Presbyterian Panel Survey, 2006-2008 - Background Survey, Clergy

DOI

10.17605/OSF.IO/9Q7HK

Citation

Marcum, J. P. (2021, May 19). Presbyterian Panel Survey, 2006-2008 - Background Survey, Clergy.

Summary

These data come from the background survey of the 2006-2008 Presbyterian Panel Study. The 3,742 member panel consists of 1,099 members, 1,164 elders and 1,469 clergy. This dataset includes responses from the 1,469 clergy on that panel. A majority of the questions were identical for all groups sampled, but a small number of questions were varied for the lay and clerical samples. This dataset profiles Presbyterians as a people, describing them as a faith community (beliefs, church backgrounds, and levels of church involvement) and as a social and demographic community (age, sex, marital status, living arrangements, etc.).

The ARDA has added five additional variables to the original data set to enhance the users' experience on our site.

Data File

Cases: 1469
Variables: 169
Weight Variable: None

Data Collection

October 2005

Funded By

Congregational Ministries Division, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Collection Procedures

Data were collected by self-administered mail and web-based surveys. "In the initial mailing on October 21, 2005, each sampled individual was sent a 9"x12" envelope (personally addressed) containing the following materials: a letter encouraging participation from Rick Ufford-Chase, Moderator of the 216th General Assembly, on the moderator's letterhead with pre-printed signature in blue ink (not personally addressed); a personally-addressed cover letter, with pre-printed signature in blue ink, from John P. Marcum, Panel Administrator; a tri-fold brochure describing the Panel in a question-and-answer format; a questionnaire; and a postage-paid, business-reply envelope. (Overall design of the survey and the mailings followed the "Tailored Design Method"; see Dillman, 2000.)" (Technical Notes: Religious and Demographic Profile of Presbyterians 2005)

"All individuals who had not yet responded were mailed a reminder postcard on November 4, 2005. A second reminder, including cover letter, replacement copy of the questionnaire, Q&A brochure, and postage-paid reply envelope, was sent on November 18, 2005, to all sampled persons who had not yet responded. A third reminder, with cover letter, replacement copy of the questionnaire, Q&A brochure, and postage-paid reply envelope was sent on December 30, 2005, to all remaining non-respondents." (Technical Notes)

Populations
"The Panel consists of three samples, each drawn from a separate constituency group, or population, of persons affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The PC(USA) consists of congregations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico." (Technical Notes)

Ministers of the Word and Sacrament
"The population of ministers of the Word and Sacrament is defined as those persons who have been ordained to this office and continue to hold it as members of a presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). (See Book of Order, G-6.0200 through G-6.0204.) Retired or emeritus ministers are excluded. At the end of 2004, the population of active ministers totaled 13,786." (Technical Notes)

Sampling Procedures

"Three representative samples were drawn, one from each of the three populations, using probability techniques." (Technical Notes)

Pastors and Specialized Clergy
"A list of all ordained ministers of the Word and Sacrament is maintained by the Office of the General Assembly based on reports from stated clerks of presbyteries. A probability sample of 2,203 ministers was drawn using proportional stratified sampling. All active ministers (i.e., not retired or emeritus) resident in the United States or Puerto Rico were located in one of 56 unique strata based on their region of residence (Northeast, Midwest, South, West), their race ethnicity (African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Native American, White, other, not known), and their occupational category (pastors, specialized clergy). Random sampling was used within strata." (Technical Notes)

Response Rates
"Overall response rates, by sample: members, 58%; elders, 79%; and ordained ministers, 66%." (Marcum, data appendix, 2006)." (Technical Notes)

Principal Investigators

Research Services, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and John P. Marcum, Panel Administrator

Related Publications

Research Services, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Religious and Demographic Profile of Presbyterians 2005. Louisville, KY, 2006.