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Ministry, Reason for Entering - Measurement Concept

Reasons provided by pastors/ministers/religious leaders for entering the ministry.
22 Questions match selected parameters.

Survey Questions

EXPINF1 from Survey of Students in Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE STUDENTS IN M.DIV PROGRAMS: What experiences mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (First experience)?
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total45428.1714.61
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 1538
Variables: 164
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Presbyterian theological students
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
EXPINF2 from Survey of Students in Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE STUDENTS IN M.DIV PROGRAMS: What experiences mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (Second experience)?
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total18732.5414.20
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 1538
Variables: 164
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Presbyterian theological students
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
PERSINF1 from Survey of Students in Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE STUDENTS IN M.DIV PROGRAMS: What persons mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (First person)?
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total60526.2712.20
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 1538
Variables: 164
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Presbyterian theological students
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
PERSINF2 from Survey of Students in Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE STUDENTS IN M.DIV PROGRAMS: What persons mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (Second person)?
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total37329.1312.96
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 1538
Variables: 164
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Presbyterian theological students
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
LIFEENT1 from New Parish Ministers Survey of Lay and Religious, 1992
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED THAT THEY DID AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES DETERMINE TO PURSUE A LIFETIME MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH: What led you to enter parish ministry? - First factor
 TOTAL%
1) Lost my previous ministry position72.8
2) Attracted by the variety in parish life4216.6
3) Like ministry in a local community2610.3
4) Invited by the pastor4618.2
5) Invited by a parish leader other than the pastor166.3
6) Wanted to work with particular ethnic/income group52.0
7) Best fit my area of competence and interests6224.5
8) Wanted a change of ministry2811.1
9) Other218.3
Missing125
Total253100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1992
Cases: 378
Variables: 414
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Congregations
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
LIFEENT2 from New Parish Ministers Survey of Lay and Religious, 1992
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED THAT THEY DID AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES DETERMINE TO PURSUE A LIFETIME MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH: What led you to enter parish ministry? Second factor
 TOTAL%
1) Lost my previous ministry position41.7
2) Attracted by the variety in parish life4218.3
3) Like ministry in a local community4117.8
4) Invited by the pastor2912.6
5) Invited by a parish leader other than the pastor208.7
6) Wanted to work with particular ethnic/income group20.9
7) Best fit my area of competence and interests6829.6
8) Wanted a change of ministry156.5
9) Other93.9
Missing148
Total230100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1992
Cases: 378
Variables: 414
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Congregations
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
LIFEENT3 from New Parish Ministers Survey of Lay and Religious, 1992
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED THAT THEY DID AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES DETERMINE TO PURSUE A LIFETIME MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH: What led you to enter parish ministry? - Third factor
 TOTAL%
1) Lost my previous ministry position10.5
2) Attracted by the variety in parish life4320.4
3) Like ministry in a local community4119.4
4) Invited by the pastor199.0
5) Invited by a parish leader other than the pastor115.2
6) Wanted to work with particular ethnic/income group104.7
7) Best fit my area of competence and interests5526.1
8) Wanted a change of ministry188.5
9) Other136.2
Missing167
Total211100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1992
Cases: 378
Variables: 414
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Congregations
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
LIFEENT4 from New Parish Ministers Survey of Lay and Religious, 1992
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED THAT THEY DID AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES DETERMINE TO PURSUE A LIFETIME MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH AND OTHER FACTORS LED THEM TO ENTER THE PARISH MINISTRY: What led you to enter parish ministry? - Other mention
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total4931.2712.87
Survey Details  
Year: 1992
Cases: 378
Variables: 414
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Congregations
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
LIFENOT1 from New Parish Ministers Survey of Lay and Religious, 1992
