These are two of the findings from a survey of representative samples of members, elders, pastors, and ministers — known as the Presbyterian Panel — that the denomination assembles every three years.
The fall 2008 profile survey found that the median age of members and elders has continued to climb, from 58 in 2005 to 60. The median age of pastors is 53 and, of ministers whose calls do not involve being pastors of congregations, 56.
The survey also found that twothirds of members (64 percent) and about half of elders (52 percent) and other ministers (45 percent) are women.
A report detailing results of the fall 2008 Panel profile survey is available online at (pcusa.org).
