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THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST: A STATISTICAL PROFILE WITH REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CHURCH LEADERS RESEARCH FROM THE UCC CENTER FOR ANALYTICS, RESEARCH AND DATA (CARD) FALL 2016

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Page 1: FALL 2016 - UCC Filesuccfiles.com/pdf/Fall-2016-UCC-Statistical-Profile.pdf · United Church of Christ. During this same period, however, UCC congregations experienced an increase

THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST:A STATISTICAL PROFILE

WITH REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CHURCH LEADERS

RESEARCH FROM THE UCC CENTER FOR ANALYTICS, RESEARCH AND DATA (CARD)

F A L L 2 0 1 6

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QUICK SUMMARY OF UCC STATISTICS

MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION

CONGREGATIONS: 5,032*

MEMBERS: 914,871

AVERAGE MEMBERSHIP: 183

AVERAGE WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: 74

AVERAGE CONFIRMATIONS: 6

AVERAGE CONFESSIONS: 6

AVERAGE TRANSFERS IN: 5

AVERAGE REAFFIRMATIONS: 7

AVERAGE DEATHS: 5

AVERAGE TRANSFERS OUT: 4

AVERAGE CHILD BAPTISMS: 4

AVERAGE ADULT BAPTISMS: 2

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION/FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM: 43%

YOUTH PROGRAM: 19.4%

OPEN AND AFFIRMING: 25.7%

ACCESSIBLE: 83.9%

WEB URL/WEB PRESENCE: 65.3%

 

RACE/ETHNICITY BY CONGREGATION

WHITE/EURO-AMERICAN: 84.9%

AFRICAN-AMERICAN: 4.6%

ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER: 3.8%

HISPANIC/LATINO: 0.4%

NATIVE AMERICAN: 0.5%

BI-RACIAL/MULTI-RACIAL AND OTHER: 4%

 

STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCES**

AVERAGE BASIC SUPPORT: $5,709 – 75.4%

AVERAGE SPECIAL SUPPORT: $2,248 – 76.2%***

AVERAGE TOTAL OCWM: $9,212 – 84.5%

AVERAGE ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: $644 – 65.4%

AVERAGE NEIGHBORS IN NEED: $399 – 56.3%

AVERAGE CHRISTMAS FUND: $542 – 51.1%

AVERAGE STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH: $258 – 40.1%

5 FOR 5 CHURCHES: 31.9%

AVERAGE OTHER GIFTS: $11,522

AVERAGE OPERATING EXPENSES: $168,400

AVERAGE TOTAL INCOME: $$231,610

 * The number of congregations increases to 5,117 if Schedule 1 and 2 congregations are included.** Calculations on Stewardship and Finances include Schedule 1 and 2 churches. Averages are calculated among giving congregations only and exclude congregations that did not give in that particular category in 2015.*** Special Support refers to financial gifts for any UCC agency and/or organization. This figure includes funds sent through Conferences and Associations, as well as funds sent directly to UCC-related organizations.

Page 3: FALL 2016 - UCC Filesuccfiles.com/pdf/Fall-2016-UCC-Statistical-Profile.pdf · United Church of Christ. During this same period, however, UCC congregations experienced an increase

The United Church of Christ is a dynamic, evolving movement of people and institutions across location and time. The contents of this

booklet attempt to provide a deeper understanding of this movement, though what is articulated in these pages provides only a narrow view

of a much broader landscape.

Statistics—basic numerical facts about a particular organization or body—present specific bits of information to assist humans in illuminating

the past, realizing the present, and envisioning the future. As such, this profile provides a general statistical overview of the state of the

denomination—past and present—along with “Reflections,” questions for local church leaders to apply this data to their particular contexts

for the purpose of visioning future possibilities. In addition, there are three “Special Report” sections highlighting research conducted in the

past year—the first on emerging trends in ministerial authorization and leadership, the second on UCC students in theological schools, and

the third on highlights from the Faith Communities Today 2015 National Survey of Congregations. As always, this report provides a closer

look at overall church location, size, membership, ministerial demographics, and stewardship and finances.

Information for the profile was drawn primarily from data reported through the UCC Data Hub annually for the production of the UCC

Yearbook & Directory. We hope you enjoy this edition!

INTRODUCTION

The Center for Analytics, Research and Data (CARD)United Church of Christ

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FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE

2 |

UCC CONGREGATIONS AND MEMBERS

At the end of 2015, the United Church of Christ reported 5,032

congregations with a total of 914,871 members. Overall, the membership

of the UCC represents less than one percent (0.6%) of total U.S.

congregational membership and is concentrated in the Great Lakes,

Middle Atlantic, and New England regions of the country.

REFLECTIONSIs the term “membership” a beneficial way of appropriately counting all of the people connect-ed with a congregation? Besides membership, are there other ways that individuals associate with your church? What terminology do you use to describe these associations? How might that participation be tracked or measured over time in order to more accurately represent the number of people affiliated with a congregation?

UCC CONGREGATIONS AND MEMBERS BY REGION

REGION CONGREGATIONS % OF UCC MEMBERS % OF UCC

Great Lakes 1,183 23.5 273,567 30.0

Middle Atlantic 1,012 20.1 181,931 19.9

New England 1,041 20.7 181,434 19.8

Southern 415 8.3 73,315 8.0

Western 635 12.6 83,170 9.1

West Central 720 14.3 120,215 13.1

Non-Geographic 26 .5 1,239 .1

Total 5,032 100.0 914,871 100.0

A 2015 detailed list of congregations and membership statistics by Conference can be found in the 2016 UCC Yearbook & Directory, p. 7.

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| 3

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

GROWTH AND DECLINE

Similar to other Protestant denominations, the UCC has experienced a

decline in the numbers of congregations and members in recent decades.

From 2000 to 2010 alone, the UCC encountered a net loss of 696 congre-

gations and 318,897 members. Some of this decline, however, began prior

to the formation of the denomination in 1957, as the number of congrega-

tions steadily decreased despite membership increases in the UCC’s early

years.

In the past five years (2011-2015), 195 congregations were removed from

denominational records. Congregational decline has slowed in recent

years, however. In 2006 and 2007, the UCC experienced a loss of nearly

three congregations per week on average; but from 2008 through 2015,

only one congregation was eliminated from denominational records per

week on average.