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED THAT THEY DID NOT AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES DETERMINE TO PURSUE A LIFETIME MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH: Identify which of the following factors most influenced your taking a position in parish ministry. - First factor
 TOTAL%
1) Response to God's call2828.9
2) Invited by the pastor2121.6
3) Invited by a parish leader other than the pastor2020.6
4) Encouragement by family11.0
5) Encouragement by friends44.1
6) To be of service to the Church (in general)22.1
7) To be of service to the parish (in particular)44.1
8) To be of service to people66.2
10) Wanted to work in a supportive environment11.0
11) The job fit my circumstances44.1
12) Wanted to be part of the church in a more active way22.1
13) Other44.1
Missing281
Total97100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1992
Cases: 378
Variables: 414
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Congregations
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
LIFENOT2 from New Parish Ministers Survey of Lay and Religious, 1992
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED THAT THEY DID NOT AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES DETERMINE TO PURSUE A LIFETIME MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH: Identify which of the following factors most influenced your taking a position in parish ministry. - Second factor
 TOTAL%
1) Response to God's call1111.6
2) Invited by the pastor99.5
3) Invited by a parish leader other than the pastor99.5
4) Encouragement by family33.2
5) Encouragement by friends22.1
6) To be of service to the Church (in general)88.4
7) To be of service to the parish (in particular)1616.8
8) To be of service to people1111.6
9) To enhance my spiritual life44.2
10) Wanted to work in a supportive environment22.1
11) The job fit my circumstances1313.7
12) Wanted to be part of the church in a more active way55.3
13) Other22.1
Missing283
Total95100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1992
Cases: 378
Variables: 414
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Congregations
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
LIFENOT3 from New Parish Ministers Survey of Lay and Religious, 1992
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED THAT THEY DID NOT AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES DETERMINE TO PURSUE A LIFETIME MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH: Identify which of the following factors most influenced your taking a position in parish ministry. - Third factor
 TOTAL%
1) Response to God's call88.4
2) Invited by the pastor44.2
3) Invited by a parish leader other than the pastor55.3
4) Encouragement by family88.4
5) Encouragement by friends77.4
6) To be of service to the Church (in general)33.2
7) To be of service to the parish (in particular)77.4
8) To be of service to people1717.9
9) To enhance my spiritual life77.4
10) Wanted to work in a supportive environment33.2
11) The job fit my circumstances1212.6
12) Wanted to be part of the church in a more active way1313.7
13) Other11.1
Missing283
Total95100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1992
Cases: 378
Variables: 414
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Congregations
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
LIFENOT4 from New Parish Ministers Survey of Lay and Religious, 1992
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED THAT THEY DID NOT AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES DETERMINE TO PURSUE A LIFETIME MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH: Identify which of the following factors most influenced your taking a position in parish ministry. - Other mention
 TOTAL%
14) Mother superior114.3
15) Job fit my talents at the time114.3
16) I volunteered for five years/thought it was fun114.3
17) Vested interest in my own child114.3
18) The need was evident.114.3
19) Help youth114.3
20) Help my husband and share his ministry114.3
Missing371
Total7100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1992
Cases: 378
Variables: 414
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Congregations
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
EXPINF1 from Survey of Alumni-ae of Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
What experiences mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (First experience)?
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total79828.3613.91
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 1505
Variables: 180
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Alumni of Presbyterian theological schools
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
EXPINF2 from Survey of Alumni-ae of Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
What experiences mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (Second experience)?
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total26132.2213.80
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 1505
Variables: 180
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Alumni of Presbyterian theological schools
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
PERSINF1 from Survey of Alumni-ae of Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
What persons mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (First person)?
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total107625.8111.39
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 1505
Variables: 180
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Alumni of Presbyterian theological schools
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
PERSINF2 from Survey of Alumni-ae of Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
What persons mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (Second person)?
