Seventh-day Adventist Global Data Picture REPORT ON GLOBAL RESEARCH, 2011–13 ANNUAL COUNCIL, 2013 Five major research projects —  Over 41,000 interviews or completed questionnaires from all around the world: i.  4,260 pastors from all divisions and 93% of unions shared about their experience in ministry —  Two surveys on beliefs, attitudes, experiences in the local church, and spiritual-life practices: ii.  More than 26,000 church members from 6 continents and 9 divisions iii.  Almost 1,200 current students/recent graduates—aged 20-30—of Adventist universities in North America —  Also: iv.  Over 900 ex-SDAs shared the experiences that led to them leaving our ranks v.  9,000 church-members on four continents responded to surveys as part of a detailed study of tithing and stewardship practices Research for the Strategic Plan —  The research was carried out to inform the global strategic-planning process. —  Based on this research, and on assessments provided by the world divisions, drafting of the 2015–2020 strategic plan has begun. —  Divisions are working with GC and it is hoped that a draft will be shared at Spring Meeting. Research for the Strategic Plan —  The research was only possible with church leaders’ help, right around the world. —  An overview of some key trends revealed by the data is being shared now so that when the strategic plan is ready to be considered, you will have a sense of why certain areas were chosen as priorities. Data is what it is; what it means is something else —  Don’t shoot the messenger… —  And don’t be too quick to deny or downplay what the data may be saying simply because it may not fit with your own experience —  There may be multiple interpretations of the data —  But much of what I am about to share with you is not what we would like to see; we may disagree about the whys and wherefores, and maybe even the degree — but the data is there. We should prayerfully consider how we can effect positive change. Gender balance, male and female 43.20% Male Female 56.80% Gender balance, percentages, by division 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% Females 50% Males 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% ECD IAD NAD SAD SID SPD SSD TED WAD Total age distribution 5.47% 10.22% 22.85% 15 and under 16-25 29.40% 26-40 41-60 Over 60 32.07% Age distribution by divisions 100% 90% 80% Over 60 70% 60% 41-60 50% 26-40 40% 30% 25 and under 20% 10% 0% ECD IAD NAD SAD SID SPD SSD TED WAD Church members with some SDA education Some = 47.42% None = 52.58% None Some