Church Members Research Articles

Editorial for Special Issue “Reclaiming Voices: Women’s Contributions to Baptist History”

Women make up more than half of Baptist church members globally, yet many histories of Baptists have neglected women, focusing instead on men and the institutions they lead [...]

Correlates of Continued Church Membership Intention: An Empirical Study of Religion in Ghana

AbstractThis study examines the factors influencing continued church membership intention in Ghana, focusing on the key correlates of this behavior. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) the survey data collected were analyzed. The findings highlight charismatic leadership, religious experience, corporate social responsibility, personal needs fulfillment, tangibles, and message credibility as significant determinants of continued church membership intention. Furthermore, the study identifies a willingness to donate as a consequential outcome. The proposed integrative model not only offers scholars essential constructs for future theoretical exploration but also provides church managers with a comprehensive framework to enhance membership retention strategies. This research serves as a critical foundation for both academic and practical advancements in understanding the dynamics of church membership.

BERMISI DALAM MASYARAKAT MAJEMUK MELALUI DIALOG DAN KERJA SAMA

Indonesia is a pluralistic society because its citizens consist of various ethnic groups, races, religions, and social groups. Missions in a pluralistic society certainly have their own characteristics and uniqueness. This paper is a study of church missions in the context of a pluralistic society, taking West Sulawesi as the location of the research. The research method used to write this article is a qualitative method in the library, supplemented by field observations by observing the phenomena of church members' lives and interviews with several church leaders. This study employs a qualitative method with a case study approach, involving in-depth interviews with church leaders, congregation members, and other religious figures involved in interfaith dialogue and cooperation.. The results of the study indicate that honest and open dialogue, along with cooperation in social and humanitarian projects, can be effective tools for building mutually beneficial relationships between religious communities. This approach not only strengthens the role of the church in society but also helps to overcome prejudices and conflicts that may arise due to religious and cultural differences. These findings highlight the importance of cultural understanding, empathy, and communication skills in the implementation of missions in a pluralistic society. The study concludes that missions focusing on dialogue and cooperation are not only relevant but also essential in promoting peace and harmony in a pluralistic society. Practical recommendations are provided for churches and mission organizations in developing programs that support interfaith integration and cooperation, as well as advocating for policies that encourage inclusiveness and tolerance in society.

Funding Strategies used by Hispanic Churches in South Florida

The congregations in the United States need help with attendance. A decline in church membership results in a decrease in funds. This unfavorable effect on the institution's finances can affect the congregation's operations. This article seeks to assess and recommend a funding strategy for Hispanic Churches in South Florida. Correspondingly, Churches and other faith-based institutions require solid financial management to attain financial sustainment. Congregation administrators should focus on external and internal factors, financial planning, and developing and maintaining collaborations with external entities to grow their finances.

A History of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in the Eastern Region (1915 to 2022)

The study sought to trace the history of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) in the Eastern Region from 1915 to 2022. PCEA was introduced by the Church of Scotland Mission (CSM) in 1915. It has been in the Eastern Region (Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties) for over a century now and is one of the dominant denominations in the area. However, no systematic study has been done to trace its history. The history of the Methodist Church in Kenya, the Anglican Church, and the Catholic Church in the Eastern Region is well documented, but that of PCEA in the region is conspicuously missing. This gave the authors the impetus to carry out such a study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Data was collected and analysed from 438 respondents, including 9 presbytery moderators, 53 church ministers, and 376 church members. The study established that PCEA was brought to the Eastern Region by the CSM. The first missionaries were Africans sent from Kikuyu and Tumutumu. They were later joined by Dr Clive Irvine in 1922. The mission station was established at Chogoria, where the church spread to other parts of the lower and upper Meru. The study concludes that PCEA is one of the dominant denominations in the Eastern Region. The study recommends that PCEA should come up with better methods of storing data to avoid it and preserve its heritage.