In total, 100 congregations received standing and were added to the UCC

over the last five years. On average, a new congregation (a church that

received standing, affiliated, or merged with another congregation) was

added every 2 1/2 weeks.

CONGREGATIONS-P3

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

CONGREGATIONS

CONGREGATIONS-P3

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

CONGREGATIONS

UCC CONGREGATION AND MEMBERSHIP CHANGES BY DECADE

(1955-2015)*

CONGREGATIONS MEMBERSHIP

8,29

7

2,12

3,79

2

2,07

1,39

1

1,81

8,76

2

1,68

3,77

7

6,95

2

6,55

2

6,40

8

6,14

5

1,47

2,21

3

5,63

3

1,22

9,95

3

5,03

2

914,

871

1955 19551965* 1965*1975 19751985 19851995 19952005 20052015 2015

* The significant decrease in congregations between 1955 and 1965 was due largely to the decisions of 1,000 Congregational Christian Churches not to unite with the United Church of Christ. During this same period, however, UCC congregations experienced an increase in membership which is not reflected in this table. A detailed statistical summary by year can be found in the 2016 UCC Yearbook & Directory, pp. 10–11.

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FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE

4 |

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AND DECLINE

In general, the number of members removed each year exceeds the num-

ber of members added for that same time period. Members are removed

from denominational records for a number of reasons including death,

transfer of membership to another denomination, or updating of church

membership records.

The difference between UCC members removed and added was greater

in 2015 than in 2010, though it was not the greatest difference on record.

Since 2005, however, the difference has increased on average when com-

pared to previous years.

REFLECTIONSHow has your membership or worship attendance changed over the last decade? How has the landscape of local churches changed in your community or region? How many new con-gregations have appeared in your area in the past ten years, and what characteristics do you notice about those churches? How many congregations have closed, merged, or changed denominational affiliation?

MEMBERSHIP ADDITIONS AND REMOVALS OVER TIME (1965-2015)*

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

110,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Added Removed

127,903

95,02389,443

82,63776,765

71,569

59,56252,714

40,720

28,395

126,849

106,453

94,921

87,093

89,267

78,591

65,51662,235

46,830

42,349

130,000

140,000

120,000

110,000

100,000

90,000

80,000

70,000

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

ADDED REMOVED

128,988

*Addition and removal numbers reflect current congregational changes for a particular year; they do not include additions for congregations that joined the UCC or removals for congregations that closed, merged, or disaffiliated from the denomination.

22,724

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| 5

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

CONGREGATIONS BY RACE/ETHNICITY

A significant majority of congregations in the UCC self-identify as White/

Euro-American (meaning that most members of a congregation belong

to that particular racial/ethnic group). Over time, however, the UCC as

a whole is becoming more racially/ethnically diverse. Over the last de-

cade, the percentage of primarily White/Euro-American congregations

decreased from 88.l% in 2005 to 84.9% in 2015; and the percentage of

Bi-Racial/Multi-Racial and Other congregations increased from 1.2% in

2005 to 4.0% in 2015. In addition, the percentage of Asian/Pacific Islander

congregations increased to 3.8% in 2015 from 2.7% in 2005. One cause of

this shift over time may be due to the fact that the majority of congrega-

tions that close, merge, or disaffiliate with the denomination are primarily

White/Euro-American congregations, thus decreasing their overall per-

centage. This is also coupled with the fact that newer UCC congregations

tend to be more racially/ethnically diverse.

RACE/ETHNICITY2015-P5

WHITE/EURO-AMERICAN BLACK/AFRICANAMERICAN

ASIAN/PACIFICISLANDER HISPANIC/LATINO NATIVEAMERICAN

BI-RACIAL/MULTI-RACIAL/OTHER MISSING

RACE/ETHNICITY2005-P5

WHITE/EURO-AMERICAN BLACK/AFRICANAMERICAN

ASIAN/PACIFICISLANDER HISPANIC/LATINO NATIVEAMERICAN

BI-RACIAL/MULTI-RACIAL/OTHER MISSING

UCC CONGREGATIONS BY RACIAL/ETHNIC SELF-IDENTIFICATION

(PERCENTAGE)20

1520

05

84.9

88.1

4.0 1.8

1.2 2.2

.5

.4

.4

1.4

3.8

2.7

4.6

4.0

WHITE/EURO-AMERICAN BLACK/AFRICAN-AMERICAN

ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER HISPANIC/LATINO NATIVE AMERICAN

MISSINGBI-RACIAL/MULTI-RACIAL/OTHER

WHITE/EURO-AMERICAN BLACK/AFRICAN-AMERICAN

ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER HISPANIC/LATINO NATIVE AMERICAN

MISSINGBI-RACIAL/MULTI-RACIAL/OTHER

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FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE

6 |

CONGREGATIONS BY DATE OF ORGANIZATION

While the UCC has only been in existence since 1957, many of its congre-

gations were founded by predecessor denominations. Over two thirds of

churches (69.0%) were organized before 1900. Two out of ten congrega-

tions (21.1%) were organized between 1900 and 1969, and one in ten (9.9%)

were organized in the last 45 years. Over time, the percentage of the UCC’s

newer churches is slowly increasing while the percentage of older churches

is slowly decreasing.

CONGREGATIONSBYDATE

OFORGANIZATION

BEFORE1850 1850–1899 1900–1939 1940–1969

1970–1999 2000–2015

UCC CONGREGATIONS BY DATE OF ORGANIZATION (PERCENTAGE)

3.86.1

8.6

12.5

30.9

38.1

BEFORE 1850 1850–1899 1900–1939 1940–1969

1970–1999 2000–2015

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| 7

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

CONGREGATION SIZE BY MEMBERSHIP

Nearly three in ten UCC members (29.7%) belong to congregations of 201-400 members, and this figure did not change significantly over the past decade.

However, an increased percentage of UCC individuals held membership in smaller churches over this same time period, with 34.1% of all members at-

tending congregations with 200 or fewer members in 2015 compared to 26.8% of all members in 2005. This trend is expected to continue in future years.

