Denominational Comparison of Rural Youth Ministry Programs
A study was conducted of 400 rural church youth groups from eight denominations in three Northern Plains states. The study compared the organizational structures, types of youth group activities, participation rates, and challenges faced by youth groups for three denominational categories: Catholic,...
| Published in: | Review of religious research |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Springer
2004
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| In: |
Review of religious research
Year: 2004, Volume: 45, Issue: 4, Pages: 336-348 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
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| Summary: | A study was conducted of 400 rural church youth groups from eight denominations in three Northern Plains states. The study compared the organizational structures, types of youth group activities, participation rates, and challenges faced by youth groups for three denominational categories: Catholic, mainline Protestant, and evangelical Protestant. Denomination was theorized to be a salient comparison variable in that variations in theology form unique contextual milieux in which to conduct youth ministry. On average, evangelical Protestant youth groups met more frequently, had higher participation rates, and had greater turnover among youth workers. Catholic youth groups were more likely to have a paid youth worker as primary leader and participate regularly in ecumenical youth programs. Mainline Protestant youth groups were more likely to be led by the church's senior pastor. Volunteer leaders were used extensively by all three denominational categories. The denominational categories varied significantly in the types of activities they provided the youth. Although differences were found in the reported magnitude of the challenges facing youth groups among the three denominational categories, the types of challenges were similar. Suggestions are offered on how congregational and denominational leaders may apply these findings to enhance rural youth ministry programs. |
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| ISSN: | 2211-4866 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Review of religious research
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.2307/3511990 |