Questioning Devotions, Reorienting Commitments

This paper is a methodological reflection on my time as a graduate student studying Indian Residential Schools through archival sources. I broadly survey relevant secondary studies to access the current state of the field and to chart prospective avenues for future scholarly engagement. I suggest that, for religionists, the frameworks of church history and mission history can be selectively utilized to examine the history of residential schooling. I argue that the ‘Indian Residential School’ (or IRS) terminology creates a narrowed understanding of colonialism and assimilative education by disregarding other modes of schooling deployed in Indigenous communities: the day schools and mission schools, but also hospitals, convents, and other church-operated institutions. Largely dating to the pre-Confederation period, mission schools especially fade from view when studies focus on the national model of the IRS launched in 1879 and expanded in 1884. In many regional contexts, mission schools of the colonial era laid the literal and conceptual groundwork for the later launching of the IRS system. By studying the works and the records of specific church bodies, religionists might elucidate with greater clarity the evolving differences, synchronicities, or collaborations of ideologies, policies, and practices among members of church and state over several centuries. Attending to pre-Confederation, colonial history also lends a transnational scope to a topic that is often framed in the context of national history, i.e., ‘Canada’s residential school system’. A global perspective on colonial education could assist historians of religion to assess the legacies of church, empire, and imperialism on Canada’s national model of residential schooling.

Gender Gaps in World Christianity: Membership, Participation, and Leadership

This article presents findings from recent research that nuances gender gaps in World Christianity utilizing quantitative data on religious membership, participation, and leadership. The article outlines the assumptions and theories undergirding this project on global gender inequalities by utilizing data from the United Nations and World Economic Forum. It then presents original research that produced gendered data on church membership, participation, and leadership around the world, drawing from the World Christian Database, Pew Research Center, and World Values Survey. These data are put into conversation with national level gender gap data in Mongolia, Israel, Estonia, and Ghana to provide country-level examples of how data can be used to shed light on women’s challenges and opportunities both in society and the church. Without comprehensive quantitative data on women's experiences around the world, it is difficult to know what problems exist and how they can be addressed. Data from this project can be applied contextually to address the gendered dynamics of church life and interrogate unequal social norms that perpetuate women’s overlooked status in churches and societies worldwide.

Abstract B050: Health and faith in the Korean community: Increasing breast and colorectal cancer education and screening in Los Angeles

Abstract Background: Koreatown in Los Angeles is home to over 115 churches within 3 miles. Korean churches are sanctuaries that provide support and nurture social connections, especially among Korean immigrants with limited English proficiency, who face challenges in accessing cancer care, including language barriers, lack of health insurance, and fears associated with cancer screening procedures and treatments. Koreans experience higher incidence and prevalence rates of breast and colorectal cancers compared to non-Hispanic White and other Asian subgroups, respectively. To address this, a Health and Faith Initiative was launched in 2018, utilizing evidence-based strategies recommended by Center for Disease Control and Prevention Community Guide and the use of a Cancer 101 curriculum developed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. METHODS: A three-stage Partnership Development Framework (networking, education, program and research development) was used to grow deep connections and sustainable cancer screening programs with church pastors and leaders, patient navigators, Federally Qualified Health Centers, State Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program providers, Diagnostic facilities, Hospitals and Community Outreach and Engagement staff. Bi- lingual church leaders was selected by pastors and elders at churches were trained as lay community navigators to conduct cancer education workshops using a Cancer 101 curriculum, as well as to support for church member to navigate across the cancer continuum. Church pastors and community health clinics determine outreach, engagement, and research priorities through active participation in Community Advisory Board and research studies. The initiative is sustained through coordination of 2 outreach staff and financial assistance from community benefit and research grants at Cedars Sinai Cancer Center. RESULTS: From June 2023 to May 2024, Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) have led the coordination of 6 breast cancer health education workshops and screening events with 165 people screened (128 screening mammograms, 37 diagnostic mammograms & ultra sounds) in partnership with Koryo Health Foundation. Two patients were diagnosed with breast cancer and were referred to Cedars Sinai for treatment. For colorectal cancer, 8 health education workshops were conducted, and 122 Fit Kits were distributed with 72 kits returned, a 59% return rate. Cancer education workshops using American Cancer Society cancer screening guidelines for breast, colorectal, prostate, cervical, lung cancer has reached 810 people during 5 tabling events. Those who were not up to date were referred to our partnered health clinics for screening. CONCLUSION: Engaging Korean church leaders and training community navigators is an effective outreach strategy to build long-lasting partnership for successful implementation of cancer screening interventions but also support patients in needed follow up care that help immigrant populations to navigate across the cancer continuum. Citation Format: Dong Hee Kim, Min Jung Sung, Moon Ju Kim, Jeong Yup Lee, Reener Balingit, Zul Surani. Health and faith in the Korean community: Increasing breast and colorectal cancer education and screening in Los Angeles [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B050.

