Congregational Discernment
One Church Case Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 3131592 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Helen Harris (0000-0002-9269-8279, Baylor University, corresponding author), Gaynor Yancey (0000-0002-8562-1468, Baylor University), Selena Steward (First Baptist Church Austin, Austin, TX 78701, USA) |
| Year | 2020 |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 27 |
| Publication date | 2020-01-06 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Religions (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/rel11010027 |
| OpenAlex | W2996909951 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 11 |
This case study reflects the congregational practices of members and staff within a congregation in the southwest of the United States which self-identifies as a congregation within the Christian tradition. The congregation has completed processes and procedures that resulted in the congregation self-identifying as a welcoming and affirming congregation to all people. A Master of Social Work intern was embedded for an academic year, as her field internship experience, in the congregation as part of the ministerial staff. The intern examined congregational and denominational processes that included difficult conversations, daily practices, and decisions with specific reference to LGBTQI+ issues as part of a national research study of Christian congregations determining inclusivity in their membership, governance, and leadership functions. The case study included participant-observation by the intern of the lived experiences of church leadership and members as a result of these conversations and decisions specific to the practices of a congregation with membership of approximately 700 people. Findings included a decision for affirmation and inclusion that resulted in the congregation being discharged from the denomination. There was significant impact on the ministry including the loss of membership and finances. Additionally, ministries of inclusion are enhanced as formerly marginalized populations are now central to the congregation
Christian ministry · Corporate governance · Discernment · Internship · Local church · Management · Pedagogy · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · Theology · Gender Studies · Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics · Law · Religion, Society, and Development · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,17 |
| Citation span | 2020 - 2020 (1) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |