SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS IN THE 2008 CONGREGATIONAL LIFE STUDY In April and May of 2001, the U.S. Congregational Life Study (USCLS), partially funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc., surveyed congregations from about 50 different faith groups. Over one million people in attendance at church when the survey was administered completed the 56- item questionnaire. Each participating congregation received a profile on its attendees. The results were published in the book A Field Guide to U. S. Congregations by Cynthia Woolever and Deborah Bruce. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United States participated with the other faith groups in USCLS. Nearly 5600 Adventist church attendees in 94 congregations filled out the lengthy questionnaire about their faith and involvement in the life of the congregation. USCLS replicated the survey in the fall of 2008 and the spring of 2009. The questionnaire was the same for the most part but was expanded to 60 questions. Once again, the Adventist church participated but with a different selection method. The Institute of Church Ministry (ICM), which was commissioned to conduct the research contacted the original 94 congregations that had completed the survey in 2001. They were invited to participate in the 2008 study so that their congregational profiles would show changes over the seven-year period. However, only 39 from 2001 agreed to participate in 2008. These congregations were sent the questionnaires and supporting materials. Sadly, 13 of the congregations that had agreed to participate and were sent all the supplies did not administer the questionnaires. Of the 26 congregations that did take part, 1560 members completed usable questionnaires. Reports on this project are based on these 1560 surveys. While there are a number of ways to look at these data, this paper will examine the frequencies -1-
of the answers to the questions. This will provide a foundation for later analyses on areas like relationships and congregational strengths. Frequencies of the Questions Q1 HOW OFTEN DO YOU ATTEND WORSHIP SERVICES IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid FIRST TIME 31 2,0 2,0 HARDLY EVER 37 2,4 2,4 LESS THAN ONCE A MONTH 18 1,2 1,2 ONCE A MONTH 27 1,7 1,7 2-3 TIMES A MONTH 171 11,0 11,1 USUALLY EVERY WEEK 1038 66,5 67,1 MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK 225 14,4 14,5 Total 1547 99,2 100,0 Missing 0 13,8 Q2 LENGTH OF TIME ATTENDING THIS CONGREGATION Valid LESS THAN 1 YEAR 141 9,0 9,1 1-2 YEARS 138 8,8 8,9 3-5 YEARS 188 12,1 12,2 6-10 YRS 255 16,3 16,5 11-20 YRS 289 18,5 18,7 MORE THAN 20 YRS 483 31,0 31,3 VISITING FROM ANOTHER CONGREG 36 2,3 2,3 VISITING-DONT GO ANYWHERE ELSE 12,8,8 Total 1542 98,8 100,0 Missing 0 18 1,2 Q3 ARE YOU CURRENTLY A MEMBER OF THIS CONGREGATION? Valid YES 1229 78,8 80,1 NO, BUT IN 63 4,0 4,1 PROCESS NO, BUT 130 8,3 8,5 REGULARLY PARTICIPATE HERE NO 113 7,2 7,4 Total 1535 98,4 100,0 Missing 0 25 1,6-2-
Q4 ARE YOU REGULARLY INVOLVED IN ANY GROUP ACTIVITIES HERE? Activity Count Responses Cases Q4A INVOLVED IN SABBATH SCHOOL 860 36,7 56,1 Q4B INVOLVED:IN PRAYER-DISCUSSION-BIBLE STUDY GROUPS 482 20,6 31,4 Q4C INVOLVED:FELLOWSHIPS-CLUBS-SOCIAL GROUPS 550 23,5 35,9 Q4D INVOLVED:NO GROUP ACTIVITIES PROVIDED HERE 53 2,3 3,5 Q4E INVOLVED:NO, NOT REGULARLY INVOLVED 400 17,1 26,1 ------- ----- ----- Total responses 2345 100,0 153,0 1,533 valid cases 27 missing cases; Q5 DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY CONGREGATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH? Dichotomy label Count Responses Cases Q5A EVANGELISM-OUTREACH ACTIVITIES 492 29,2 32,9 Q5B COMMUNITY SERVICE, SOCIAL JUSTICE, ADVOCACY 370 22,0 24,7 Q5C NO, WE DON T HAVE SUCH ACTIVITIES 66 3,9 4,4 Q5D NO, I AM NOT REGULARLY INVOLVED 756 44,9 50,6 ------- ----- ----- Total responses 1684 100,0 112,6 65 missing cases; 1.495 valid cases Q6 DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONGREGATIONAL ROLES? Dichotomy label Count Responses Cases Q6A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNING BOARD 262 11,0 17,6 Q6B MEMBER OF COMMITTEE OR TASK FORCE 186 7,8 12,5 Q6C LEADING OR ASSISTING IN WORSHIP 319 13,4 21,4 Q6D OFFICER OF GROUP (MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH, ETC.) 236 9,9 15,8 Q6E CHOIR MEMBER OR MUSICIAN 217 9,1 14,6 Q6F RELIGIOUS EDUC TEACHER (SABBATH SCHOOL) 305 12,8 20,5 Q6G ROLES: OTHER 273 11,5 18,3 Q6H ROLES: NONE 578 24,3 38,8 Total responses 2376 100,0 159,5 70 missing cases; 1.490 valid cases -3-
Q7 DOES THE WORSHIP SERVICE HELP YOU WITH EVERYDAY LIFE? Valid A GREAT 996 63,8 65,4 EXTENT SOME EXTENT 387 24,8 25,4 A SMALL 106 6,8 7,0 EXTENT NOT AT ALL 33 2,1 2,2 Total 1522 97,6 100,0 Missing 0 38 2,4 Q8 TIME SPENT IN DEVOTIONAL ACTS HOW OFTEN Valid EVERY DAY 1045 67,0 67,8 A FEW TIMES A 270 17,3 17,5 WEEK ONCE A WEEK 39 2,5 2,5 OCCASIONALLY 132 8,5 8,6 HARDLY EVER 48 3,1 3,1 NEVER 8,5,5 Total 1542 98,8 100,0 Missing 0 18 1,2 Q9 HOW MUCH HAVE YOU GROWN IN YOUR FAITH OVER LAST YEAR? Valid NO REAL 81 5,2 5,3 GROWTH SOME GROWTH 566 36,3 37,1 MUCH GROWTH 452 29,0 29,6 MAINLY THRU CONGREG MUCH GROWTH 93 6,0 6,1 MAINLY THRU OTHER GRPS MUCH GROWTH 334 21,4 21,9 MAINLY THRU MY OWN ACTS Total 1526 97,8 100,0 Missing 0 34 2,2-4-
Q10 YOUR VIEW OF THE BIBLE Valid WORD OF GOD 823 52,8 53,8 WORD OF GOD 424 27,2 27,7 INTERPRETED CHURCHS TEACHINGS WORD OF GOD 249 16,0 16,3 INTERPRETED HISTORICAL CONTEXT CONTAINS GODS 12,8,8 WORD TO US VALUABLE 5,3,3 BOOK ANCIENT BOOK- 1,1,1 LITTLE VALUE DONT KNOW 16 1,0 1,0 Total 1530 98,1 100,0 Missing 0 30 1,9 Q11 ALL DIFFERENT RELIGIONS GOOD IN HELPING FIND TRUTH Valid STRONGLY 117 7,5 7,7 AGREE AGREE 265 17,0 17,4 NEUTRAL- 250 16,0 16,4 UNSURE DISAGREE 527 33,8 34,6 STRONGLY 364 23,3 23,9 DISAGREE Total 1523 97,6 100,0 Missing 0 37 2,4 Q12 SPIRITUAL NEEDS ARE BEING MET IN THIS CONGREGATION Valid STRONGLY 508 32,6 33,5 AGREE AGREE 687 44,0 45,3 NEUTRAL- 221 14,2 14,6 UNSURE DISAGREE 76 4,9 5,0 STRONGLY 25 1,6 1,6 DISAGREE Total 1517 97,2 100,0 Missing 0 43 2,8-5-
