BY

am deeply grateful to three people who helped me in my graduate studies and made this work possible. Foremost, my advisor David Knoke was a source of inspiration and guidance. He provided enough structure to keep me focused yet enough independence to develop my research skills and interests. His expertise in organizations and networks, statistics and research guidance were what made completion possible. Most of all, he was an ideal mentor and advocate on the West Bank, and I cannot imagine having gone through this with anyone else. Next, I thank Father Dennis Zehren for granting me permission to do research in his parish and for his wonderful example of trusting in God. His devout faith inspired me to develop the aspect of trust in God in this dissertation. My request for access to parish information, staff and families came at the worst time in the total stewardship program, yet he made a leap of faith, opened the doors and made this research possible. My husband John Reandeau is a constant source of encouragement, love, trust and support. He is the most critical one in helping me reach and obtain my goals and inspires me to better myself. Thanks for attempting to keep the house together while I was finishing. While the results were mixed, I appreciate the sentiments. I also want to acknowledge some key people in my graduate studies. I thank m