Clergy connections: The impact of clergy networks on evangelical renewal movements
Abstract
The American Protestant mainline tradition has consistently reported losses in membership, participation and institutional support throughout the last three decades. In the midst of this “decline,” evangelical renewal movements (ERM's) have arisen from within the denominations, expressing a concern over this decline and calling for a return to the teachings and doctrines of the past. Current theory and research would suggest that the ERM's should soon leave their denominations, perpetuating the well-documented sect to church cycle. But most of these movements show few signs of leaving, and many are claiming a broad base of clergy support. This brings us to the questions posed by this research: What are the social sources of support that account for the mobilization and sustenance of these movements? Previous research on social movements outside the church points to the importance of network ties in successfully mobilizing movements. Utilizing self-administered, mailed questionnaires, this research looks at the impact of clergy ties on ERM's in the Protestant mainline. This research elucidates the importance of clergy ties in mobilizing movements and examines when and where critical ties are formed, as well as looking anew at the future of sociological theory in religion and the future of mainline religion.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Finke, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Sociology|Clergy|Social research
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.