Demographics in U.S. Congregations Survey, Parishioners

This survey contains a variety of measures on the following: congregational participation; why one chose to attend his or her congregation; congregational switching; conversion experiences; social networks and context; views concerning social problems; social embeddedness in one's congregation; private devotional activity; higher education; religious beliefs; social attitudes; demographic information. Participants are parishioners in Assemblies of God, Episcopal, and United Methodist congregations in three locations: Hartford, CT; Grand Rapids, MI; Waco, TX.

Data File

Cases: 703
Variables: 119
Weight Variable: None

Data Collection

Date Collected: 2005-2006

Original Survey (Instrument)

Original Parishioner Survey

Funded By

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

Collection Procedures

Questionnaires were distributed to regular attendees in selected congregations. In smaller congregations, the study was explained in the morning worship service and one survey was given to each family unit as they left the service along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. In larger churches, 50 surveys were randomly distributed to active affiliates with help from church staff (usually mailed or placed in church mail boxes).

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

Related Publications

Reimer, Sam. 2010. "Higher Education and Theological Liberalism: Revisiting the Old Issue." Sociology of Religion 71 (4): 393-408.