Pastoral Attitudes that Predict Numerical Church Growth
Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The attitudes of 92 head pastors were measured concerning 20 ministry-relevant ideas and practices, as well as information about their church’s present numerical growth. A statistical analysis found four pastoral attitudes that predict positive or negative numerical church growth. Positive predictors of numerical church growth were strong beliefs that 1) personal and corporate prayer are important and 2) transfer growth is an indicator of congregational health. Negative predictors of numerical church growth were strong beliefs in 1) the importance of preaching and 2) the importance of outreach to the community. The practical implications of these findings are discussed in light of evangelical theology.
Authors: David Robert Dunaetz, Kenneth E. Priddy
Institutions: Claremont Graduate University, Azusa Pacific University
Language: English
Subfield: Religious studies
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2301997909