As a result, the number of smaller membership UCC congregations increased over the past decade. Four in ten congregations (43.3%) reported a member-

ship of 100 or fewer, compared with 35.9% in 2005. Congregations with 101-200 members increased slightly since 2005, from 26.8% to 27.4%.

PERCENT OF UCC MEMBERS BY CONGREGATION SIZE PERCENT OF UCC CONGREGATIONS BY SIZE

CONGREGATIONSBYSIZE

2015-P7

1–50 51–100 101–200 201–400 401–600

601–1,000 1,001ANDOVER

CONGREGATIONSBYSIZE

2005-P7

1–50 51–100 101–200 201–400 401–600

601–1,000 1,001ANDOVER

CONGREGATIONSBYSIZE

2005-P7

1–50 51–100 101–200 201–400 401–600

601–1,000 1,001ANDOVER

CONGREGATIONSBYSIZE

2015-P7

1–50 51–100 101–200 201–400 401–600

601–1,000 1,001ANDOVER1–50 51–100 101–200 201–400 401–600

601–1,000 1,001 AND OVER

11.414.4

2.8 4.2

14.917.2

5.7 7.89.9 11.3

1.1 1.53.3 2.3

20.3 15.79.3 6.9

23.020.221.5

17.6

27.426.829.7 30.3

19.723.8

2015 20152005 2005

1–50 51–100 101–200 201–400 401–600

601–1,000 1,001 AND OVER

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FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE

8 |

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

When considering worship attendance figures rather than membership

size, even more congregations are categorized as smaller churches. In

2015, eight in ten churches in the UCC (81.2%) had a weekly worship at-

tendance of 1–100, which was an increase of 15.1% from ten years ago.

Over time, the percentage of congregations with greater worship atten-

dance numbers has decreased steadily, with the most dramatic decreases

occurring in congregations of 101-400 worship attenders over the last 20

years. As a result, nearly half (47.8%) of all UCC congregations now have a

weekly worship attendance of 1–50 individuals.

REFLECTIONSWhat does the increase in smaller church worship attendance signal—a greater desire for relationship and connection in smaller groups, the decrease in weekly worship attendance to a few times a month, or the overall shift in the ways people worship and participate in congregational life (or all of the above)? Are there other reasons? What are you noticing in your congregation and community?

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

1–50 51–100 101–150 151–200

201–400 401ANDOVER

PERCENT OF UCC CONGREGATIONS BY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

47.8

33.4

11.2

3.43.6 .7.71.11.91.5 4.9

7.78.99.0 5.6

8.49.810.0

13.3

16.718.017.9

34.734.433.633.3

40.8

31.7

27.8

28.3

2015

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

2010200520001995

1–50 51–100 101–150 151–200

201–400 401 AND OVER

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UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE AND MEMBERSHIP

The relationship between worship attendance and membership is shifting

incrementally over time. From 1995 to 2015, decreased percentages of people

attended worship when compared to total congregational membership,

except for the smallest and largest membership congregations. On average,

73.4% of a 1-50 member congregation’s total membership attended worship

on a weekly basis in 1995. In 2015, an average of 80.2% of members

attended weekly worship for the same size congregation. Overall, a greater

percentage of members regularly attend worship in smaller congregations

when compared with larger congregations, which suggests that the nature

of relationships in smaller versus larger congregations may affect overall

participation rates.

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

1–50 51–100 101–200 201–400

401–600 601–1,000 1,001ANDOVER

AVERAGE PERCENTAGE OF WORSHIP ATTENDANCE TO

MEMBERSHIP BY SIZE

59.7 59.758.2

56.3 55.7

73.475.4

77.576.1

80.2

49.2

40.838.9

43.741.1

36.4

34.0

29.5

33.930.9

33.4

36.036.8

31.6

31.3

35.7

34.2

35.133.5

37.535.735.3

46.849.1

45.7

20152005 201020001995

201–400

401–600 601–1,000 1,001 AND OVER

101–20051–1001–50

25

30

40

75

65

55

45

35

50

60

70

80

85

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10 |

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION/FAITH FORMATION

Since the 1950s, enrollment and attendance numbers for Christian

Education/Faith Formation programming (also known as Church School

or Sunday School enrollment in previous years) has been declining

along with membership numbers. While this decline is not surprising,

it is interesting to note that overall participation/enrollment rates, when

computed as a percentage of total membership, has decreased significantly

from the 1950s and 1960s but has not dramatically changed in the last

decade (from 21.3% in 2005 to 19.6% in 2015). Currently, percentages

indicate that roughly two out of every ten people in the UCC are

participating in these types of programs, at least in the traditional sense.

PERCENTAGE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION/FAITH FORMATION

PARTICIPANTS TO TOTAL MEMBERSHIP (1955–2015)

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

%PARTICIPANTS

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

61.3

56.7

52.4

39.1

31.8

27.526.8

26.9

25.924.1

21.3

19.8 19.6

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| 11

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

PERCENTAGE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION/FAITH FORMATION

AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE TO TOTAL PARTICIPATION/

ENROLLMENT (1995–2015)

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

CHILDREN/YOUTH(0–17) ADULTS(18+)CHILDREN/YOUTH (0–17) ADULTS (18+)

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

48.0

41.5

46.1

36.8

41.8

54.4

49.4

54.3

66.4

47.0

When comparing participation/enrollment with average weekly

attendance figures, even fewer children and adults participate in

Christian Education/Faith Formation programs on a regular basis.

Since 1995, the gap between enrollment and attendance has increased

incrementally, meaning that smaller percentages of total participants

in Christian Education/Faith Formation programs are attending these

programs on a weekly basis. These patterns match average weekly

worship attendance patterns, which have also decreased over time.

In general, adult Faith Formation programs are attended more

regularly than children/youth programs. This may be due to a number

of factors including competing interests for young people’s attention on

Sunday mornings, the overall decline in numbers of younger people in

congregational life in general, and increases in the diversity of family

situations around divorce and co-parenting.

