The Faith Communities Today (FACT) survey was mailed at the end of October 2005 to the pastors of a random sample of Nazarene churches in the United States (732). Responses were received from 369 (50%) pastors. The response was generally representative of the distribution of Nazarene churches by size and region, however, the smallest churches (under 50 in attendance) are a little under-represented and mid-sized churches (100-249) are a little over-represented.

Has Worship Changed Over the Last 5 years?

This survey may be compared with a similar study of Nazarene churches conducted in 2000. A report from the 2000 survey is available at www.nazarene.org/research_center. These studies were conducted in cooperation with multidenominational surveys sponsored by the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership. Information from the larger studies may be found at www.fact.hartsem.edu/.

Worship: Most Nazarene pastors in the United States (81%) say the phrase “Filled with a sense of God’s presence” describes their worship services “Quite well” (51%) or “Very well” (30%). This is similar to the 84% of Nazarene worshipers who on the U.S. Congregational Life survey said the “Always” (42%) or “Usually” experience “A sense of God’s presence during worship services.

A majority (61%) of the churches have changed the format or style of their worship services either “moderately” (35%) or “a lot” (26%) during the past five years. Changes described include music, instruments used, praise teams, use of technology, participation, and multiple services.

Programs: Key programs or activities for most churches include Sunday school classes (84%), children’s programs (67%), fellowships or other social activities (64%), youth ministry (63%), prayer groups (61%), and Bible study groups (58%). A majority of churches also report providing, or cooperating in providing, a food pantry or soup kitchen (58%) and cash or vouchers for families/individuals in need (58%).

To reach out to non-members or to make their congregation better known in the community, a majority of the churches have scheduled special worship services intended to attract the unchurched or non-members (74%), mailed or distributed newsletters, letters or flyers (73%), advertised in a newspaper (68%), and established or maintained a web site for the congregation (51%).

Identity: More than three-fourths of the Nazarene pastors in the USA “Somewhat agree” or “Strongly agree” that their congregation “Holds strong beliefs and values” (91%), “Desires growth in attendance and membership” (89%), “Deepens members’ relationships with God” (88%), “Is like a close-knit family” (85%), “Is spiritually vital and alive” (84%), “Is a fun place to be” (81%), and “Celebrates its Nazarene identity” (77%).

How Churches Are Staffed

Leadership: Nearly two-thirds (65%) of the churches have a solo pastor. Seven out of ten (71%) of the pastors say they are a “Full time pastor, without other employment.” Their average age is 50 with the youngest at 24 and the oldest at 83 years old. The highest level of education for 39% of the pastors is a graduate degree with another 36% reporting a bachelor’s degree.

Finances, History, & Facilities: Looking back five years, 30% of the pastors say their church was experiencing financial difficulty compared to 17% in 2005. Over the past 20 years, 24% of the pastors report that their church has moved to a different location; 20% have helped plant to grow a new congregation; and 15% have changed the church name. More than two-thirds (69%) of the pastors describe the overall physical condition of their church’s worship facility as “Good” (44%) or “Excellent” (25%).

The full questionnaire with percentages choosing each response option is available on the Research Center web site. The report is with the “Occasional Papers”. Go to Research Center at http://www.nazarene.org/research_center/occpapers.html.