Q13 READY TO TALK TO OTHERS ABOUT YOUR FAITH? Valid DO NOT HAVE 9,6,6 FAITH DO NOT TALK 64 4,1 4,2 ABOUT MY FAITH HARD TO 180 11,5 11,9 EXPRESS MY FAITH MOSTLY AT 834 53,5 55,0 EASE EXPRESSING MY FAITH SEEK 428 27,4 28,3 OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPRESS MY FAITH Total 1515 97,1 100,0 Missing 0 45 2,9 Q14 EVER EXPERIENCED CONVERSION OR FAITH COMMITMENT? Valid YES 1102 70,6 75,8 NO 146 9,4 10,0 NOT SURE 206 13,2 14,2 Total 1454 93,2 100,0 Missing 0 106 6,8 Q15 ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY COMMUNITY SERVICE NOT CONNECTED WITH THIS CONGREGATION? Name Count Responses Cases Q15A INVOLVED: SOCIAL SERVICE OR CHARITY GROUPS 389 26,1 26,6 Q15B INVOLVED:ADVOCACY, JUSTICE, OR LOBBYING GROUPS 53 3,6 3,6 Q15C NOT INVOLVED WITH SUCH GROUPS 1048 70,3 71.8 ------- ----- ----- Total responses 1490 100,0 102,0 99 missing cases; 1.461 valid cases -6-
Q16 PREPARED TO INVITE FRIENDS-RELATIVES? Valid YES, HAVE DONE 674 43,2 46,2 SO PAST YEAR YES, NOT DONE 575 36,9 39,4 SO PAST YEAR NO, PROBABLY 117 7,5 8,0 NOT NO, DEFINITELY 13,8,9 NOT DONT KNOW 80 5,1 5,5 Total 1459 93,5 100,0 Missing 0 101 6,5 Q17 HAVE YOU DONE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IN THE PAST YEAR? Dichotomy label Name Count Responses Cases Q17A LOANED MONEY TO SOMEONE OUTSIDE THE FAMILY 481 10,3 33,1 Q17B CARED FOR A SICK PERSON OUTSIDE YOUR FAMILY 394 8,5 27,1 Q17C HELPED SOMEONE OUTSIDE YOUR FAMILY FIND A JOB 342 7,3 23,5 Q17D DONATED OR PREPARED FOOD FOR OTHERS 749 16,1 51,5 Q17E WILL/DID VOTE IN 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 928 19,9 63,9 Q17F DONATED MONEY TO A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION 872 18,7 60,0 Q17G WORKED WITH OTHERS TO SOLVE A COMMUNITY PROBLEM 220 4,7 15,1 Q17H CONTACTED ELECTED OFFICIAL ABOUTA PUBLIC ISSUE 147 3,2 10,1 Q17I CONTRIBUTED MONEY TO A POLITICAL PARTY OR CANDIDATE 111 2,4 7,6 Q17J SPOKE AT CONGREGATION DECISION-MAKING MEETING 236 5,1 16,2 Q17K WENT ON MISSION OR SERVICE TRIP 176 3,8 12,1 ------- ----- ----- Total responses 4656 100,0 320,4 107 missing cases 1.453 valid cases Q18 HOW SATISFIED ARE YOU WITH WHAT IS OFFERED FOR KIDS UNDER AGE 19? Valid VERY SATISFIED 426 27,3 28,9 SATISFIED 489 31,3 33,2 MIXED FEELINGS 294 18,8 19,9 DISSATISFIED 89 5,7 6,0 VERY 30 1,9 2,0 DISSATISFIED NOT SURE 147 9,4 10,0 Total 1475 94,6 100,0 Missing 0 85 5,4-7-
Q19 DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSE FRIENDS IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid LITTLE CONTACT 127 8,1 8,6 WITH OTHERS FROM CONGREG SOME FRIENDS 168 10,8 11,3 IN THIS CONGREG SOME CLOSE 834 53,5 56,3 FRIENDS HERE MOST OF MY 352 22,6 23,8 CLOSEST FRIENDS ARE PART OF THIS CONGREG Total 1481 94,9 100,0 Missing 0 79 5,1 Q20 DOES THIS CONGREGATION HAVE A CLEAR VISION, GOALS, OR DIRECTION? Valid NOT AWARE OF 126 8,1 8,8 SUCH A VISION THERE ARE 241 15,4 16,7 IDEAS BUT NO CLEAR VISION YES, STRONGLY 692 44,4 48,1 COMMITTED TO THEM YES, PARTLY 288 18,5 20,0 COMMITTED TO THEM YES, NOT 93 6,0 6,5 COMMITTED TO THEM Total 1440 92,3 100,0 Missing 0 120 7,7-8-
Q21 HOW INVOLVED ARE YOU IN DECISION MAKING IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid OFTEN 335 21,5 23,9 PARTICIPATE IN DECISION MAKING OCCASIONALLY 348 22,3 24,8 GET INVOLVED USUALLY DONT 306 19,6 21,8 GET INVOLVED NO, DOES NOT 359 23,0 25,6 WORRY ME NO, NOT HAPPY 55 3,5 3,9 ABOUT THIS Total 1403 89,9 100,0 Missing 0 157 10,1 Q22 DO YOU HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF BELONGING TO THIS CONGREGATION? Valid YES, STRONG 764 49,0 52,2 SENSE GROWING YES, STRONG 342 21,9 23,4 SENSE SAME AS LAST YR YES, NOT AS 135 8,7 9,2 STRONG AS PAST NO, I AM NEW 69 4,4 4,7 HERE NO, I WISH I DID 45 2,9 3,1 BY NOW NO, BUT I AM 56 3,6 3,8 HAPPY AS I AM NOT APPLICABLE 52 3,3 3,6 Total 1463 93,8 100,0 Missing 0 97 6,2-9-
Q23 WHICH TWO TYPES OF MUSIC DO YOU PREFER IN WORSHIP? Dichotomy label Name Count Responses Cases Q23A PREFER TRADITIONAL HYMNS 978 36,3 65,5 Q23B PREFER PRAISE MUSIC OR CHORUSES 672 24,9 45,0 Q23C PREFER CONTEMPORARY HYMNS 203 7,5 13,6 Q23D PREFER OTHER CONTEMPORARY MUSIC 161 6,0 10,8 Q23E PREFER SUNG RESPONSORIAL PSALMS 29 1,1 1,9 Q23F PREFER CLASSICAL MUSIC 167 6,2 11,2 Q23G PREFER CONTEMPLATIVE CHANTS 3,1,2 Q23H PREFER VARIETY OF CULTURES 82 3,0 5,5 Q23I PREFER GOSPEL MUSIC 363 13,5 24,3 Q23J PREFER NO MUSIC OR SONGS 7,3,5 Q23K I DONT KNOW 29 1,1 1,9 Total responses 2694 100,0 180,6 68 missing cases; 1.492 valid cases Q24 THERE IS A GOOD MATCH BETWEEN CONGREGATION AND PASTOR Valid STRONGLY 612 39,2 41,9 AGREE AGREE 564 36,2 38,6 NEUTRAL 199 12,8 13,6 DISAGREE 36 2,3 2,5 STRONGLY 17 1,1 1,2 DISAGREE CURRENTLY NO 32 2,1 2,2 LEADER HERE Total 1460 93,6 100,0 Missing 0 100 6,4-10-
Q25 WHICH ASPECTS OF THIS CONGREGATION DO YOU MOST VALUE CHOOSE UP TO THREE Pct of Pct of Dichotomy label Name Count Responses Cases Q25A WIDER COMMUNITY CARE/SOCIAL JUSTICE 171 4,4 11,6 Q25B REACHING THE UNCHURCHED 381 9,8 25,9 Q25C TRADITIONAL STYLE WORSHIP/MUSIC 424 10,9 28,8 Q25D CONTEMPORARY STYLE WORSHIP/MUSIC 116 3,0 7,9 Q25E SHARING IN HOLY COMMUNION 236 6,1 16,0 Q25F SOCIAL ACTIVITIES MEETING NEW PEOPLE 273 7,0 18,6 Q25G SERMONS--PREACHING 545 14,0 37,0 Q25H BIBLE STUDY OR PRAYER GROUPS 357 9,2 24,3 Q25I MINISTRY FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH 329 8,4 22,4 Q25J PRAYER MINISTRY FOR ONE ANOTHER 198 5,1 13,5 Q25K PRACTICAL CARE FOR EACH OTHER 251 6,4 17,1 Q25L CONGREGATON S SCHOOL/PRE-SCHOOL 147 3,8 10,0 Q25M OPEN TO SOCIAL DIVERSITY 159 4,1 10,8 Q25N ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL CLASSES 313 8,0 21,3 ------- ----- ----- Total responses 3900 100,0 265,1 89 missing cases; 1.471 valid cases Q26 BEFORE COMING HERE, WERE YOU PARTICIPATING IN ANOTHER CONGREGATION? Valid NO, COME HERE 255 16,3 17,6 MOST OF MY LIFE NO, HAD NOT 134 8,6 9,2 BEEN ATTENDING FOR YEARS NO, HAD NEVER 105 6,7 7,2 REGULARLY ATTENDED BEFORE YES, WAS 956 61,3 65,9 PARTICIPATING IN ANOTHER CONGREGATION Total 1450 92,9 100,0 Missing 0 110 7,1-11-