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FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE

12 |

CONGREGATIONAL DESIGNATIONS

From 2009* to 2015, there was a 52.8% increase in the number of Open

and Affirming (ONA) congregations in the United Church of Christ, from

853 churches (15.6% of all UCC churches at the time) to 1,304 churches

(25.1% of all UCC congregations in 2015). The majority of congregations

that are ONA tend to be organized prior to 1940 since the majority of all

UCC congregations were organized in this time period as well. More than

one-third (34.9%) of congregations organized since 1970 are ONA. Older

congregations, organized prior to 1970, are less likely to be ONA. Less

than 25% of these older congregations are ONA.

Roughly eight in ten congregations (83.3%) self-identify as being acces-

sible to individuals with disabilities. While the specific types and degrees

of accessibility among these congregations are not known, it is interesting

to note that congregations organized before 1970 identified as accessible

at greater percentages (85.2% of total churches) than congregations orga-

nized in the years 1970-2015 (72.5% of total churches).

* ONA data for 2010 was unavailable, so a six-year period was analyzed rather than a five-year period.

COMPARISONS OF OPEN AND AFFIRMING (ONA) AND ACCESSIBLE

CONGREGATIONS TO TOTAL UCC CONGREGATIONS BY YEAR OF

ORGANIZATION (PERCENTAGE)

ONA/ACCESSIBLE-P11

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

1616–1849 1850–1899 1900–1939 1940–1969 1970–1999 2000–2015

ONA ACCESSIBLE UCC

ONA UCCACCESSIBLE

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

1616–1849 1850–1899 1900–1939 1940–1969 1970–1999 2000–2015

31.3

31.9

30.5

28.6

10.8

14.2

8.0

7.1

38.1

11.9

9.1

5.3

3.8

37.6

12.3

8.5

6.0

5.0

* Includes new/proposed congregations from 2015

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| 13

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

UCC AUTHORIZED MINISTERS

As of December 31, 2015, there were a total of 7,266 active (non-retired)

Authorized Ministers in the United Church of Christ (Ordained, Licensed,

Commissioned, Dual Standing, and Ordained Ministerial Partner Stand-

ing). Ordained Ministers were the largest percentage of active ministers

reported (82.8%); and Licensed Ministers comprised the second largest

group of Authorized Ministers (9.1%). Eight ministers also hold standing

in the Congregational Christian Church.

ACTIVE, NON-RETIRED AUTHORIZED UCC MINISTERS

ORDAINED LICENSED DUAL STANDING

ORDAINED MINISTERIAL PARTNER

= 30.275 PEOPLE

COMMISSIONED

6,022 664 316

138 126

Ordained Licensed DualStanding

OrdainedMinisterialPartner Commissioned

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FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE

14 |

SUMMARY OF UCC ORDAINED MINISTERS

At the end of 2015, 9,972 Ordained Ministers in Full Standing were re-

ported, including Retired Ministers and Pastor Emeriti. Of those 9,972

Ordained Ministers, one-half (49.6% or 4,952) were employed, with 71.5%

(3,540) of those employed actively serving in a local church (either a UCC

church or non-UCC church). Over one-third (39.6% or 3,950) were Retired

Ministers or Pastor Emeriti, and 10.7% (1,070) were unclassified (ministers

who did not hold a position at the time of Yearbook production or whose

position had not been reported at that time) or were on a leave of absence.

See Appendix A for a detailed summary of Ordained Ministers by clas-

sification.

From 1985 to 2015, Ordained Ministers decreased in number by a net total

of 113 (1.1%). While currently employed Ordained Ministers decreased by

nearly one third in the last three decades (-30.5%), unclassified / leave of

absence Ordained Ministers increased by nearly one half in the same time

period (+49.2%).

SUMMARYOFUCC

ORDAINEDMINISTERS-P13

10,000

9,000

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

1985 1995 2005 2015

CURRENTLYEMPLOYED RETIRED/PASTOREMERITI

OTHERS(UNCLASSIFIED/LEAVEOFABSENCE)

SUMMARY OF UCC ORDAINED MINISTERS

7,128 6,373 5,519 4,952

2,240

2,959

3,487

3,950

1,0701,225924717

10,000

9,000

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

2015200519951985

1,000

0

CURRENTLY EMPLOYED

OTHERS (UNCLASSIFIED/LEAVE OF ABSENCE)

RETIRED/PASTOR EMERITI

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| 15

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

TRENDS IN ORDAINED MINISTRY OVER TIME

Over the last 25 years, the number of Ordained Ministers has remained relatively stable, though there are slight incremental decreases in more recent

years. In addition, the number of Retired Ministers and Pastor Emeriti has increased steadily. Interestingly, in this same time period, the number of

Ordained Ministers serving in local congregations decreased at steadily similar rates due to overall congregational and membership decline. If past trends

continue, which are predicted to be the case, there will be no clergy supply shortage in future years, even though retirements continue to increase.

TRENDS IN ORDAINED MINISTRY (1990-2015)

10,000

9,000

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014

ORDAINED MINISTERS (INCLUDING RETIRED) ACTIVE, NON-RETIRED ORDAINED MINISTERS ORDAINED MINISTERS IN UCC LOCAL CHURCHES RETIRED MINISTERS UNCLASSIFIED MINISTERS*

* Ministers who don’t have a particular position listed on their record; includes Leave of Absence ministers, though the number of these ministers is minimal within the overall total

10,232

7,714

4,8794,581

4,512

4,568

4,443

4,439

4,449

4,379

4,317

4,264 4,202 4,304

4,295

4,219 4,081 3,963 3,892 3,819 3,717

3,691 3,572 3,480 3,494 3,470 3,443 3,351

3,9503,8683,8013,7963,8033,7683,687

3,6433,6053,5423,4873,4423,2923,274

3,253

3,295

3,262

3,181

3,096

3,025

2,959

2,890

2,820

2,661

2,591

2,518

1,077940 1,125 977 899 924 944 995 1,034 1,023 1,021 1,116 1,194 1,236 1,192 1,225 1,254 1,184 1,229 1,214 1,209 1,212 1,183 1,170 1,119 1,070

7,580

7,542

7,410

7,323

7,297

7,286

7,200

7,122

7,040

6,968

7,094

7,090

7,031

6,813

6,744

6,726

6,614

6,558

6,504

6,406

6,293

6,262

6,214

6,145

6,022

10,171

10,203

10,230

10,213

10,256 10,311

10,296

10,303

10,302

10,263

10,347

10,364

10,323

10,255

10,231

10,268

10,219

10,201

10,191

10,174

10,096

10,058

10,015

10,013

9,972

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16 |

UCC AUTHORIZED MINISTERS BY AGE DEMOGRAPHICS

Statistical information regarding Authorized Ministers in the denomi-

nation reflects an increasingly aging population. When all active (non-

retired) Authorized Ministers were considered, one half were age 60 and

above (50.3%) and over one-fourth were 50-59 (29.8%), making 80.1% of

all active ministers age 50 and over. When measuring changes over time,

the percentage of pastors and co-pastors under 60 decreased in the last

eleven years from 67.6% to 52.8%, while pastors and co-pastors 60 and

over increased significantly (from 28.4% in 2004 to 47.2% in 2015).

