methodology

Methodology

In total, four surveys are complete. (A fifth is ongoing.) We used SurveyMonkey to distribute questionnaires.

The primary survey, the Young Clergy Women Project Survey, queried all members of a single organization.  All women who were members by May 1 were surveyed.  In total 232 women were sent surveys. Of these, 225 returned the questionnaire, for a 96.98 % response rate. Since all members of the organization were surveyed, it was not a random sample. it is reasonable to assume that the results of the survey do represent the opinions of the vast majority of organization members. 

Two control group surveys were also administered. Individuals completing the Young Clergy Women Project Survey recommended colleagues and classmates to complete the control surveys. There was no attempt made to create a random sample. The control groups  may not speak for all older clergy women or all young clergy men, but they do speak for clergy women and clergy men that are considered to be peers  by members of the Project. 

Control Group A (women over 40) received a response of 115 out of 134 surveys mailed, for an 85.82% response rate.
Control Group B (men) received a response  of 183 out of 255 surveys mailed for a 71.76% response rate.

Surveys were sent tied to a specific email address. The system prevents double entries and forwarding of the email to non-invitees.

The fourth survey was a follow-up survey of individuals from the Young Clergy Women Project. This survey was sent to every fifth email address  alphabetically.  Forty-eight surveys were sent, and forty-seven returned for a response rate of 97.91%.

The fifth survey is ongoing, and involves women in the process toward ordination.

Demographics-Control Groups

Two control groups were used.
Control Group A included women 40 years and older & Control Group B included men of similar ages to members of the Young Clergy Women Project. In terms of denomination, citizenship, race, sexual orientation, marital status, and children, all three groups were very similar.  Minor differences were statistically insignificant. The older women's group had a different age break-out than the younger women's group (by design) but the men's group's ages were very similar to the women's.

The most significant differences noted  was in positions held, which will be the topic for an article.

Demographics--Young Clergy Women Survey

The Young Clergy Women Project survey was sent to the 232 women that were registered members of The Young Clergy Women Project during April 2008.  Of these 232 women, 225 women responded for a response rate of 96.98 percent. 

Respondents ranged in age from 25-39.  The mode was 29 (13.8%), the median 30 , and the mean 29.66.

Denominations
The respondents were from the following denominational families:

• Anglican Communion-20.4%
• Reformed Communion-26.7%
• Lutheran Tradition-12.4%
• Baptist Churches-7.1%
• Congregational-15.6%
• Wesleyan-16.9%
• Other-.9%

Experience Level and positions held.
The respondents have experience ranging from less than one year to more than 10 years, with 30.7% having 3-5 years of experience.

Specific experience levels include

• probationers-9.8% (typically less than 3 years)
• less than one -12.9%
• one to two-24.0%
• three to five-30.7%
• six to seven-9.3%
• eight to ten-11.1%
• more than ten-1.8%
• not ordained (exempt members)-.9%

Most respondents work as associate or assistant pastors (41.8%) or solo pastors (31.6%).  Some were co-clergy (6.2%) and a small number (1.8%) are senior (supervises other clergy) pastors. Another 10.2% work in ministry in an educational environment (campus ministers, college or school chaplains).

Smaller numbers work in other fields in  health care chaplaincies (1.3%), judicatory staff (1.3%) camp and conference center staff (.4%) other (3.6%).  A few are  not working outside of the home (.9%) or seeking a position (.4%).

Race

• 95.1% are white.
• 1.8% are bi-racial.
• .4% are black/african american
• .4% are Asian/Asian-American
• .4% are Latina
• .4% are Native American/First Nations
• 1.3% did not respond.

Sexual Orientation

• 89.8% identify as heterosexual.
• 3.1% as lesbian
• 3.6% as bisexual
• 1.3% are questioning/unsure
• 2.2% did not respond.

Marital Status

• married or permanently partnered-67.1%
• single (including divorced and widowed)-25.8%
• significant, long term relationship but not engaged-2.7%
• engaged-3.6%
• did not answer-.9%

Children

• 34.8% have children (including step-children)  in their home at least 50% of the time.
• 61.6% do not have children
• 2.7% are expecting a child
• .9% have non-custodial children.

Citizenship--

• US Citizen-85.2% (including 1.3% Americans working abroad)
• Canadian Citizen-8.0%
• British Citizens- 4.5%
• Other-2.2% (Sweden, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago)