Building Strong Church Communities: A Sociological Perspective

Catholic Parishes, Commitment & Belonging, Culture Frame, Interviews, Networks & Relationships, Participant Observation, Process Frame

At their deepest level, human beings are social creatures, in the image, Christians would say, of the Trinity itself.  But the individualistic bent of modern American society has led writers to focus more on the spiritual needs and growth of individuals than on the needs and growth of the religious groups to which these individuals…

Multiculturalism In Congregations Is More Than Just Diversity

Commitment & Belonging, Culture Frame, Immigrant Congregations, Multicultural Congregations, Networks & Relationships, Process Frame

For many congregations, having a more racially or ethnically diverse congregation is a goal, as the communities look to expand their reach to new enclaves of potential members. Alex Murashko, of the Christian Post Reporter, discusses both the issue the role and placement of multicultural leaders, as well as the importance of understanding how Christianity is understand…