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

2015

2015

2004**

Under40 40–49 50–59 60+

ACTIVE, NON-RETIRED AUTHORIZED MINISTERS BY AGE

(PERCENTAGE)

8.2

11.7 12.1 19.0

42.832.929.8

50.347.2

28.4

7.8 5.8

REFLECTIONSWhat is the approximate age range of your pastor? Think about the individuals who have previously served as pastors of your congregation and their approximate ages when beginning and ending their calls with your church. Do you notice any patterns?

On another note, an increasing number of second-career, third-career, and retired individuals are entering seminary and becoming ordained. How do you envision that this might impact the UCC and other similar traditions in the future?

* Includes Senior Pastors; does not include Interim, Designated-Term, or Supply Pastors** 2005 data was not available, so 2004 data was used. 2004 data does not include Licensed or Commissioned Ministers.

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

2015 2015 2004**

ALL ACTIVE AUTHORIZED

MINISTERS

PASTORS* AND CO-PASTORS ONLY

UNDER 40 40–49 50–59 60+

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UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

UCC AUTHORIZED MINISTERS BY RACE/ETHNICITY

The majority (88.0%) of all UCC Authorized Ministers identify as White/Euro-American, with 12.0% identifying as non-white. Among the various types

of authorization, Ministers with Dual Standing were the most racially/ethnically diverse group with three in ten (32.6%) ministers listed as non-white.

Commissioned Ministers and Ministers with Ordained Ministerial Partner Standing were the least racially/ethnically diverse authorization groups, with

no Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American, or Bi-Racial/Multi-Racial ministers listed within denominational records.

UCC AUTHORIZED MINISTERS BY RACIAL/ ETHNIC SELF-IDENTIFICATION (PERCENTAGE)

RACE/ETHNICITY ORDAINED LICENSED COMMISSIONED DUAL STANDING ORDAINED MINISTERIAL PARTNER STANDING

White/Euro-American 89.3 82.8 91.3 67.4 91.7

African-American 6.8 8.1 7.8 13.1 5.5

Asian/Pacific Islander 2.3 4.7 16.3

Hispanic/Latino 1.0 1.8 .9 2.4 2.8

Native American .1 .8 .4

Bi-Racial/Multi-Racial/Other .5 1.8 .4

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18 |

UCC AUTHORIZED MINISTERS BY GENDER DEMOGRAPHICS

Approximately 50.9% of active, non-retired Authorized Ministers in the United Church of Christ identified as male, 49.0% identified as female, and 0.1%

identified as transgender/gender-variant. There were more male ministers than female ministers within each authorization category, except for Commis-

sioned Ministers, of which there were nearly four times the number of females compared to males.

GENDER OF ACTIVE, NON-RETIRED AUTHORIZED MINISTERS

AUTHORIZATION FEMALE MALE TRANSGENDER/GENDER-VARIANT

Ordained 2,988 3,012 7

Licensed 282 359 0

Ducal Standing 97 205 1

Ordained Ministerial Partner 62 71 1

Commissioned 99 25 1

TOTAL 3,528 3,672 10

N = 7,210 (Missing = 56)

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| 19

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

65

60

55

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

2005 2015

Pastor* Co-Pastor Associate/AssistantPastor

Interim/SupplyPastor

65

60

55

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

2005 2015

Pastor* Co-Pastor Associate/AssistantPastor

Interim/SupplyPastor

REFLECTIONWhat do you make of the significant increase in the number of female interim and supply pastors over the last decade? Does this increase point toward the continuing challenges that females face with regard to equal access and opportunity for more settled pastoral positions? What other factors might be affecting these dynamics?

PERCENTAGE COMPARISON OF PASTOR POSITIONS HELD

BY FEMALE ORDAINED MINISTERSUCC FEMALE MINISTERS IN LOCAL CHURCHES

The number of active female Ordained Ministers increased significantly

over the last decade, from 31.9% in 2005 to 49.0% in 2015. Over one-third

(38.1%) of all local church pastors (including senior pastors) are female,

compared with 30.2% ten years ago. Over half of co-pastors (55.2%) and

interim / designated-term / supply pastors (51.2%) are female, and two-

thirds (66.4%) are associate / assistant pastors.

* Includes Senior Pastors

10

0

20

30

40

50

60

65

55

45

35

25

15

5

2005 2015

PASTOR* CO-PASTOR

INTERIM/DESIGNATED-TERM/SUPPLY PASTOR

ASSOCIATE/ASSISTANT PASTOR

30.2

44.2

63.0

32.4

38.1

55.2

66.4

51.2

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20 |

UCC ORDINATIONS AND MEMBERS IN DISCERNMENT

The number of ordinations per year decreased over the past decade from

164 in 2006 to 129* in 2015. Throughout this time period, the 2011-2015

annual average of ordinations was 160 compared to the 2006-2010 annual

average of 180 ordinations. When reviewing trends over the past several

decades, however, ordination numbers fluctuated in similar ways; and it

is yet to be seen whether this recent decrease signals a continuing trend.

As of December 31, 2015, there were 728 active Members in Discernment

on record within the denominational database. Members in Discernment

(or MIDs) were concentrated within larger Conferences, as is to be expect-

ed, with Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio Conferences

reporting 27.7% of the total number of MIDs.

In terms of gender, females comprised 63.8% of the total number of MIDs

(a greater percentage than that of current female Authorized Ministers).

Members in Discernment were also more racially/ethnically diverse than

current Authorized Ministers with 19.3% identifying as non-white (com-

pared with 12.0% of Authorized Ministers identifying as non-white).

UCC ORDINATIONS (2006–2015)UCCORDINATIONS-P20

120

130

140

150

160

170

180

190

200

210

220

230

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

ORDINATIONS

129*

156164

170

180

162162

191

221

164

230

220

210

200

190

180

170

160

150

140

130

120

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

* Number of ordinations for 2015 and previous years are expected to in-crease in 2016 as additional records are updated by Conferences.

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| 21

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

UCC LOCAL CHURCH FINANCIAL TRENDS

Local congregational expenses increased over time while income decreased. Operating expenses for an average local congregation in 2015 was $168,400,

a $1,594 average increase from 2014. Average total income for a local church in 2015 was $231,610, a $769 increase from 2014. Both the average expenses

and income for local congregations increased in the last decade from $140,647 and $195,749 in 2005, respectively.

In 2005, Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) giving represented 5.8% of a local congregation’s total expenditures. This percentage decreased to 4.3%

of a local church’s total expenditures for 2015.

Overall expenditures for congregations of the United Church of Christ decreased from $934,824,110 to $928,668,423 in a period of four years (December

31, 2011 to December 31, 2015), a 0.65% decrease. This figure fluctuates annually, with some years experiencing increases in overall expenditures.

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

EXPENDITURE 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Current Local Expenses $824,425,695 $822,342,667 $818,905,166 $808,288,492 $816,999,755

Total Mission Support $62,556,317 $63,466,950 $63,327,328 $60,886,340 $67,741,866

Capital Expenses $41,686,411 $64,729,352 $41,524,595 $43,630,120 $50,082,489

TOTAL $928,668,423 $950,538,969 $923,757,089 $912,804,952 $934,824,110

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22 |

UCC STEWARDSHIP AND MISSION SUPPORT

Totals for wider church stewardship and giving by local congregations of

the United Church of Christ decreased over the past several years; how-

ever, there were increases in the number of congregations participating in

special offerings.

For special offerings giving from local congregations, each offering expe-

rienced an increase in the percentage of participating congregations over

the past decade, except for One Great Hour of Sharing which declined

slightly. In 2005, 52.3% of churches participated in the Neighbors in Need

offering; participation increased to 56.3% in 2015. Even more striking,

25.6% of congregations participated in the Strengthen the Church Offer-

ing in 2005; and in 2015, 40.1% participated in this offering, a 56.6% in-

crease over the past decade.

LOCAL CHURCH OFFERINGS PARTICIPATION (PERCENTAGE)

65.468.4 56.352.3 51.143.1 40.125.6

40

30

20

10

0

50

60

ONE GREAT HOUROF SHARING

NEIGHBORS INNEED

CHRISTMAS FUND STRENGTHENTHE CHURCH

20152005

Does not include congregations that closed, withdrew, or merged in 2005 or 2015

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| 23

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

TOTALMISSIONSUPPORT

20

15

20

14

20

13

20

12

20

11

0 20,000,000 30,000,000 40,000,000 50,000,000 60,000,000

OTHERGIFTS SPECIALSUPPORT CONFERENCEBASICSUPPORT

NATIONALBASICSUPPORT

In overall mission support, the total decreased from the previous year by $910,633 (-1.4%). Other gifts increased by $333,588 (+1.5%) while special sup-

port, conference basic support, and national basic support decreased. Since 2011, national basic support and other gifts experienced the greatest decreases

(-18.3% and -18.4%, respectively); and conference basic support decreased by 9.3%. Special support, however, experienced a significant increase since 2011

(+15.7%).

REFLECTIONSDoes your congregation participate in the UCC’s special offerings or provide other support through your conference or the national setting? Were there any special appeals that your congregations supported this past year? What do you notice in these overall mission support trends that is similar to or different than your own congregation’s trends?

UCC CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS TO SPECIAL OFFERINGS

(PERCENTAGE)

TOTAL MISSION SUPPORT

$22,782,447 $17,784,650 $16,157,260

$16,227,927

$16,790,247

$16,797,058

$17,313,931 $7,139,953

$6,948,729

$6,460,220

$6,250,664

$5,831,960

$18,540,500

$15,153,467

$12,722,624

$15,363,487

$22,448,859

$24,923,394

$24,417,929

$27,924,495

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

NONE

$100ORLESS

$101–$200

$201–300

$301–$500

$501–$1,000

OVER$1,000

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

2005 2015

NONE

$100 OR LESS

$101-$200

$201-$300

$301-$500

$501-$1,000

OVER $1,000

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

2005 2015

OTHER GIFTS SPECIAL SUPPORT CONFERENCE BASIC SUPPORT NATIONAL BASIC SUPPORT

29.432.6

3.4

4.8

4.5

9.1

15.9

29.7

4.6

5.7

5.2

8.9

15.6

30.6

Detailed basic and special support statistics can be found in the 2016 UCC Yearbook & Directory, p. 6.

Does not include congregations that closed, withdrew, or merged in 2005 or 2015.

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24 |

REFLECTIONSWith increased demands on local churches to maintain buildings and provide salaries for pastors and other staff, how does your congregation balance internal expenses versus mission giving to the wider church and other organizations? How do your vision and/or mission inform the decisions your church makes around its budget?

THE CHURCH DOLLAR

In the last decade, the distribution of the church dollar experienced some noticeable shifts. Current local expenses increased by $.04, and capital expenses

decreased (with minor fluctuations from year to year). Special support and conference basic support remained the same, and national basic support de-

creased to less than $.01 on the dollar.

