Helping or Hindering? The Impact of Congregations’ Networks on Their Vitality and Sustainability

Commitment & Belonging, Ecology Frame, Featured-Fieldnote, Networks & Relationships, Resources Frame, Social Service & Activism

When we think about relationships in congregational life, we often think about relationships between attenders within a congregation. But what about relationships between congregations as organizations? These relationships can involve friendships between ministers, joint events, collaborations, and other partnerships. And different kinds of relationships can have different consequences.   My research has looked at two…

Networked Congregations:
Together and Apart

Catholic Parishes, Commitment & Belonging, Culture Frame, Networks & Relationships, Ritual & Worship, Theology Frame, Theology-Feature, United States & Canada

Worship is a central activity of congregations everywhere, but what has happened during these months when gathering hasn’t been possible? A survey conducted during the first two months of the outbreak in North America showed that pastors’ top priority was to find a way to continue their weekend worship services in the midst of the…

Thinking about How We Gather

Age & Generations, Commitment & Belonging, Congregational Change, Culture Frame, Focus Groups, Process Frame, Thriving Congregations

In recent years, many people have wondered whether new forms of religious gathering might be replacing traditional gatherings like congregations. As the nonaffiliates – better known as “nones” – become an increasing share of the U.S. population, there is every reason to suggest that many existing congregations may not survive. But will that simply leave…