FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harrisonburg, VA / Elgin, IL — Shine: Living in God’s Light Curriculum, a collaborative faith formation initiative of MennoMedia and Brethren Press, is launching two important surveys this spring—one for congregations and one for families. With these surveys, Shine and its publishers seek to better understand the people and practices shaping faith formation today and to craft future curriculum resources that meet their real-life needs.
The Congregation Survey and Family Survey will be available online from May 1 to May 30, 2025, and are being administered on Shine’s behalf by The Grandview Group. Congregations in Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Church Canada, and the Church of the Brethren will receive an invitation to participate, as will congregations from other denominations that use Shine products.
“With these surveys, we hope to listen deeply to the congregations and families we serve,” said Amy Gingerich, executive director and publisher of MennoMedia. “We want to hear what’s working, what’s needed, and how Shine can continue to be a trusted resource for nurturing children’s faith.”
The Congregation Survey will gather data on purchasing habits, demographics, and Sunday school participation trends since 2019. The Family Survey will explore faith practices at home, beliefs about spiritual development, and the needs and preferences of parents and caregivers.
“At Brethren Press, we believe that good faith formation begins with listening,” said Wendy McFadden, publisher of Brethren Press. “This is a chance for churches and families to shape the future of Shine by sharing their honest experiences and hopes.”
To encourage participation, Shine is offering the first 100 congregations to complete the Congregation Survey a $25 USD thank-you check, and an additional $10 USD per completed Family Survey from their congregation (up to five families), for a potential total of $75 USD. Congregational leaders are encouraged to fill out the Congregation Survey and then invite parents and caregivers in their communities to complete the Family Survey.
Survey links, QR codes, and promotional materials—including a digital flyer for congregations to distribute—are available at ShineEverywhere.com/join/surveys.
For more information about the survey or for help with survey access, contact:
Erin Parker
Senior Project Manager
The Grandview Group
e.parker@thegrandviewgroup.com
For questions about Shine or the incentive program, please contact:
Shana Peachey Boshart
Shine Everywhere Project Facilitator
About Shine Curriculum:
Shine is a Bible-based Sunday school curriculum published jointly by MennoMedia and Brethren Press. Its mission is to equip congregations and families to help children and youth love Jesus, grow in faith, and change the world.