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Research: United Methodist Clergy Age Trends

UM Local Pastors Under 35

Local Pastors - All persons not ordained as elders who are appointed to preach and conduct divine worship and perform the duties of a pastor.  2004 Book of Discipline ¶315

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Median, Average, Mode Ages - Local Pastors

Year
Median* Age
    
Year
Average Age
   
Year
Mode* Age
1985
51
1985
49.6
1985
59
1990
51
1990
50.4
1990
60
1995
51
1995
50.3
1995
48
2000
52
2000
50.8
2000
53
2005
53
2005
52.2
2005
58
*Median - half older, half youger *Mode - single age most represented

Gender Breakdown Within Age Cohorts - Local Pastors

 
Under 35
35- 54
55 -70

Men

75%
71%
69%
Women
25%
29%
31%

Age and Gender Breakdowns - Local Pastors

Women
Under 35

1.42%
Women
35 - 54
13.81%
Women
55 - 70
14.32%
Men
Under 35
4.21%
Men
35 - 54
34.10%
Men
55 - 70
32.14%

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These graphs and tables are prepared by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary based on data from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of the United Methodist Church of "active participants." Active participant means that the person is active in clergy service, therefore excluding statuses such as retired, sabbatical, leave of absence, maternity leave, disability, or administrative location.