Touchstone Survey Results In

We received 110 responses representative of approximately 600 readers. The feedback will help guide decisions on the future of Touchstone regarding content, format and the frequency and style of the online forums where the articles are shared. While there was some desire for a return to a printed publication, the feedback was mostly positive regarding the content, accessibility and style of our communications.

Feedback Summarised

1. Mostly favourable / positive comments from those who responded, alluding to the enjoyment of catching up with what is happening in the Connexion and the importance of the role that Touchstone has in sharing news and information for a Connexional Church.
2. Most have accepted the online version - some lamented the loss of the printed version particularly those responding on behalf of older congregations.
3. There is a lack of understanding and confusion regarding the availability and purpose of the PDF version of each monthly edition.
4. Many appreciate the PDF while some respondents did not realise it was available.
5. Many Parishes are sharing the link with their congregations - and some who don't will now do so.
6. Most are happy with the content - there were one or two who missed Ian Harris.
7. Some issues with Samoan and Tongan readers that may not have anything to do with the current format of Touchstone. We are not doing well in engaging Pasifika parishes / congregations.
8. Confusion over Question 4 – erratic responses as to whether parishes are engaging with Touchstone.
9. Content could benefit from having a focus on articles relevant to uniting and cooperating parishes, especially given the absence of Presbyterian publications.
10. Content that appealed included Our People, Looking Back, Reviews, Kidz Korna.

The Takeouts

We are a diverse church and accordingly our people include those with diverse opinions, ethnicities, cultural mores, attitudes, ages and preferences, all with a shared faith and commitment to living a faith-filled life and ministry. Finding a means of communicating relevant and interesting news and content – including articles that give pause for reflection and thought - for all, is a challenge. That challenge is compounded by the ever-increasing range of online forums and content delivery options that appeal to the diversity of our readers and budget limitations.

Although there is a desire for a return to a printed paper, especially for our older parishioners, this will not be possible due to the escalating costs of printing and publication, combined with our commitment to climate-friendly initiatives. Generally, the format and content of the online monthly dispatch, including articles with a stronger focus on theological and social justice issues, are favoured and will continue.

There seems to be some misunderstanding of the role of the PDF attachment that goes out with the link to the online version of Touchstone. This edited and reduced version of the original content is intended as an option for parish secretaries or others to print and share news with those people who do not have access to, nor the desire or the ability to read content online. The PDF is deliberately limited so that printing does not exceed 20 A4 pages. Some parishes commented on the cost involved in reproducing the PDF. Although produced as a colour version with photos, there will be cost savings where the PDF version is printed in black and white. The omission – and reduction - of articles is necessary to ensure that printing is viable.

One person suggested we have an app for Touchstone, which was a novel but non-viable proposition. The cost would be excessive.

Another respondent claimed content was shallow, and a few others commented they were missing the thought-provoking contributions of Ian Harris. Ian opted to discontinue his writing when Touchstone went online. We are pleased to have a number of new and/or respected theologians and social commentators – representative of a diverse voice and demographic - providing content.

To engage more with our Pasifika communities, we will extend our online platform to include the Vahefonua Facebook page.

In closing, the Publishing Board recognises that change is imperative to continue to share the voice of the Methodist Church in New Zealand in ways that are relevant and accessible. Be assured we will respond to feedback and that although all voices are heard, consensus decision-making means that the desire of the majority will determine how and where those changes unfold.