Church Growth (And Decline) in a Southern City
This study examines the influence of the urban setting on the numerical growth and decline of churches in a southern city. Using a typology of urban location developed by Douglas Walrath, the paper shows how greatly churches are influenced by their environments. In one type of environment none of th...
| Published in: | Review of religious research |
|---|---|
| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
|
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Springer
1982
|
| In: |
Review of religious research
|
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
|
| Summary: | This study examines the influence of the urban setting on the numerical growth and decline of churches in a southern city. Using a typology of urban location developed by Douglas Walrath, the paper shows how greatly churches are influenced by their environments. In one type of environment none of the churches were growing, but in other settings all of the churches were either growing or at least on plateaus. The source of this influence appears to be found in the basic structure of mainline Protestant churches in America. These tend to be conservative, neighborhood-based organizations and are composed of entrenched social groups. As such, they resist change when change is necessary and in most cases are not only affected by their settings but are largely controlled by them. In addition to demonstrating the massive impact of church location on growth and decline, the purpose of the study was also to illustrate a case study technique for area study and church planning. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2211-4866 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Review of religious research
|
| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.2307/3511807 |