Q27 BEFORE COMING HERE WHAT TYPE OF CONGREGATION DID YOU ATTEND? Valid ASSEMBLY OF GOD 16 1,0 1,1 BAPTIST 81 5,2 5,6 CATHOLIC 83 5,3 5,7 EPISCOPAL 9,6,6 LUTHERAN 18 1,2 1,2 METHODIST 32 2,1 2,2 NAZARENE 5,3,3 NON- DENOMINATION 21 1,3 1,5 PENTECOSTAL 15 1,0 1,0 PRESBYTERIAN 13,8,9 SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST 947 60,7 65,6 UCC 7,4,5 OTHER 44 2,8 3,0 DID NOT ATTEND 153 9,8 10,6 Missing Total Total 1444 92,6 100,0 116 7.4 1560 100,0 Q28 AGE GROUP Valid 15-24 134 8,6 9,1 25-44 343 22,0 23,2 45-64 570 36,5 38,5 65 & OLDER 432 27,7 29,2 Total 1479 94,8 100,0 Missing -1 81 5,2-12-
Q29 GENDER Valid FEMALE 829 53,1 58,6 MALE 585 37,5 41,4 Total 1414 90,6 100,0 Missing 0 146 9,4 Q30 WHAT IS YOUR EMPLOYMENT STATUS? Dichotomy label Name Count Responses Cases Q30A EMPLOYED OR SELF-EMPLOYED FULL TIME 621 39,9 42,8 Q30B: EMPLOYED OR SELF-EMPLOYED PART TIME 207 13,3 14,3 Q30C UNEMPLOYED 83 5,3 5,7 Q30D RETIRED 373 24,0 25,7 Q30E FULL-TIME HOMEMAKER 104 6,7 7,2 Q30F STUDENT 124 8,0 8,5 Q30G OTHER 45 2,9 3,1 ------- ----- ----- Total responses 1557 100,0 107,2 108 missing cases 1.452 valid cases Q31 HIGHEST EDUCATIONAL LEVEL COMPLETED Valid NO FORMAL 2,1,2 SCHOOLING PRIMARY 28 2,1 2,2 SCHOOL THRU 8TH GRADE SOME HIGH 84 6,2 6,5 SCHOOL COMPLETED 358 26,6 27,5 HIGH SCHOOL TRADE 119 8,8 9,1 CERTIFICATE ASSOCIATE 163 12,1 12,5 DEGREE BACHELORS 329 24,5 25,3 DEGREE MASTERS 218 16,2 16,8 /OTHER GRADUATE DEGREE Total 1301 96,7 100,0 Missing 0 44 3,3 Total 1345 100,0-13-
Q32 PRESENT MARITAL STATUS Valid NEVER MARRIED 210 13,5 14,3 IN FIRST 744 47,7 50,6 MARRIAGE REMARRIED 213 13,7 14,5 AFTER DIVORCE REMARRIED 43 2,8 2,9 AFTER DEATH OF SPOUSE LIVING IN 28 1,8 1,9 COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP SEPARATED 13,8,9 DIVORCED 107 6,9 7,3 WIDOWED 111 7,1 7,6 Total 1469 94,2 100,0 Missing 0 91 5,8 Q33 SPOUSE-PARTNER ALSO COMPLETED SURVEY HERE? Valid YES 733 47,0 52,4 NO 666 42,7 47,6 Total 1399 89,7 100,0 Missing 0 161 10,3 Q34 RACE/ETHNICITY Dichotomy label Name Count Responses Cases Q34A RACE: ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER 222 14,4 15,1 Q34B RACE: BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN 87 5,6 5,9 Q34C RACE HISPANIC/LATINO 156 10,1 10,6 Q34D RACE: AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKAN NATIVE 25 1,6 1,7 Q34E RACE WHITE/CAUCASIAN 1000 64,9 67,8 Q34F RACE SOME OTHER RACE 51 3,3 3,5 ------- ----- ----- Total responses 1541 100,0 104,5 85 missing cases; 1.475 valid cases -14-
Q35 WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Valid IN THE UNITED 1118 71,7 75,4 STATES IN ANOTHER 152 9,7 10,2 ENGLISH- SPEAKING COUNTRY IN A NON- 213 13,7 14,4 ENGLISH- SPEAKING COUNTRY Total 1483 95,1 100,0 Missing 0 77 4,9 Q36 WHERE WERE YOUR PARENTS BORN? Valid BOTH BORN IN 964 61,8 65,7 UNITED STATES ONLY FATHER 38 2,4 2,6 BORN IN UNITED STATES ONLY MOTHER 49 3,1 3,3 BORN IN UNITED STATES BOTH BORN IN 417 26,7 28,4 ANOTHER COUNTRY Total 1468 94,1 100,0 Missing 0 92 5,9 Q37 WHERE DID YOU LIVE WHEN YOU WERE FIVE YEARS OLD? Valid IN THE UNITED 1105 70,8 76,9 STATES IN ANOTHER 331 21,2 23,1 COUNTRY Total 1436 92,1 100,0 Missing 0 124 7,9 Q38 WHEN YOU WERE FIVE YEARS OLD, WAS ENGLISH YOUR PRIMARY LANGUAGE? Valid YES 1125 72,1 78,4 NO 310 19,9 21,6 Total 1435 92,0 100,0 Missing 0 125 8,0-15-
Q39 DESCRIBE YOUR HOUSEHOLD Valid I LIVE ALONE 191 12,2 13,2 A COUPLE 457 29,3 31,6 WITHOUT CHILDREN ONE ADULT 61 3,9 4,2 WITH CHILDREN TWO OR MORE 530 34,0 36,7 ADULTS WITH CHILDREN SOME ADULTS 206 13,2 14,3 LIVING IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD Total 1445 92,6 100,0 Missing 0 115 7,4 Q40 ZIPCODE WHERE YOU LIVE Deleted from paper Q41 ABOUT HOW MUCH DO YOU GIVE FINANCIALLY TO THIS CONGREGATION? Valid 10% OR MORE 1021 65,4 70,5 ABOUT 5% TO 9% 111 7,1 7,7 GIVE LESS THAN 74 4,7 5,1 5% A SMALL 151 9,7 10,4 AMOUNT WHEN I AM HERE DO NOT 92 5,9 6,3 CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY HERE Total 1449 92,9 100,0 Missing 0 111 7,1-16-
Q42 DESCRIBE YOUR TOTAL ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME Valid LESS THAN $10,000 166 10,6 12,3 $10,000 TO $24,999 243 15,6 18,0 $25,000-$49,999 323 20,7 23,9 $50,000-$74,999 278 17,8 20,6 $75,000-$99,999 136 8,7 10,1 $100,000 TO 81 5,2 6,0 $124,999 $125,000 TO 35 2,2 2,6 $149,999 $150,000 OR 88 5,6 6,5 MORE Total 1350 86,5 100,0 Missing 0 210 13,5 Q43 HOW MANY PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD, INCLUDING YOU, ARE? Dichotomy label Count Responses Cases Q43A: LESS THAN 6 186 7,8 12,8 Q43B: 6 TO 12 291 12,2 20,1 Q43C: 13 TO 18 321 13,4 22,2 Q43D: 19 TO 24 221 9,2 15,3 Q44E: 25 OR OLDER 1371 57,4 94,7 ------- ----- ----- Total responses 2390 100,0 165,1 _ 0 missing cases: 1.448 valid cases Q44 HOW MANY OF EACH AGE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONGREGATION Dichotomy label Count Responses Cases Q44A: LESS THAN 6 YEARS OLD 168 7,9 12,3 Q44B: 6 TO 12 YEARS OLD 257 12,1 18,8 Q44C: 13 TO 18 YEARS OLD 274 12,9 20,0 Q44C: 19 TO 24 YEARS OLD 141 6,6 10,3 Q44D: 25 YEARS OR OLDER 1288 60,5 94,1 ------- ----- ----- Total responses 2128 100,0 155,4 0 missing cases; 1.369 valid cases -17-
Q45 NUMBER OF CHILDREN ANY AGE WHEREVER THEY LIVE? Valid NONE 448 28,7 28,7 TWO 170 10,9 10,9 THREE OR MORE 942 60,4 60,4 100,0 Q46 NUMBER OF CHILDREN AT ANY AGE WHO LIVE AT HOME? Valid NONE 981 62,9 62,9 2 241 15,4 15,4 4 OR MORE 338 21,7 21,7 100,0 Q47 HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THIS CHURCH? Valid 1-5 MINUTES 173 11,1 11,5 6-10 MINUTES 319 20,4 21,2 11-15 MINUTES 340 21,8 22,6 16-20 MINUTES 297 19,0 19,7 21-30 MINUTES 243 15,6 16,1 MORE THAN 30 135 8,7 9,0 MINUTES Total 1507 96,6 100,0 Missing 0 53 3,4 Q48 COMPARED TO TWO YEARS AGO, DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN CONGREGATIONAL ACTIVITIES MORE OR LESS? Valid PARTICIPATE 445 28,5 30,2 MORE ABOUT THE 671 43,0 45,6 SAME PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATE LESS 244 15,6 16,6 NOT APPLICABLE 112 7,2 7,6 Total 1472 94,4 100,0 Missing 0 88 5,6-18-
