INTRINSIC MOTIVATIONS AND RELIGIOSITY OF CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

Abstract

Through the lens of social identity theory, this study aims to identify which motivations are pertinent for Christian conference attendance. It also aims to determine what constitutes religiosity for attendees and if Christian conference attendance is dependent on attendees’ religiosity, demographics and/or ministry role. Based on survey responses (n = 209) collected at four Australian Christian conferences that were analysed using correlation analysis, it was concluded that although motivations are largely correlated, spiritual encouragement and congregating with like-minded people are the dominant motivations for attendance. Religiosity comprised beliefs, emotions, and behaviour. Chi-square analysis determined that attendees are of different ages, education, and ministry roles and analysis-of-variance identified respondents that exhibited high religiosity are differentiated on their demographics. Binary regression identified that Christian conference motivation was largely dependent on attendees’ religious behaviour. To further satisfy attendees, it is recommended that Christian conference organisers promote the need for togetherness and spiritual encouragement.