NPWL Women’s Ministry Survey Findings 
 
NPWL conducted a 10-question survey of women’s ministries across the PC(USA) during spring 2006 through reNEWS and the NPWL website. From the 134 surveys received (55 by mail; 79 on-line) only 6% of respondents reported they had no programming for women in their churches. Churches with specific ministry for women in some shape or form: at all.  

Organized Religion
Many churches are doing a balancing act between Presbyterian Women (PW) and other forms of ministry programming for women. 34% indicated they have women’s ministry programs distinct from PW, but an almost equal number (31%) have PW only. Only 19 % indicated they have only women’s ministry (i.e., no PW).Who is running ministry to women? 65% are relying on volunteers to lead their Women’s Ministry programs (elders 42%, PW moderators 51%, volunteer women’s ministry chair 23%, other volunteer leaders 15%). Interestingly, since the percentage responses total more than 100%, we know that a fair number of churches checked more than one response! This raises questions about accountability structures, unity of programming, boundary and role definitions. 

Bible Study and Small Groups
97% of respondents reported that their church offered one or more studies for women. Bible Studies (66%, with Beth Moore being the most popular curriculum), Horizons Studies (53%), and studies in applied theology (37%) were the most common offerings. NPWL studies are not widely used (14%).Given the relational nature of women, it is not surprising that a large number of churches are using small group formats to conduct their Bible Study experiences for women.
Small Groups and PW Circles are the most common formats with almost 70% of churches utilizing both ministry models. Most groups either meet monthly (68%) or weekly (69%). 

Fellowship-focused Programming
It seems that much of the programmed women’s ministry activity is fellowship-focused. 70% of responses fell within the categories of “retreats,” “special fellowship events”, “recreational and/or crafts groups” and “support groups”. In contrast, “hands-on missions” (18%), “outreach events” (6%) and “mentoring” (3%) trailed as formally programmed ministry events.  Age and Size (two questions never to ask a woman)Women’s ministry programming attracts an older demographic, reaching fewer women under 30 than any other age group. In fact, over half the written surveys reported having no one under 30 participating in their women’s ministry programs. More than 90% of churches responding have fewer than 150 women participating per year. (Considering that two-thirds of our churches have fewer than 200 members, this is no surprise.) 

NPWL is committed to equipping churches to “re-vision” their ministry to women, so answering such questions would help focus our efforts. Additionally, the Women’s Ministries Leaders Forum scheduled by NPWL for October 17–19 at First Presbyterian Church-Colorado Springs will afford us an opportunity to dialogue with women’s ministry leaders from across the country on these and similar questions. To find out more about this Leaders Forum, go to ww.npwl. org.