The gender ratio in the pews: consequences for congregational vitality

Abstract

Women participate in congregations in larger numbers and to a greater extent than men do. This study addresses two linked questions: (1) how do female worshipers differ from male worshipers; and (2) if female worshipers have a distinct profile, what might be the organizational consequences of the gender imbalance on congregations? Based on a national random sample of 111,475 worshipers in 434 congregations in the USA, the analysis demonstrates that women differ from male worshipers in their demographic profile, types of congregational participation and investment, and values. However, the numerical dominance of female worshipers is not associated with a congregation’s numerical growth. In addition, the gender ratio was not a significant predictor of numerical growth when other factors were controlled (e.g. size, average income of worshipers, local population growth and other aspects of organizational vitality).