CHANGING DISTRIBUTION OF THE CHURCH DOLLAR

* Less than .01

2015

2005

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0

CurrentLocalExpenses CapitalExpenses

OtherGifts SpecialSupport ConferenceBasic

NationalBasic

0 $0.10 $0.20 $0.30 $0.40 $0.50 $0.60 $0.70 $0.80 $0.90 $1.00

2015

2005

$.89 $.05

$.07

$.03

$.02

$.02

$.02$.02

$.02

$.00*

$.01$.85

CURRENT LOCAL EXPENSES CAPITAL EXPENSES OTHER GIFTS SPECIAL SUPPORT CONFERENCE BASIC NATIONAL BASIC

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| 25

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

SPECIAL REPORT: EMERGING TRENDS IN MINISTERIAL AUTHORIZATION AND LEADERSHIP

RETIRED ORDAINED MINISTERS IN ACTIVE MINISTRY ROLES* RETIRED ORDAINED MINISTERS IN ACTIVE MINISTRY ROLES

While most ministers do not engage actively in ministry upon

their retirement, a few continue to serve in a number of autho-

rized ministry roles in local churches, association and conference

settings, and specialized ministries. Denominational records in-

dicate that there are approximately 231 Ordained Ministers that

are identified as having another position in addition to their Re-

tired/Pastor Emeritus position (5.8% of all Retired/Pastor Emeriti

ministers).

The majority of positions reported for Retired Ordained Min-

isters are local church positions (76.2% of all total active retired

positions). Interestingly, some continue to serve as chaplains and

pastoral counselors within various organizations. A few retired

ministers serve congregations of other denominations. While

these statistics do not describe the total contribution that Retired

Ordained Ministers make to the overall life of the denomination

within a multitude of volunteer leadership roles, the data sug-

gests that these ministers continue to serve in authorized roles as

a gift to the wider church.

PASTORS** OTHER PASTORS*** DENOMINATIONAL WORK

ECUMENICAL WORK

EDUCATIONAL WORK OTHER RELIGIOUS WORK OTHER PROFESSIONS

SERVING CHURCHES OF ANOTHER DENOMINATION

MISSIONARIES/CHAPLAINS/CAMPUS MINISTERS

15161 3

1

4 2 10

6

29

* Includes ministers who are also identified as Pastor Emeriti** Includes Solo Pastors, Senior Pastors, Interim, Designated-Term, and Sup-ply Pastors*** Includes Associate/Assistant Pastors, Christian Education Directors, and Other Local Church Positions

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26 |

LOCAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Data from the latest annual church Yearbook reporting cycle was exam-

ined in order to understand the dynamics of local church leadership. Ap-

proximately 4,263 individuals were listed in the primary leadership role for

each UCC congregation. For the other 769 congregations that did not list a

primary pastoral leader, they may have been in the search process and not

had a leader at the time of reporting, or had failed to report a leader in re-

cent years. However, the number of congregations that did report a pastoral

leader provided a large enough sample for generalization about all primary

pastoral leaders and congregations in the UCC.

Even still, not all of the primary leaders were identified as pastors within

their congregations. While over eight in ten (85.3%) were settled pastors

(senior, solo, or co-pastor), 13.0% were interim, designated-term, or supply

pastors. In a few instances, Pastor Emeriti, assistant or associate pastors, or

other local church staff served in the primary leadership role.

PRIMARY CHURCH LEADERSHIP BY POSITION

POSITION PERCENTAGE NUMBER

Pastor 78.9 3,364

Senior Pastor 4.7 199

Co-Pastor 1.7 74

Interim Pastor 9.2 392

Designated-Term Pastor 1.6 68

Supply Pastor 2.2 92

Pastor Emeritus .4 16

Assistant/Associate Pastor .9 39

Other Church Position(Christian Education Director, Youth Minister,

Music Minister, etc.).4 19

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| 27

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

PRIMARY CHURCH LEADERSHIP BY AUTHORIZATION In examining authorizations of primary congregational leaders, 71.3%

were Ordained, 10.9% were Licensed, and 8.5% were Dual or Ordained

Ministerial Partner Standing. Interestingly, 4.1% were authorized by an-

other denomination, and 2.8% were laypersons.

Laypersons serving as primary congregational leaders were more racially/

ethnically diverse than any category of Authorized Ministers, with 33.8%

of all laypersons identified as non-white. Ministers authorized by another

denomination were more diverse than most categories of Authorized Min-

isters (24.7% identified as non-white). In terms of gender, both laypersons

and ministers authorized by another denomination were predominantly

male (70.3% and 66.8%, respectively).

POSITION PERCENTAGE NUMBER

Ordained 71.3 3,039

Licensed 10.9 466

Dual Standing 6.2 263

Ordained Ministerial Partner Standing 2.3 98

Authorized by Another Denomination 4.1 175

Layperson 2.8 118

Privilege of Call 1.1 46

Member in Discernment 1.0 41

Commissioned .1 6

Seeking Privilege of Call/ Ordained MinisterialPartner Standing

.1 4

Other (Standing Terminated,Resigned, Suspended)

.1 7

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28 |

SPECIAL REPORT: UCC PRESENCE IN THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS

YEAR N HC N HC N HC N

2015–2016 66 492 21 42 66 370 89

2014–2015 69 482 20 44 55 219 87

2013–2014 76 520 22 36 66 257 96

2012–2013 75 781 17 179 66 644 92

2011–2012 78 575 14 27 62 457 91

2010–2011 79 571 12 22 61 341 91

2009–2010 79 613 24 67 65 394 96

2008–2009 75 623 20 34 62 338 89

2007–2008 76 689 18 35 67 402 92

2006–2007 73 735 20 36 65 421 90

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STUDENTS

ENROLLED IN ATS ACCREDITED SCHOOLS (2006-2016)

MDIV OTHERMINISTERIALNON-MDIV

TOTALSCHOOLS

N = Number of schoolsHC = Head count

Data was retrieved from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) to

learn about UCC students across the country. For school year 2015-2016,

there were 492 M.Div. students in 66 ATS-accredited schools who self-

identified as UCC. Ministerial non-M.Div. students numbered 42 among

21 schools, and other students (M.A., D.Min., Ph.D., Th.D., etc.) num-

bered 370 among 66 schools. The percentages of full-time and part-time

UCC students were unavailable.

Over the past decade, M.Div. enrollment has decreased steadily from 735

in 2006-2007 to 492 in 2015-2016 while Ministerial Non-M.Div. enroll-

ment has remained relatively steady over that same time period. A general

decrease in enrolled students within other degree programs also occurred

in the past decade. While there seems to be little fluctuation in the number

of schools attended for those who identify as UCC, their numerical pres-

ence within these schools is less significant today.

