Demographics in U.S. Congregations Survey, Pastors

This survey contains a variety of measures on the following: Congregational characteristics; community change surrounding the congregation; interaction with other congregations; congregational emphases; content of worship services; demographic characteristics of congregants; church leadership; and theological beliefs. Participants are pastors in Assemblies of God, Episcopal, and United Methodist congregations in three locations: Hartford, CT; Grand Rapids, MI; Waco, TX.

Data File

Cases: 89
Variables: 133
Weight Variable: None

Data Collection

Date Collected: 2005-2006

Original Survey (Instrument)

Original Pastor Interview

Funded By

Baylor University's Institute for Faith and Learning
Society for the Scientific Study of Religion

Collection Procedures

In one-hour interviews, pastors shared information about the people in their congregation (age, education, and racial composition, for example), as well as some general information about the congregation and its leadership.

Sampling Procedures

Thirty-six congregations in Grand Rapids, MI, Hartford, CT, and Waco, TX, were selected based on the demographics reported by the pastor/priest. The goal was to select churches that mirrored the diversity (age, race, class, and theological diversity) within the denomination in that city.

Principal Investigators

Sam Reimer, Professor of Sociology, Crandall University