Q49 HAVE CONGREGATIONAL LEADERS ENCOURAGED YOU TO USE GIFTS/SKILLS HERE? Valid YES, TO A GREAT 475 30,4 32,3 EXTENT YES, TO SOME 518 33,2 35,3 EXTENT YES, TO A SMALL 238 15,3 16,2 EXTENT NOT AT ALL 137 8,8 9,3 DONT KNOW 101 6,5 6,9 Total 1469 94,2 100,0 Missing 0 91 5,8 Q50A EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF GOD S PRESENCE IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid ALWAYS 702 45,0 48,5 USUALLY 510 32,7 35,2 SOMETIMES 199 12,8 13,7 RARELY 37 2,4 2,6 Total 1448 92,8 100,0 Missing 0 112 7,2 Q50B EXPERIENCE INSPIRATION IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid ALWAYS 484 31,0 35,1 USUALLY 585 37,5 42,4 SOMETIMES 269 17,2 19,5 RARELY 42 2,7 3,0 Total 1380 88,5 100,0 Missing 0 180 11,5 Q50C EXPERIENCE BOREDOM IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid ALWAYS 18 1,2 1,4 USUALLY 62 4,0 4,8 SOMETIMES 415 26,6 32,1 RARELY 796 51,0 61,7 Total 1291 82,8 100,0 Missing 0 269 17,2-19-
Q50D EXPERIENCE AWE OR MYSTERY IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid ALWAYS 93 6,0 7,5 USUALLY 196 12,6 15,9 SOMETIMES 532 34,1 43,2 RARELY 411 26,3 33,4 Total 1232 79,0 100,0 Missing 0 328 21,0 Q50E EXPERIENCE JOY IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid ALWAYS 470 30,1 34,7 USUALLY 571 36,6 42,2 SOMETIMES 261 16,7 19,3 RARELY 51 3,3 3,8 Total 1353 86,7 100,0 Missing 0 207 13,3 Q50F EXPERIENCE FRUSTRATION IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid ALWAYS 16 1,0 1,3 USUALLY 52 3,3 4,1 SOMETIMES 334 21,4 26,2 RARELY 874 56,0 68,5 Total 1276 81,8 100,0 Missing 0 284 18,2 Q50G EXPERIENCE SPONTANEITY IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid ALWAYS 98 6,3 7,9 USUALLY 253 16,2 20,3 SOMETIMES 567 36,3 45,5 RARELY 328 21,0 26,3 Total 1246 79,9 100,0 Missing 0 314 20,1 Q50H EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF FULFILLING MY OBLIGATION IN THIS CONGREGATION? Valid ALWAYS 279 17,9 21,3 USUALLY 522 33,5 39,9 SOMETIMES 355 22,8 27,2 RARELY 151 9,7 11,6 Total 1307 83,8 100,0 Missing 0 253 16,2 Q51 ONLY FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CAN BE SAVED -20-
Valid STRONGLY 628 40,3 42,3 AGREE AGREE 357 22,9 24,0 NEUTRAL 137 8,8 9,2 DISAGREE 275 17,6 18,5 STRONGLY 89 5,7 6,0 DISAGREE Total 1486 95,3 100,0 Missing 0 74 4,7 Q52 I HAVE A SENSE OF EXCITEMENT ABOUT OUR CONGREGATION S FUTURE Valid STRONGLY 446 28,6 30,2 AGREE AGREE 670 42,9 45,4 NEUTRAL 279 17,9 18,9 DISAGREE 65 4,2 4,4 STRONGLY 16 1,0 1,1 DISAGREE Total 1476 94,6 100,0 Missing 0 84 5,4 Q53 HAS THERE BEEN ANY CONFLICT IN THIS CONGREGATION OVER LAST TWO YEARS? Valid NO CONFLICT 563 36,1 38,2 THAT I AM AWARE OF SOME MINOR 523 33,5 35,5 CONFLICT MAJOR 66 4,2 4,5 CONFLICT MAJOR CONFLICT WITH 80 5,1 5,4 PEOPLE LEAVING DONT KNOW 242 15,5 16,4 Total 1474 94,5 100,0 Missing 0 86 5,5-21-
Q54 DESCRIBE YOUR OPINION OF THE FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF THIS CONGREGATION Valid NEED TO GET 111 7,1 7,6 BACK TO WAY WE DID THINGS IN THE PAST FAITHFULLY 292 18,7 20,1 MAINTAINING PAST DIRECTIONS CURRENTLY 258 16,5 17,8 DECIDING ON NEW DIRECTIONS CURRENTLY 361 23,1 24,9 MOVING IN NEW DIRECTIONS NEED TO 136 8,7 9,4 RETHINK WHERE WE ARE HEADING OUR FUTURE IS 40 2,6 2,8 VERY UNCLEAR OR DOUBTFUL DONT KNOW 254 16,3 17,5 Total 1452 93,1 100,0 Missing 0 108 6,9 Q55 THIS CONGREGATION IS ALWAYS READY TO TRY SOMETHING NEW Valid STRONGLY 148 9,5 10,1 AGREE AGREE 595 38,1 40,5 NEUTRAL 503 32,2 34,2 DISAGREE 189 12,1 12,9 STRONGLY 34 2,2 2,3 DISAGREE Total 1469 94,2 100,0 Missing 0 91 5,8-22-
Q56 OUR MINISTER TAKES INTO ACCOUNT IDEAS OF THOSE WHO WORSHIP HERE? Valid A GREAT 698 44,7 47,6 EXTENT SOME EXTENT 443 28,4 30,2 A SMALL 89 5,7 6,1 EXTENT NOT AT ALL 12,8,8 DONT KNOW 193 12,4 13,2 CURRENTLY NO 30 1,9 2,0 LEADER HERE Total 1465 93,9 100,0 Missing 0 95 6,1 Q57 DESCRIBE THE LEADERSHIP STYLE OF YOUR PASTOR Valid TAKES CHARGE 231 14,8 15,8 INSPIRES PEOPLE 687 44,0 47,1 TO TAKE ACTION ACTS ON GOALS 246 15,8 16,9 SET BY CONGREGATION PEOPLE START 87 5,6 6,0 MOST THINGS NO LEADER 50 3,2 3,4 HERE DONT KNOW 158 10,1 10,8 Total 1459 93,5 100,0 Missing 0 101 6,5 Q58 GOD IS DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN WORLDLY AFFAIRS Valid STRONGLY 898 57,6 61,0 AGREE AGREE 405 26,0 27,5 NEUTRAL 98 6,3 6,7 DISAGREE 53 3,4 3,6 STRONGLY 17 1,1 1,2 DISAGREE Total 1471 94,3 100,0 Missing 0 89 5,7-23-
Q59 GOD IS ANGERED BY HUMAN SIN Valid STRONGLY 580 37,2 39,9 AGREE AGREE 460 29,5 31,6 NEUTRAL 154 9,9 10,6 DISAGREE 179 11,5 12,3 STRONGLY 79 5,1 5,4 DISAGREE DONT BELIEVE 2,1,1 IN GOD Total 1454 93,2 100,0 Missing 0 106 6,8 Q60 WHICH TERM BEST DESCRIBES YOUR CURRENT STAND ON THEOLOGICAL ISSUES? Valid VERY 218 14,0 15,1 CONSERVATIVE CONSERVATIVE 744 47,7 51,7 RIGHT IN THE 354 22,7 24,6 MIDDLE LIBERAL 111 7,1 7,7 VERY LIBERAL 13,8,9 Total 1440 92,3 100,0 Missing 0 120 7,7 Connections In addition to displaying the frequencies for the entire data set, USCLS selected various questions to construct conceptual building blocks for understanding the complex nature of congregational life. These were labeled spiritual connections, inside connections, outside connections, and identity connections. The complexity of these connections illustrates a key lesson from research: congregational life is rarely about one or two variables. Because these dimensions of congregational life are interrelated, dynamics in one place will directly affect all other areas (Cynthia Woolever and Deborah Bruce, A Field Guide to U.S. Congregations, page 25). In this section of the report, the data from the Seventh-day Adventist participating congregations have been organized into the same four connections as those of the national study -24-
