Sample Zoom Inclusion Survey

The Zoom Inclusion Group (ZIG) <your names here> would like to hear from you!
By “zoom inclusion” we mean ensuring that people who attend over Zoom are equally valued members of our community.
How often do you call in to Zoom services?
  • 1-2 times a month
  • 3-4 times a month
  • every time
  • almost never

How often do you attend in person services?

  • Never or almost never
  • Occasionally
  • 1-2 times a month
  • 3 or more times a month

How do you feel about using the word “Zoomie” to identify people on zoom?

(1) Love It!…..(2)…..(3)…..(4)…..(5) Hate it!

How do you feel about using the word “Roomie” to identify people physically in the room at church?

(1) Love It!…..(2)…..(3)…..(4)…..(5) Hate it!

How would you describe your preferred visibility on Zoom?

  • I like to be seen, I keep my camera on
  • Just want to view the service, keep my camera off
  • I like to use it sometimes with the option to turn it off
  • Other:

When given a chance do you unmute yourself?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Sometimes
  • Other:

Have you experienced any of the following technical issues that impacted your attendance? (check all that apply)

  • Difficulty hearing speaker(s)
  • Difficulty hearing music
  • Noise from sanctuary during coffee hour
  • Static or other audio problems
  • Video doesn’t show what you want to see (slides in way, wrong camera view, etc.)
  • Wrote something in the chat for joys/concerns that was missed
  • Problems with Zoom interface
  • Problems muting/unmuting
  • Had to wait to be allowed in to call
  • Other:

How do you feel as a part of the congregation when attending over Zoom? (check all that apply)

  • I feel I’m an equal part of the group
  • I’m just happy to be able to join
  • I feel I’m of secondary status
  • I feel ignored or invisible
  • I actually feel more important to the group
  • Other:

Which of the following would you be interested in? (check all that apply)

  • Zoom attendees featured more often
  • Zoom attendees able to participate in the order of service more
  • Unmuted for joys and concerns
  • Have coffee hour on camera
  • I’m actually ok with not being shown more
  • Other:

Are there comments, suggestions, or anything else you would like to share with the ZIG — Zoom Inclusion Group?