How do Arvada UMC participants use different resources to understand religion and the world during a period of rapid cultural change?

A project of the Justice in Action Committee

This project studies what resources participants at Arvada United Methodist Church use to understand shifts in cultural and political reality. It is being conducted independently by Kenneth Bedell, in partnership with the Justice in Action Committee of Arvada UMC and ND2B Indivisible, for presentation at the Religious Research Association's 2026 Annual Meeting.

The survey takes about 5–10 minutes to complete. There are no right or wrong answers — we're interested in your own experience and perspective. You may skip any question or stop at any time. You are not asked to supply any identifying information.

Prefer paper? Pick up a printed copy at the Justice in Action table in the church Narthex and drop it off there when you're done.

Question 1

Change over time

In the last 12 years, have your views, beliefs, or practices changed regarding:

a) Religion
b) Politics
c) The relationship between your religious beliefs/practices and your political beliefs/participation

Question 2

Influences or supports

Answer Question 1 above to continue.

What have been the three most important influences on your change in religion in the past 12 years?

1.
2.
3.

What have been the three most important influences on your change in politics in the past 12 years?

1.
2.
3.

What have been the three most important influences on your change in the relationship between religion and politics in the past 12 years?

1.
2.
3.

What have been the three most important supports for your current beliefs and participation?

1.
2.
3.

Question 3

Resources

What resources do you use related to your religious and/or political beliefs? (Check all that apply, for each column.)

ResourceReligionPolitics
Conversations with friends and family
Worship services — sermons
Worship services — music
Worship services — other
Church mailings or displays in the Narthex
Political rallies or protests
Internet — social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
Internet — blogs
Internet — subscriptions (NY Times, Substack, etc.)
Internet — email or messenger exchanges
Internet — websites and search engines
Internet — other
Book clubs or discussion groups
Movies
Concerts or music
Other

Thank you for contributing your perspective to this study. Responses are confidential and are not linked to any identifying information.

Questions? Contact Ken Bedell at kbedell@dnaco.net or 202‑744‑3225.