by USCLS. For each question in each connection, the Adventist findings will be presented and contrasted with the findings from the national study. Building Spiritual Connections Congregations cultivate faith and respond to the religious needs of worshipers. Spiritual growth for individual worshipers can result from private devotional activities, participation in worship services or other congregational activities, or participation in activities of other groups or organizations. The spiritual lives of worshipers and the worship activities of their congregations are described below (Ibid.). 1. About 68% of the respondents from Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) congregations spend time every day in private devotional activities such as prayer, meditation, or Bible reading. This compares with about 48% in the National Average of worshipers (NA). Another 20% engage on most days - at least weekly (NA 19%). Only 12% have devotions less often or never compared to the NA of 34%. 2. In reporting much growth in faith over the past year, SDA (58%) leads NA congregations (49%), but in attributing growth to the influence of their own congregations SDA (30%) is very similar to NA (31%). 3. A notable difference occurs for those saying that they are helped to a great extent in their everyday living by the worship services or activities of their congregations (SDA 65%, NA 56%), but is reversed for those reporting that they were helped to some extent (25%, 32%). 4. Slightly more NA (84%) than SDA (79%) agree/strongly agree that their spiritual needs are being met in their congregations. 5. Given a list of items and asked how often the respondents experience each during worship services, the percentages who reported usually or always were virtually the same or very -25-
close for SDA and NA on God s presence (84%, 82%), joy (77%, 75%), inspiration (78%, 77%), spontaneity (28%, 28%), frustration (5%, 5%), and boredom (6%, 6%). NA (29%) was a bit higher than SDA (24%) on awe/mystery, with the largest gap on sense of fulfilling obligations (NA, 72% to SDA, 61%). 6. Allowed two choices for their preferences in worship music, 66% of SDA picked traditional hymns and 45% praise music or choruses. Contemporary hymns ranked low (14%) as did other contemporary music (11%) and classical music (11%). Only one-half of 1% would prefer no music at all. Building Inside Connections Inside connections focus on the behaviors of worshipers inside the congregation. How do worshipers relate to one another? What activities of the congregation are they involved in beyond worship? This second area of congregational life captures worshipers involvement in small groups and leadership roles, decision making, and financial contributions. Inside connections also entail how worshipers feel about their relationships with other worshipers. For example, do they feel a strong sense of belonging to their congregations? Do they have friends in the congregation? (Ibid., page 37). 1. SDA are considerably more likely than NA to engage in group activities in the congregation (80% to 47%). This includes activities like Sabbath/church school (56% to 19%); prayer, discussion, or Bible study groups (31% to19%); and clubs, social groups, and fellowships (36% to 28%). Only 30% of the Adventists participated in no group activity compared to 53% for the national average. 2. Adventists are also more likely to be involved in leadership roles in their congregations than the NA. About 76% hold at least one leadership position compared to 40% for NA. -26-
3. SDA are somewhat more likely to report a strong and growing sense of belonging to their local congregations than are NA (52% to 42%). Adventists are less likely than NA to say that their sense of belonging is strong but either steady or declining (33% to 38%). 4. About 80% of SDA worshipers report that some or all of their close friends attend their own congregations. The comparable figure for NA is 67%. 5. One of the largest differences is in the area of financial support. Here 71% of SDA say that they give 10% or more of their net income to the church on a regular basis while only 18% of NA contribute that much. 6. Respondents were asked if they agreed that in general, there is a good match between our minister, pastor, or priest and our congregation. Here, the NA is slightly more likely to agree/strongly agree (85%) than the SDA (81%). Building Outside Connections Outside connections explores the relationships that worshipers have with their habitat - the local community of the congregation. How do they make outside connections? Located in communities that are growing or declining, they welcome new people or say good-bye more times than they d like. Some parishes are struggling to relate to large numbers of new people who speak a variety of languages.... Congregations have a stake in their habitat indicated by their strong sense of place, a feeling of belonging to a particular piece of geography - their corner of the neighborhood, city, town, or county. How are congregations fed by their communities? (Ibid. Page 51). 1. In the past 12 months 46% of SDA invited a friend or relative not from their congregations to attend worship services. This is slightly higher than NA (43%). 2. On the other hand, SDA are much more likely than NA to regularly take part in activities that -27-
reach out to the wider community such as evangelism (29% to 17%) 3. From a list of 14 possible activities a typical congregation reports using 6 activities to reach out to non-members in the previous year while SDA lists 5 activities that were reported by at least half of the congregations in the study: encouraging congregational members to invite a new person (91%); maintaining a congregational website (74%); mailing or distributing newsletters or flyers (65%); mailing visitors letters or other material (61%); holding worship services or other public events intended to bring people into their congregations (52%). 4. SDA and NA are equally involved in community service, social service or advocacy groups (36%, 37%). 5. SDA are somewhat more likely to have been attending their congregations a shorter time than NA. About 40% have attended five years or fewer compared with 34% for NA. 6. Where do those attending fewer than five years come from? SDA and NA are equal (8%) in having those who have never regularly attended anywhere before. NA has slightly more of those who have returned after attending somewhere else for a period (18% to 14%) and those switchers who have come from a different faith tradition (20% to 15%). SDA leads in those who have transferred in from another congregation in the same faith tradition (64% to 55%). No great differences are noted between SDA and NA. 7. Attendees at NA congregations are likely to live a little nearer to their churches than SDA where fewer congregational choices in a community are usually found. About 41% of SDA can get to worship in 10 minutes or fewer while 55% of NA can do so. Building Identity Connections Identity connections illustrate the most difficult and yet most important part of any guided exploration: Where are we headed? What is our sense of direction? Where do we think -28-
we are going?.... What is our goal and in which direction should we take our first step? Congregations, like people, live in the present. But they have a story about their past that gives meaning to today (Ibid. Page 71). 1. The average SDA congregation has 65 attendees while 54% of NA have fewer than 100. 2. The gender profiles of the two groups are almost identical with women comprising 59% in SDA and 61% in NA. 3. The average age of SDA worshipers is 48 - slightly younger than the 51 years in NA. The largest age group (45-64) is almost identical in both groups (35%, 36%). 4. Worshipers, in general, tend to be better educated than the general population where about 23% hold at least a college degree. The NA of worshipers in this study is 41% who hold a college or graduate degree. SDA are not as high (33%) as NA but still 10 points above the general population. 5. Worshipers, in general, tend to be more family-oriented than the general population where 52% are currently married and 33% have children living at home. SDA and NA are virtually equal in percentage married (64%, 65%) with SDA being slightly less likely to have children at home (45%, 49%). 6. Worshipers in SDA congregations most value (from a list of congregational activities) preaching (39%), adult education (27%), traditional worship (26%), Bible study groups (26%), and reaching the un-churched (22%). 7. SDA congregations are not as ready to try something new as are NA (46% to 61%). They are also not quite as excited about the future of their congregations as NA (70% to 80%). 8. SDA and NA are virtually equal (60% and 59%) in believing that their congregations have a clear vision, goals, and directions for their ministry and mission to which they are committed. -29-
About 34% of SDA and 29% of NA are unclear or unaware of these visions and goals. On most items SDA worshipers closely resemble those in the NA of this study. Areas where SDA exceed NA by at least 10 percentage points are private devotions, engaging in group activities in their congregations, holding leadership roles, having their close friends in the same congregation, engaging in activities to reach out to the wider community, and in providing financial support through tithing (largest spread). On the other hand, NA exceeds SDA by at least 10 percentage points in having a sense of fulfilling an obligation while attending services, living closer to the church, being willing to try something new, and being excited about the future of their congregations. Comparative Strengths of Congregations Using a re-analysis of the original data at the aggregated congregational level, USCLS identified ten strengths that put congregations Beyond the Ordinary. They are (1) Growing spiritually, (2) Meaningful worship, (3) Participating in the congregation, (4) Having a sense of belonging, (5) Caring for children and youth, (6) Focusing on the community, (7) Sharing faith, (8) Welcoming new people, (9) Empowering leadership, and (10) Looking to the future. For each strength, one or more questions were chosen from the survey, and a scale was constructed and submitted to a reliability analysis using Cronbach s alpha. 1 Then the percentage of those in a given congregation who responded in a specified way to each question in a particular scale was calculated, and an index of that strength was constructed by taking the mean of the questions 1 Cronbach alphas for each strength: Growing Spiritually Index =.77; Meaningful Worship Index =.86; Participating in the Congregation Index =.82; Sense of Belonging Index =.74; Caring for Children and Youth Index =.65; Focusing on the Community Index =.81; Sharing Faith Index =.90; Welcoming New People Index = Cronbach s alpha not calculated because index consists of single survey item; Empowering Leadership Index =.84; Looking to the Future Index =.82. -30-
chosen for that strength. While profiles were prepared for each participating congregation, USCLS has aggregated the scores for all congregations to provide an overall index for each of the ten strengths. In addition those congregations that scored in the top 20 th percentile for a particular strength are considered Beyond the Ordinary. Congregants can measure their strength indices in comparison with the overall figures to determine their strong and weak points and what actions they might take to strengthen their congregations. The purpose of this paper is to provide the aggregated index for all individual records in the participating Adventist congregations on each of the ten strengths and to compare them with the indices of the overall sample of all congregations in all faith groups. Table 1 (attached as an appendix) lists each of the ten strengths, displays the items that comprise each of the strengths, shows the percentages of all respondents in the national sample and all Seventh-day Adventist participants who affirmed each item, and then compares the Adventist index for each strength with the index that USCLS computed for all faith groups that participated. In the table NS indicates the national sample and SDA the Adventist sample. All percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole percentage. When we compare the overall national sample with the aggregated Seventh-day Adventist sample, the Adventist sample does better at exhibiting strengths. Out of the ten strengths, the Adventist sample has higher percentages of participants on eight of them. The national sample is higher only in strength 6 Focusing on the Community and slightly on strength 9 Empowering Leadership. Actually, while individual questions may show larger differences, for the aggregated strengths, six have only one or two percentage points difference -31-