Physical and Spiritual Nourishment in the Catechetical Homilies of John Chrysostom

This article explores the previously underexamined dimension of physical and spiritual nourishment in John Chrysostom’s catechetical homilies, addressing two central inquiries: 1) Chrysostom’s expectations for new church members’ approach to eating and drinking, and 2) the connection between nourishment and their life as members of the liturgical community. Through a systematic analysis, the study reveals a threefold approach to Question 1. Firstly, Chrysostom cautions against the abuse of sustenance, emphasizing its corruptive impact on both body and soul. Secondly, the author expounds upon the functions of nutritional moderation, using the concept of fasting as an image of salutary abstinence from sin. Thirdly, Chrysostom discusses spiritual nourishment, distributed through homiletical discourse and the Eucharist. Addressing Question 2, the study finds connections between hymnody and nutritional moderation, promoting an “angelic” lifestyle that prepares individuals for deeper spiritual nourishment. The article concludes by highlighting the universal applicability of Chrysostom’s teachings on nourishment, intended for all members of the Church, regardless of their level of spiritual maturity, guiding them from moderate consumption of physical sustenance to participation in spiritual nourishment and the pursuit of eternal life.

When Participants Embody the Answer: A Narrative Case Study of Community Leadership

<i>Community leadership has been studied for decades, yet more still needs to be understood about its development among members of an area. While scholars can investigate phenomena from various methodologies and disciplines, there are other methodologies that can help researchers delve deeper into understanding a concept such as this. Narrative case study research with an emphasis on counter-narratives and embodiment is one way to understand community leadership. Through this single holistic narrative case study, I examined how community leadership developed in a low-income and segregated community. The findings of this study focus on four main areas: (1) care work with subthemes such as community leadership among church members and community members, (2) entrepreneurship, and (3) embodiment of the counter-narrative. The insights from this article serve as a way for scholars to identify the emergence of counter-narratives, as well as ways in which counter-narratives can help others learn about community leadership.</i>

Prelingual Deafness and the Manualist/Oralist Controversy in the Dutch Republic

This essay discusses the life and career of the prelingually deaf painter Jan Jansz. de Stomme (1615-1658) in the context of early modern debates on deafness, oral speech, and gestural communication. A son of a Franeker burgomaster, Jan moved to Groningen in 1643, where he became known for his portraits of Frisian aristocracy, got married twice, and lived in wealth in a prestigious neighbourhood. The theologian Samuel Maresius and scholar Anton Deusing described Jan’s devout attendance of services in the Reformed Church, which defended his right to participate in Holy Communion. A similar account was given in a family chronicle written by Jan’s grandnephew, who further specified that Jan joined the church as a communicant member expressing his understanding of the doctrine through gestures. By examining these various sources, I argue that church membership played an important role in bolstering Jan’s social status and undermining the alleged intellectual and mental inferiority of prelingually deaf people. I further show that despite the belief that oral speech was a sign of intelligence necessary to perform functions deemed normative, Jan established a successful career communicating only through gestures.

An Assessment of the Socio - political and Economic impact of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in the Eastern Region from 1915 to 2022

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) was brought to Kenya by the Church of Scotland Mission (CSM). The idea of the mission was initiated by the company directors of the Imperial British East African Company. The CSM had already settled in Central Kenya and established mission stations in Kikuyu and Tumutumu in 1901 and 1908 respectively. PCEA was established in the Eastern Region in 1915 by the Church of Scotland Mission (CSM). The Eastern Region was the third mission area to be established by the CSM. Their mission strategy was holistic in nature where they combined evangelism, education, medical and industrial work. Although the PCEA has been in Eastern region for more than a century, its impact has not been given much scholarly attention. This study was undertaken to in investigate the impact socio-political and economic of PCEA in the Eastern region since its inception in 1915. The study employed Descriptive survey research design. Questionnaires, oral interviews and document review were used to collect the data. The sample size for this study was 438 which included 9 presbytery moderators, 53 church ministers and 376 church members. From the 376 church members a category of 20 respondents who were identified through snow balling were engaged in oral interviews. The study established that PCEA has greatly impacted in the social, economic and political transformation in the Eastern Region over the last one century.

