Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2014
College
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Department
Department of Psychology
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.
Recommended Citation
Dunaetz, D. R., & Priddy, K. E. (2013). Pastoral Attitudes that Predict Numerical Church Growth. Great Commission Research Journal, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 241-256
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Christianity Commons, Community Psychology Commons, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Commons, Missions and World Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Social Psychology Commons