New Funds Fuel Largest Study on American Congregations

By Lawrence D. Jones, Christian Post Reporter Monday, October 29, 2007

Researchers behind the largest and most representative study of American churches and their worshipers ever developed in the United States will be able to update their 2001 findings with the help of new funds.

The Research Services office of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. General Assembly Council has been awarded $1,470,555 by The Lilly Endowment of Indianapolis to expand the U.S. Congregational Life Survey.

"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.

In the original survey, also funded by Lilly, the research group staffed by religious researchers and sociologists examined the congregational vitality and American religious landscape based on compiled responses from more than 300,000 worshipers in 2,234 congregations nationwide. Congregations of various sizes participating in the survey represented over 50 denominations and faith groups.

Results from the study generated new information and resources for increasing congregational effectiveness.

Wulff said the updated information from clergy "will provide insight on issues such as satisfaction with ministry and sources of pastoral support."

And GAC Executive Director Linda Bryant Valentine said she looked forward to seeing how the results will shape efforts to strengthen the ministry of congregations.

"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," Valentine commented.

Researchers Deborah Bruce and Cynthia Woolever have written three books based from the findings of the April 2001 study. The titles are: 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).