A History of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in the Eastern Region (1915 to 2022).

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA)was established in the Eastern Region in 1915 by the Church of Scotland Mission (CSM). The first missionaries were Africans from Kikuyu and Tumutumu mission stations which had been established in 1901 and 1908 respectively. With the support of the SCM, these African missionaries evangelized their fellow Africans. Although PCEA has been in Eastern region ( Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties) since 1915, and is one of the dominant denominations in this region with remarkable influence, no systematic study has been done on it. This gave the authors impetus to trace the history of PCEA in the Eastern region with the intention of preserving it. The study’s objective was to trace the history of PCEA in Eastern region from 1915 to 2022. The Descriptive Survey Research design was employed in this study. Data was collected using Questionnaires, oral interviews and document reviews. The Sample size was 438 respondents who included 9 Presbytery Moderators, 53 Church Ministers and 376 church members. From the 376 church members a category of 20 respondents who were identified through snow balling were engaged in oral interviews. The study established that PCEA was established by the CSM in Eastern region at a place called Chogoria in Maara Sub County and since then it has spread to all other areas within the region. It is now found in many parts of Meru and Tharaka Counties. The study established that in this region, PCEA has been involved in intensive evangelization and most of the mission work in this region is credited to the Africans themselves.

What Women with HIV Know about Heart Health and Cardiovascular Risk and Intervention Preferences.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant health concern influenced by various determinants. Stigma and resilience have emerged as factors in CVD development and management. Women with HIV (WWH) have higher CVD rates than women without HIV. To improve cardiovascular health for WWH, a comprehensive understanding of how these factors interact, the understanding about individual awareness and willingness to engage in risk-reduction interventions are needed. Methods: As part of a study examining CVD risk among WWH aged >35 years old, 90-min focus groups were conducted (May 2022) in the English language. Focus groups aimed to elicit participants' CVD risk knowledge and potential prevention strategies. Transcripts underwent a qualitative analysis. Results: Nineteen WWH participated in three focus groups. Participants experienced the following: (a) enacted stigma related to their HIV diagnosis (e.g., family, church member, healthcare staff); (b) a recent event (e.g., hospitalization of self/family, death in family, chest pain) triggered both heart health-promoting lifestyle changes and suboptimal health behaviors (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic: unhealthy snacking). Participants wanted to obtain more knowledge ("on a mission") about CVD risk. In total, 100% expressed willingness to take medication or embark on other lifestyle changes to prevent future CVD events. Although participants identified preventative heart health behaviors (e.g., eating healthy foods; exercising; limiting stress, substances, and smoking), misconceptions were also identified (e.g., "catching" heart disease). Conclusions: Understanding the interplay of the different factors related to heart health is needed both at the provider and the patient level to inform interventions that reduce CVD risk amongst racial/ethnic minoritized women with HIV, living in the Southern region of the US.

The Effects of Malocclusion Among Priests in Enugu, Nigeria: An Anglican Church-Based Study.

Malocclusion refers to the departure from the normal relationship of teeth to other teeth in the same and opposing arch. It can negatively impact on facial appearance and the quality of life of a person. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of malocclusion on the role of priests as counsellors and preachers in Nigeria as perceived by church members. This was a cross-sectional survey of 112 church members who completed an electronic questionnaire. Thirty-five (31.3%) participants said unattractive dental appearance (malocclusion) will impact negatively on their acceptance of the priest's gospel message. Twenty-seven (24.1%) said dental appearance will influence the choice of priest that they go to for counselling while 71 (63.4%) said it will not. The study found that though unattractive teeth arrangement did not significantly affect the priest's duties as it pertains to sermons and counselling, awareness on the importance of orthodontic care among the clergy is necessary and should be encouraged among all spiritual leaders.

