Mission

Clergy who lead congregations are central to American religious life. They shape collective religious experiences, transmit their tradition’s beliefs and practices, and help forge religious identities. They preach, teach, conduct rituals, and provide pastoral care. They build and maintain religious communities, and they often engage the world beyond their congregation’s walls. Understanding American religion requires understanding those who lead congregations.

The National Survey of Religious Leaders (NSRL) contributes to knowledge about American religion with a survey of a nationally representative sample of 1,600 clergy from across the religious spectrum. It surveyed religious leaders who work in congregations, including head clergy and other full-time and part-time ministerial staff. It provides basic knowledge about religious leaders’ characteristics, beliefs, attitudes, values, and practices on a range of subjects. The NSRL constitutes a significant new resource for deepening our knowledge about religious leaders in 21st century America.