Congregations were asked if they had committees or groups other than their sessions that allocate money to mission or service programs. Almost half, 46%, responded "yes." The total amount allocated by such committees or groups in 1994 was $94,602,933. The median amount was $2,322.
When asked to name these committees or groups, the most common groups named were: mission or missions committees, deacons, Presbyterian Women, and outreach committees. These responses reveal that not all respondents interpreted this question in the same way. Some noted groups that are independent of the session and that have their own funds to distribute. Others answered in terms of committees that advise the session or carry out the session's recommendations. For this reason, no further analyses were conducted.
Small churches were much less likely to report that a committee or group other than the session allocated funds to mission or service programs. Fully 73% of large-membership congregations and 63% of medium-sized ones have such groups, but only 39% of small congregations do.
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