between the national and Adventist scores (1, 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10). The Welcoming New People index (8) has only one item. Adventist do somewhat better than all groups at having a larger percentage of attenders who are new (less than five years). This no doubt reflects the Adventist emphasis on evangelism although the difference of three points is not great considering that many of the congregations in the national sample are affiliated with denominations that historically do not stress making converts. While the Adventists are only two points higher on the Participating in the Congregation index, one individual item marks the greatest difference between the two data sets. Adventists are 21 points higher in contributing at least 5% of their income to the congregation. However, this 78% would seem low in view of the fact that Adventists are admonished to pay 10% tithe plus offerings to support the local projects. An explanation may be the way the Adventist financial system works compared with other faith groups. Pastors are paid by the conference not by the congregations. The tithe, while given to the church, is all transmitted to the conference. Offerings beyond the tithe are used for local purposes. So some members may not have counted the tithe in reporting that they contribute as least 5% to the congregation. Somewhat offsetting contributions is the 11-point higher percentage in being a member of a small group and the 2- point higher percentage in participating in decision-making on the part of the national sample. Apparently, Adventists are not as likely to join small groups but are just as likely to be involved in congregational leadership. However that leadership does not seem to translate into a larger role in making decisions for the congregations. Of the three strengths in which the national sample and the Adventist sample are separated by at least five percentage points, the Adventist sample is higher on two of them -32-
strength 4: Having a Sense of Belonging and strength 7: Sharing Faith. Only on strength 6: Focusing on the Community is the national sample significantly higher than the Adventist findings. This results because the national sample is higher on every one of the individual items. Of particular note is the 9-point spread on working with others to try to solve a community problem, the 12-point spread in being involved in social service or advocacy groups in their community, the 14-point spread in contributing to charitable community organizations, and, most of all, the 20-point spread in voting in the presidential election. Adventists are falling behind other faith groups in involvement in their communities. This area should call for special attention. While only one index (#6) had a spread of more than five points between the national and the Adventist samples, some of the individual items are deserving of comment. Adventists were 16 points higher in reporting that they practice private devotional activities at least a few times a week. They are 10 points higher in reporting that most of their closest friends are part of their congregation. This may be positive since warm friendships contribute to member retention. If new converts are not fully integrated into the life of the congregation, they may look elsewhere for that sense of community. But it may also be negative since having unchurched friends is a major factor in congregational growth. Studies show that friendship evangelism is a leading method of winning converts. While the two groups are only three points apart in rarely experiencing boredom during services, the Adventist finding that 62% are rarely bored means that more than a third of the congregation do sometimes experience boredom. Do Adventist congregations have a need to make their worship services more interesting? -33-
The Looking to the Future index has only a two-point spread. But the Adventists are eight points higher on the item: Feel that the congregation has a clear vision for ministry and are strongly committed to it. Before congratulating themselves, however, they should note that only 48% agreed. Do half of Adventist members not believe that their congregations are committed to a vision for the future? On the Caring for Children and Youth index the two samples are virtually identical, but there are some interesting variations on the items that make up the index. The Adventists lead by seven points on their satisfaction with what is being offered to the children and youth, but the national sample is eight points ahead on the item, Report that their children and youth worship in their congregation. One reason for the slight lag may be that Adventists operate secondary boarding schools and support regional denominational colleges and universities. This may mean that the young people are away at school and, therefore, do not worship in their home churches. However, this also most certainly relates to the loss of adolescents from the church during their late teens and early twenties. These findings are useful to challenge Adventist congregations. Leaders of a congregation can study the profile of their own congregation. Then they can compare this with the national Adventist data and with the all-faiths data. This will allow them to see what their congregation is doing well and what it is not doing as well compared with other groups. Those congregations that participated in the research study have already been given their individual profiles. Other congregations may administer the questionnaire to those in attendance at a peak worship service and have a profile constructed. Such a service is available through USCLS. Congregations could then set goals for improvement and institute changes that would -34-
