LOUISVILLE — The Lilly Endowment of Indianapolis has awarded $1,470,555 to the Research Services office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s General Assembly Council (GAC) to expand the U.S. Congregational Life Survey.
The original survey conducted in April 2001, was also funded by Lilly, as well as the Louisville Institute and the PC(USA). It’s the largest study in history of American congregations and their worshipers.
It generated new information and resources for increasing congregational effectiveness, by compiling responses from more than 300,000 worshipers in 2,234 congregations of all sizes, representing all 50 states and more than 50 denominations and faith groups.
“The new grant will allow PC(USA) researchers to update the profile of American worshipers and their congregations and to assess congregational change and its causes,” said Keith Wulff, coordinator of Research Services, adding that “information from clergy will provide insight on issues such as satisfaction with ministry and sources of pastoral support.”
Three books have emerged from the April 2001 survey: A Field Guide to U.S. Congregations (2002); Beyond the Ordinary: Ten Strengths of U.S. Congregations (2004); and Places of Promise: Finding Strength in Your Congregation’s Location (January 2008). Authored by Deborah Bruce and Cynthia Woolever, all three books were published by Westminster John Knox Press, .
“We are honored to see the excellence of our Research Services staff recognized by Lilly Endowment, and grateful for the confidence they have continued to place in our work,” said GAC Executive Director Linda Bryant Valentine. “I look forward to seeing how the results will shape our efforts to strengthen the ministry of congregations.”
For more information about the U.S. Congregational Life Survey, contact Keith Wulff at 1-888-728-7228 x5126, Deborah Bruce at 1-888-728-7228 x5162 or Cynthia Woolever at 1-518-326-6988.
