Journal Article

Intentionality, numerical growth and the rural church

Authors

Publication date

2017

Summary

A recent report on church growth argued that there are no strong connections between numerical growth and worship style or theological tradition. Instead, what seems crucial is that congregations engage in reflection: choices should be made intentionally, rather than by default. This article summarises the evidence for that claim and considers the implications for rural churches. To the extent that congregations are inward-looking, follow inherited practice and are resistant to change, it may be difficult to avoid stagnation and decline. The revitalisation of tradition is a challenge for rural clergy and congregations.

Published in

Rural Theology

Volume and page numbers

15 , 2 -11

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14704994.2017.1298265

ISSN

16

Links

University of Essex, Albert Sloman Library Periodicals *restricted to University of Essex registered users* - http://serlib0.essex.ac.uk/record=b2062197~S5

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