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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)
F A L L 2 0 1 6
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.
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
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.
| 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.
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
| 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
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
| 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
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
| 9
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
FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE
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
| 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.
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
| 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
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
| 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
FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE
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+
| 17
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
FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE
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)
| 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
FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE
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.
| 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
FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE
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
| 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.
FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE
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
| 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
FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE
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
| 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
FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE
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.
| 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
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
| 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.
FALL 2016 | UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATISTICAL PROFILE
32 |
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
700 PROSPECT AVENUECLEVELAND, OH 44115
UCC.ORG