The most recent U.S. Congregational Life survey conducted in 2008 and 2009, summarizes the views of more than 40,000 people who worship in 521 PC(USA) congregations – as well as providing congregational profiles and surveys of leaders.
Among the findings, which representatives of the PC(USA)’s Office of Research Services presented to the General Assembly Mission Council at its meeting in Louisville Oct. 7, are that:
» The median age of Presbyterian worshipers in 2008 was 61, compared with age 58 in 2001.
» Most people who join PC(USA) congregations are transfers — either from another Presbyterian church or another denomination.
» Presbyterian congregations today face more serious economic challenges than they did in 2001. Nearly a third of Presbyterian congregations (32 percent) in 2008 said their financial base was declining, compared to 20 percent in 2001..
» Fewer than half of Presbyterian worshippers (44 percent) had, in the previous year, invited to worship a friend or relative who doesn’t attend any other church. Only about one in five are involved in their congregation’s evangelistic or outreach efforts.
For a full report on the survey, go to the Click here.