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total49431.9013.37
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 1505
Variables: 180
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Alumni of Presbyterian theological schools
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
WHYENT2 from Survey of Alumni-ae of Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
What led you to leave your prior work and enter theological school? (Type of first response)
 TOTAL%
1) Long-standing sense of call from God - delayed or interrupted26341.9
2) New or sudden or urgent sense of call from God254.0
3) Push factors associated with circumstances - work, life situation, etc.15825.2
4) Responding to needs of church233.7
5) Attracted to school by its reputation, program or offerings40.6
6) Sense of own talent, ability, interest, aptitude for work of ministry7411.8
7) Need training to do one's ministry609.6
8) Need legitimacy, credentials, basis for official acceptance162.5
9) Women now accepted in ministry50.8
Missing877
Total628100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 1505
Variables: 180
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Alumni of Presbyterian theological schools
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
WHYENT4 from Survey of Alumni-ae of Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
What led you to leave your prior work and enter theological school? (Type of second response)
 TOTAL%
1) Long-standing sense of call from God - delayed or interrupted31.7
2) New or sudden or urgent sense of call from God10.6
3) Push factors associated with circumstances - work, life situation, etc.5732.0
4) Responding to needs of church126.7
5) Attracted to school by its reputation, program or offerings21.1
6) Sense of own talent, ability, interest, aptitude for work of ministry5229.2
7) Need training to do one's ministry2614.6
8) Need legitimacy, credentials, basis for official acceptance126.7
9) Women now accepted in ministry137.3
Missing1327
Total178100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 1505
Variables: 180
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Alumni of Presbyterian theological schools
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
EXPINF1 from Survey of Presbyterian Students in Non-Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE STUDENTS IN M.DIV PROGRAMS: What experiences mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry(First experience)?
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total19728.1514.03
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 349
Variables: 165
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Presbyterian students in non-Presbyterian theological schools
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
EXPINF2 from Survey of Presbyterian Students in Non-Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE STUDENTS IN M.DIV PROGRAMS: What experiences mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (Second Experience)?
 NMeanStd. Deviation
Total10733.7913.31
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 349
Variables: 165
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Presbyterian students in non-Presbyterian theological schools
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
PERSINF1 from Survey of Presbyterian Students in Non-Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE STUDENTS IN M.DIV PROGRAMS: What persons mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (First person)?
 TOTAL%
10) Family, parents, general146.1
11) Mother52.2
12) Father52.2
14) Spouse146.1
15) Other relatives20.9
20) Clergy - general (role models, etc.)52.2
21) Pastor in childhood or youth73.0
22) Pastor in current (home) church8034.6
24) Women pastors62.6
26) Campus minister93.9
27) Seminary intern10.4
28) Other clergy friends156.5
29) Other clergy135.6
31) Sunday school teachers10.4
32) College teachers20.9
34) Director of Church Education or Youth Ministry104.3
39) Other teachers31.3
40) Church members, 'my church' in general83.5
41) Elders or officers20.9
42) Lay people52.2
50) Friends - general229.5
62) God, Christ, Holy Spirit20.9
Missing118
Total231100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 349
Variables: 165
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Presbyterian students in non-Presbyterian theological schools
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed
PERSINF2 from Survey of Presbyterian Students in Non-Presbyterian Theological Schools, 1990
ASKED ONLY OF THOSE STUDENTS IN M.DIV PROGRAMS: What persons mainly encouraged you to enter the ministry (Second person)?
 TOTAL%
10) Family, parents, general107.2
12) Father10.7
14) Spouse53.6
20) Clergy - general (role models, etc.)10.7
21) Pastor in childhood or youth32.2
22) Pastor in current (home) church1410.1
24) Women pastors32.2
25) Judicatory staff/executive (Presbytery, Synod, National)42.9
26) Campus minister42.9
27) Seminary intern21.4
28) Other clergy friends107.2
29) Other clergy75.1
30) Teachers - general21.4
31) Sunday school teachers10.7
32) College teachers64.3
33) Seminary teachers42.9
34) Director of Church Education or Youth Ministry53.6
39) Other teachers10.7
40) Church members, 'my church' in general139.4
41) Elders or officers10.7
42) Lay people53.6
49) Other categories32.2
50) Friends - general3223.2
62) God, Christ, Holy Spirit10.7
Missing211
Total138100.0
Survey Details  
Year: 1990
Cases: 349
Variables: 165
Scope: U.S. Samples
Frame: Other: Presbyterian students in non-Presbyterian theological schools
Sample: Random Samples
Mode: Mailed

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