The Masasi Survey Project: Understanding Faith and Community

In a world of shifting cultures and evolving faith practices, the Masasi Survey Project seeks to shine a light on the lives, beliefs, and practices of congregants in the Diocese of Masasi. By listening deeply to its communities, the diocese hopes to honour its Anglican heritage while navigating the interplay between tradition and modern faith.

This project has drawn inspiration from the UK Church-24 Survey and explores fundamental questions of how faith shapes daily life, how cultural traditions coexist with Christian beliefs and how the Church can continue to serve as a vital force in our communities. It reflects the unique identity of the Diocese of Masasi while also resonating with the shared experiences of churches around the world.

The Diocese of Masasi stands as an archetype of rural African dioceses: steeped in rich tradition, deeply connected to its people, and yet always forward-looking. The Masasi Survey Project provides a window into this dynamic, revealing not only the challenges faced but the resilience and creativity of faith communities adapting to a changing world.

By understanding these stories and patterns, the Diocese of Masasi offers insights not only for its leadership but for our partner churches, inviting all to see how faith continues to unite, inspire and transform lives.

The 2024 Masasi Survey: A Pilot for Insight

In December 2024, the Diocese of Masasi conducted its first comprehensive survey of congregants to better understand the lived faith, traditions, and practices of its Anglican community. This pilot study engaged 165 respondents across 11 parishes, with 15 participants per parish. The sample included a balanced representation of men and women, spanning ages 15 to over 80, with 65% of respondents between 20 and 50 years old—the demographic core of the diocese’s population.

While a sample size of 165 is not statistically significant within a diocese of nearly 40,000 Anglicans, it nonetheless provides valuable insights into overarching trends and dynamics. The findings from this survey act as a meaningful foundation for future research, offering a snapshot of attitudes toward faith, leadership, and community engagement within the diocese.

As the project evolves, subsequent iterations of the survey will leverage larger sample sizes and refined methodologies, enabling deeper statistical analysis. Future surveys aim to explore correlations, calculate coefficients, and conduct segmentation by age, gender, and other demographic factors. These enhancements will offer a granular understanding of how faith and community are expressed across different segments of the Diocese of Masasi.

Review the results of the December 2024 Survey here.