Unfortunately, demographic data for UCC enrolled students was un-

available from ATS.

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| 29

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

SPECIAL REPORT: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FAITH COMMUNITIES TODAY 2015 NATIONAL SURVEY OF CONGREGATIONS

In early 2015, the United Church of Christ participated in the Faith Communities Today (FACT) National Survey of Congregations to look at religious life

in America. The survey was completed by 910 UCC congregations (17.7% of all UCC churches) through a well-informed leader (a pastor, staff members,

church administrator, or lay leader). The following are a few highlights of some of the findings from this survey. Additional results on various aspects of

congregational life can be found at www.ucc.org/research.CHURCHPARTICIPANTUSE

OFTECHNOLOGY

NONE/VERYFEW AFEW SOME MANY MOSTORALL

CHURCH PARTICIPATION USE OF TECHNOLOGY BY CONGREGATION

(PERCENTAGE)

5.9

1.1

24.5

21.0

47.5

NONE/VERY FEW A FEW SOME MANY MOST OR ALL

TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA

When looking at results on the use of electronic technology in UCC con-

gregations, nearly half (47.5%) of churches indicated that many of their

participants are daily internet or social media users in their everyday lives.

Nearly one quarter (24.5%) indicated that most or all church participants

use the internet or social media in their everyday lives. For congregations

in which some, a few, or very few/none of the participants use the internet

in their daily lives, these churches tended to have an average of 1-50 people

in weekly worship and were more likely to be located in areas with popula-

tions of less than 50,000 people.

Nearly 9 in 10 congregations (87.4%) utilized email. The second most-

frequently used technology tools—at approximately half of all congrega-

tions—included e-newsletters (54.3%), Wi-Fi access in church buildings

(54.1%), websites (52.6%), and Facebook (45.7%). One in five congregations

(20.1%) utilized texting for communications; and a number of other tools

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FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE

30 |

were used less frequently including automated prayer requests (16.4%), on-

line giving (9.4%), blogs (5.6%), online meetings (3.5%), and Twitter (2.8%).

Primary responsibility for a congregation’s technology management tend-

ed to rest with the pastor (29.8%) or lay volunteers (36.5%). Nearly 6% of

congregations indicated that they do not use electronic technology at all.

The majority (over 70%) of survey respondents reported believing that

modern communication technologies are a necessity for ministry; and

20% believed that electronic technologies aren’t really crucial for the con-

gregation’s vitality or success.

PRIMARYRESPONSIBLE

FORCONGREGATIONAL

TECHNOLOGY-27

LAYVOLUNTEERS PASTOR OTHERPAIDSTAFF OTHER

DOESNOTUSEELECTRONICTECHNOLOGY

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONGREGATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

(PERCENTAGE)

5.9

36.5

8.9

18.9

29.8

LAY VOLUNTEERS PASTOR OTHER PAID STAFF OTHER

DOES NOT USE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY

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| 31

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE | FALL 2016

SMALLER CONGREGATIONS

Nearly half (47.8%) of all UCC congregations have 50 or fewer people in attendance at worship each week, and nearly eight in ten (81.2%) have 100 or fewer

people in weekly worship. Because of these statistics, it can be concluded that the United Church of Christ is a denomination of smaller congregations.

When comparing these smaller congregations to churches that have an average weekly worship attendance of over 100 people, the following characteris-

tics and attributes were discovered about the UCC’s smaller churches: Possessed greater percentages of older adults (age 50 or older) and smaller percentages of younger people (including children and youth)*

Were less likely to have changed worship styles in the past five years*

Placed greater emphasis on developing denominational loyalty in Christian Education/Faith Formation programs; also celebrated denomina-tional heritage as part of the congregation’s mission and identity

Possessed an identity of their church as being a close-knit family*

Was slightly more likely to have considered changing denominations or becoming independent in the last 10 years

Had fewer church participants who were daily internet/social media users*

Had fewer church participants who were involved in evangelism and outreach to new people*

Were more likely to have a majority of participants possessing conservative theological outlooks*

Were less likely to have grown in average weekly worship attendance over the last five years*

Were more likely to have an older female pastor*

Were more likely to have a part-time and/or bi-vocational pastor, as well as a shorter-tenured pastor*

Adapted less readily to change/not as willing to make changes*

Were less likely to have a website or use electronic technology or internet/social media*

Were more likely to be a newer congregation

Were more uncertain about their future as a congregation*

Located in less populated geographic areas*

All characteristics with an asterisk (*) were statistically significantly different than what was reported for congregations with an average weekly worship attendance of over 100 people.

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APPENDIX:SUMMARY OF UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST ORDAINED MINISTERS BY CLASSIFICATION (2006–2015)

* Pastors includes Senior Pastors** Other Pastors includes Associate / Assistant Pastors, Youth Ministers, Directors of Christian Education / Faith Formation, Ministers of Music, and Other Local Church Positions*** Other Professions includes health and welfare workers in UCC insitutions and pastoral counselors**** Unclassified and Leave of Absence

CLASSIFICATION 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Pastors* 3,410 3,339 3,258 3,264 3,167 3,064 3,049 3,017 2,975 2,903

Other Pastors** 482 480 459 427 405 416 445 453 468 448

Pastor Emeriti 297 259 219 191 182 153 194 128 199 199

Retired 3,245 3,346 3,424 3,496 3,586 3,650 3,602 3,673 3,669 3,751

Denominational Work 182 172 162 158 188 147 148 137 138 140

Ecumenical Work 38 41 42 42 46 43 40 40 37 35

Missionaries/Chaplains/Campus Ministers

606 637 641 670 684 714 714 720 755 798

Educational Work 178 177 176 169 157 148 148 150 145 138

Other Religious Work 66 66 74 75 80 76 71 79 78 78

Other Professions*** 326 322 315 292 278 285 265 250 238 223

Serving Churches of Another Denomination

184 196 202 193 192 188 199 198 192 189

All Others**** 1,254 1,184 1,229 1,214 1,209 1,212 1,183 1,170 1,119 1,070

TOTAL 10,268 10,219 10,201 10,191 10,174 10,096 10,058 10,015 10,013 9,972

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