U.S. Congregations:
Research, Resources, and Results
Resources for Congregations
Community Profiles
Workshops
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U.S. Congregations: Research, Resources, and Results |
Congregational Life Survey Resources for Congregations Community Profiles Workshops |
| U.S. Congregational Life Survey Key Results about U.S. Congregations
"45% of congregations overall use the internet or e-mail to communicate with members; but 63% of mainline Protestant congregations do so. On average, U.S. congregations offer three worship services each week, but the typical Catholic parish offers eight. These Characteristics of Congregations provide a unique view of the programs, services, and facilities of the national random sample of congregations that participated in the U.S. Congregational Life Survey in April 2001. Results are also presented for five major faith groups: Catholic parishes, mainline Protestant churches, conservative Protestant churches, historically Black churches, and congregations of other faith groups.
"Fully 100% of congregations include a sermon in their worship service. Most also have a collection of money, singing by the congregation, and singing by a choir or soloist." Learn how worship services are similar -- and different -- in congregations of different faith groups. Then, see how the length of the service and the length of the sermon compare among these groups.
Now available! Order from Amazon. Or order from the publisher, Westminster John Knox Press. Learn more! What are the 10 strengths? Learn more! Listen to radio interviews with the authors.
Order online now from the publisher, Westminster John Knox Press.
The Field Guide Poster provides a snapshot of key findings from the study. The four-color, 11x17 poster includes 12 graphs showing the age and gender profile of worshipers, their experiences during worship and involvement in congregational activities, their time spent in private devotions, and more. Available from U.S. Congregations for $5. (Call 1-888-728-7228 ext. 2040 to order.)
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Last modified March 2, 2004 by U.S. Congregations Home Page Manager
This book is an intricate look at vitality and health in
congregations. . . .
The authors believe that there are ten strengths
key to vital congregations. They conclude that
every congregation has these strengths to one degree or another,
and that by building on their strengths, they can transform
their futures. This book will help
congregations recognize the factors that make them unique,
discover their strengths, identify areas where change is needed,
and begin to determine where and when change can begin.
"This book presents the first comprehensive portrait of congregational life in the United
States in the new century and is based on the results of
the U.S. Congregational Life Survey of more than 2,000
congregations and over 300,000 worshipers from across many
denominations. The Field Guide seeks to answer questions
like, “What are the characteristics of satisfying worship?E“How
involved are worshipers in their communities?Eand “How can
congregations both recruit new members and retain existing
members?EIt provides a portrait of congregational life today
in four dimensions: spirituality and faith, activities in the
congregation, community involvement, and worshipersEvision
for the congregation’s future."