We recently compiled results from the 1999 Congregations in Global Mission Survey. The surveys were completed by representatives from 175 Presbyterian congregations who participated in one of three conferences addressing global mission sponsored by the Worldwide Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The results provide some insights into several aspects of global mission among one subset of mission-minded congregations across the United States.
Representatives report that a majority of their congregations (72%) have had individual members travel outside the United States for short-term learning or service. Another 68% occasionally have had speakers or programs about global mission at their church. Majorities also report that in the previous two years their congregations have taken part in or financially supported global mission in the areas of disaster assistance (87%), health and medical care (54%), and hunger and human development (52%). Almost half report involvement with mission workers (48%). A majority (60%) indicate that their congregation's global mission involvement has increased in the last five years.
The 175 congregations have current, direct involvement in global mission activities in 78 different countries. The largest focus (reported by 46%) is the Western Hemisphere, including Central America, Mexico, and the Carribean. Another 26% are involved in Eastern and Southern Africa. In terms of specific countries, Mexico was named most often as a current, direct mission location (22%), followed by the United States (12%), Honduras (11%), and Guatemala (10%).
Almost half of the congregations (47%) provide regular prayer and financial support for specific mission personnel serving outside the United States through the Worldwide Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). One-third (32%) provide similar support for mission personnel serving outside the United States through other denominations or independent mission agencies. One-fifth (19%) have had members serve as mission personnel outside the United States in the last five years, largely through the Worldwide Ministries Division. Less than half (40%) report participation in their presbytery's international partnership (although it should be noted that not all presbyteries have an international partnership); in an on-going relationship with an institution, agency, or mission project outside the United States (31%); or in an on-going church-to-church relationship with a congregation outside the Unites States (20%).
Most respondents report that they are aware of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program (95%) and the Presbyterian Hunger Program (92%), but fewer report that their congregation has supported or been directly involved in these programs in the last two years (80% and 64%, respectively). Less than half are aware of the Personal Interest Program (48%) or the Commitment to Share the Good News (44%), and even fewer indicate direct congregational involvement with either program (23% and 10%, respectively) (see table).
| Program | Personally Aware of? |
Congregation Involved in? |
|---|---|---|
| Presbyterian Disaster Assistance | 95% | 80% |
| Presbyterian Hunger Program | 92% | 64% |
| Mission Volunteers | 86% | 30% |
| International Mission Trips | 85% | 26% |
| International Travel/Study Seminars | 79% | 17% |
| Self-Development of People | 78% | 41% |
| Year with Latin Americans | 77% | 41% |
| Year with Africa | 74% | 41% |
| International Peacemakers | 69% | 25% |
| Presbytery International Partnership Program | 68% | 28% |
| Mission to USA | 66% | 24% |
| Mission Connections Program | 50% | 29% |
| Personal Interest Program | 48% | 23% |
| Commitment to Share the Good News | 44% | 10% |
One-third of respondents (32%) believe that ministries of service and compassion such as building and construction, medical help and medical supplies, and addressing immediate physical needs are an important influence on the people and communities being served by direct congregational involvement in mission service. Somewhat fewer believe that direct involvement in global mission has stimulated either increased involvement in mission activities or enhanced spiritual growth among members generally in their congregations (23% and 17%, respectively).
Note. Subsequent Global Mission conferences were held in the fall of 2001.
For more information, see: Worldwide Ministries Division.
Research Services