Since I used this space recently to shamelessly promote Comparative Statistics 1996, I must give attention to another important summer release from the busy staff of Research Services: The Background Report for the 1997-1999 Panel. This booklet provides a wealth of information on the religious beliefs, church involvement, and social, economic, and demographic characteristics of Presbyterians, based on a national survey of representative samples of 2,100 members, 1,700 elders, and 2,500 ministers. In this issue, I'll highlight some amazing facts on the religious background and religious practice among members and elders.
Denominational Background
The majority of both members (56%) and elders (55%) grew up in another (i.e., a non-Presbyterian) church or faith. Among the largest groups of switchers are former Methodists (16% of current members were raised as Methodists) and former Baptists (10%). One in 20 members (5%) grew up in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Worship Attendance
Just under two in every three members report attending Sunday worship services every week or nearly every week. For elders, almost nine in ten report attending this often. Only 14% of members and 1% of elders report average attendance of less than once per month.
participation in Other Church Activities
A quarter of members report no participation (besides worship) in church activities in the prior month and, among those who do report participation, the median time spent averaged 3-5 hours.
Volunteering
A majority of members (55%) and elders (60%) report volunteering time (apart from their church involvement) in the prior month to help the less fortunate or to make their community a better place. The median time donated by both member and elder volunteers was between three and five hours.
Lay Leadership
Over one-half of elders and one-in-six members currently chair a congregational committee. One-fourth of members and one-fifth of elders currently serve as officers of a men's, women's, youth, or other congregational group.
Longevity, Proximity
The median length of time members have belonged to their current church is 14 years; among elders, 16 years. Half of all members and elders live three or fewer miles from their church.
Ordination
Just over one-half of members have previously been ordained to church office: 14% as elders; 16% as deacons; and 17% as both elders and deacons.
Giving to Church
In 1995, members reported average church giving of $1,300 per household, or $599 per person. Among elders, average household giving was $2,350, or $1,025 per person.
Other Religious Giving
Around two-thirds of both members (64%) and elders (71%) report that they gave money in 1995 to one or more non-Presbyterian religious causes. Most gave small amounts; of members who gave at least $1, the majority gave $100 or less.
Giving to Non-Religious Charity
More than nine in ten members and elders made a contribution in 1995 to a non-religious charity. Most gave small amounts (among members, four in ten gave $50 or less), but others donated larger sums (one in seven members gave at least $1,000).
Conversion Experience
About one-half of both members (47%) and elders (47%) report having had a conversion experience.
Faith-Sharing
Large majorities of members (80%) and elders (91%) believe it is important to share their faith with other people. At the same time, 61% of members and 72% of elders report that they have tried to encourage someone to believe in Jesus Christ or accept him as a personal savior.
Born-Again Status
Around one-third of members (30%) and elders (34%) consider themselves to be born-again Christians.
Order The Background Report for the 1997-1999 Panel, full of tables, graphs, and interesting information about Presbyterians. It's available for $5 from PDS at (800) 524-2612 (#70360-97250)
Email the author: Jack Marcum
Research Services