Memorable messages regarding adoption and religion: Perspectives of adult adoptees

Memorable messages that adoptees receive throughout development may have lasting impacts on their well-being, identity development, and relationships. Given historical and current adoption practices that link adoption and Christianity, more research is needed to examine the memorable messages that adoptees received while being raised in these religious contexts. Using a qualitative approach grounded in the communicated sense-making model, 41 adult adoptees were interviewed to identify memorable messages they heard while growing up in Christian adoptive homes, the communicators of messages, and their interpretations of the messages as children and adults. Results revealed a range of memorable messages communicated primarily by adoptive parents and church members, including that the adoptee was chosen by God, that the adoption was part of God’s plan, and that they were saved/rescued. Common childhood interpretation themes included accepting the messages, questioning belonging, and complying/people pleasing. Adult interpretations were generally more critical, including that the messages glossed over trauma and grief and implied negative views of first family/culture. These findings add to the literature in adoptive family communication by taking into account the religious undertones of many adoption-based messages and contribute to the broader literature on memorable messages by identifying participants’ progression of sense-making in interpreting these messages.

Community-Based Mental Health Challenges and Implications: Examining Factors Influencing Distress and Help-Seeking Behaviors among Korean American Church Leaders and Members in Greater Los Angeles.

There is limited research on the factors that impact mental distress among Korean American (KA) church leaders even though their unique social situation can create many barriers to seeking mental health assistance. This study compared factors impacting mental distress and help-seeking behaviors between KA church leaders (CLs) and church members (CMs) in the greater Los Angeles area. The respondents (N = 243) were mostly female, married, educated, first-generation immigrants with a mean age of 47.9 years (SD = 19.7). The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist 10 was used to measure anxiety and depression. Hierarchal linear regressions showed that health status exerted the strongest effect on both anxiety and depression among CLs and CMs. Beyond health status, education (only for depression), informal resource use, and resiliency impacted mental distress scores for CLs. Only resiliency and religious coping predicted depression scores among CMs. To effectively reach this population, community-based organizations and behavioral health specialists should consider collaborating with churches to promote and provide essential mental health support. Our findings also highlight that the needs of church leaders (CLs) and church members (CMs) differ, which should guide the development of culturally tailored interventions that build on the resilience of both groups.

“We just want to sing”: how a small London evangelical church responded to Covid-19

ABSTRACT This article documents the myriad ways in which a north London evangelical church responded to Covid-19 when it was decanted from its church building into cyberspace. By focusing on three aspects of Hovland’s framework of place-making—materiality, personhood, and transcendence (Hovland 2016), I analyse how church members viewed their experience of attending an online church. Apart from contributing to the literature on non-charismatic, non-Pentecostal evangelicalism, it suggests that the importance of singing together, as well as the silence and bodily stillness that sometimes ensue, in the everyday life of a church deserves further attention in a comparative anthropology of Christianity.

Nature and causes of conflict among communities bordering in Borabu-Sotik Border Kenya

This study sought to analyse the nature and causes of conflict among communities bordering in Borabu-Sotik border Kenya. Cross-border conflicts have long existed worldwide, with recent ethnic and communal tensions affecting Africa, including Kenya. This study utilised descriptive statistics and a qualitative research design, focusing on churches at the Borabu-Sotik border, such as SDA, PAG, and Catholic, with a target population of 7,738 respondents. In the context of interfaith relations at Borabu and Sotik, churches play a significant role in conflict resolution through mediation and negotiations. Religious leaders actively mediate disputes and promote compromises between conflicting parties. Additionally, the church contributes to nation building by advocating for peace and supporting youth often involved in conflicts. The church collaborates with the government and other agencies to address social issues like land rights and ethnic discrimination, thus maintaining stability and security. The study used purposive and simple random sampling to select a sample size of 392 respondents, comprising 35 church leaders and 357 church members. Proportionate sampling methods were employed to categorize the sample according to churches. Stratified random sampling was usedto select the respondents, who were then given questionnaires. Data collection tools included interview schedules for church leaders, questionnaires for church members, focus group discussions, and a checklist. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, and standard deviations were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Investigating Strategies for Church Members’ Retention: The Case of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the North-West Rwanda Field

Investigating Strategies for Church Members’ Retention: The Case of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the North-West Rwanda Field