score them in the top 20% of at least some of these strengths making them Beyond the Ordinary. Information on administering the U.S. Congregational Life Survey, including material provided and costs can be secured from : U.S. Congregations 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202 www.uscongregations.org 1-888-728-7228 ext. 2040 REFERENCES Woolever, Cynthia, and Deborah Bruce. 2004. Beyond the Ordinary: 10 Strengths of U.S. Congregations. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press. Woolever, Cynthia, and Deborah Bruce. 2010. A Field Guide to U.S. Congregations: Who s Going Where and Why (second edition). Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press. -35-
Table 1 All Participants in U.S. Congregational Life Study Compared to All Seventh-day Adventist Participants on Ten Spiritual Strengths Description of Worshipers Behaviors NS SDA Strength 1: Growing Spiritually 1. Are growing in their faith through participation in activities of their congregations 35% 3 0% 2.Spend at least a few times a week in private devotional activities 69% 85% 3. Feel their spiritual needs are being met in their congregation 84% 79% 4. Report Bible study and prayer groups as one of the three most valued aspects 17% 24% 5. Report prayer ministry as one of the three most valued aspects of their congregations 14% 14% All faiths growing spiritually index = 44% Adventist growing spiritually index = 46% Strength 2: Meaningful Worship 1. Always or usually experience God s presence during services 78% 84% 2. Always or usually experience inspiration during services 76% 78% 3. Always or usually experience joy during services 75% 77% 4. Always or usually experience awe during services 24% 24% 5. Rarely experience boredom during services 65% 62% 6. Rarely experience frustration during services 66% 69% 7. Report sermons or homilies as one of the three most valued aspects of congregation 37% 37% 8. Report worship services/activities to help them with everyday living to a great extent 61% 65% All faiths meaningful worship index = 60% Adventist meaningful worship index = 62% Strength 3: Participating in the Congregation 1. Attend worship services usually every week or more often 79% 82% 2. Are involved in one or more small groups 67% 56% 3. Have one or more leadership roles in the congregation 60% 61% 4. Often participate in important decision-making in the congregation 26% 24% 5. Give 5% or more of their net income regularly to the congregation 57% 78% All faiths participating in the congregation index = 58% Adventist participating in the congregation index = 60% Strength 4: Having a Sense of Belonging Index 1. Report participating more in the activities of the congregation than two years ago 27% 30% 2. Report that most of their closest friends are part of their congregation 14% 24% 3. Feel that they have a growing sense of belonging to their congregation 49% 52% All faiths sense of belonging index = 30% Adventist sense of belonging index = 35% -36-
NS SDA Strength 5: Caring for Children and Youth Index 1. Are satisfied with what is offered for children and youth (under 19) 55% 62% 2. Report ministry for youth as one of the three most valued aspects of congregation 18% 22% 3. Report that their children and youth worship in their congregation 85% 77% All faiths caring for children and youth index 53% Adventist caring for children and youth index 54% Strength 6: Focusing on the Community Index 1. Are involved in social service or advocacy groups through their congregation 32% 25% 2. Are involved in social service or advocacy groups in their community 42% 30% 3. Contribute to charitable community organizations 74% 60% 4. Report wider community care/social justice as one of the three most valued aspects 19% 12% 5. Report openness to social diversity as one of the three most valued aspects 13% 11% 6. Worked with others to try to solve a community problem 24% 15% 7. Voted in the last presidential election 84% 64% All faiths focusing on the community index 41% Adventist focusing on the community index 31% Strength 7: Sharing Faith Index 1. Are involved in evangelistic activities in the congregation 24% 33% 2. Feel at ease talking about their faith and seek opportunities to do so 20% 28% 3. Have invited one who does not currently attend to a worship service in last year 50% 46% 4. Report reaching non-attenders as one of three most valued aspects of congregation 18% 26% All faiths sharing faith index 28% Adventist sharing faith index 33% Strength 8: Welcoming New People Index 1. Have been attending worship services/activities of this congregation for 5 years or less 27% 30% All faiths welcoming new people index 27% Adventist welcoming new people index 30% Strength 9: Empowering Leadership Index 1. Feel congregation s leaders encourage them to use their gifts/skills to a great extent 33% 32% 2. Feel the pastor takes into account the ideas of worshipers to a great extent 47% 48% 3. Describe the leadership style of the pastor as one that inspires people to take action 47% 47% 4. Feel strongly that there is a good match between the congregation and the minister 46% 42% All faiths empowering leadership index 43% Adventist empowering leadership index 42% Strength 10: Looking to the Future Index 1. Feel that congregation has a clear vision for ministry and are strongly committed to it 40% 48% 2. Have a sense of excitement about their congregation s future 26% 30% 3. Feel that their congregation is currently moving in new directions 30% 25% 4. Feel that their congregation is always ready to try something new 52% 51% All faiths looking to the future index 37% Adventist looking to the future -37-