Engaging and expanding: How boundaries and adaptability enhance congregational performance

Prior research generated lasting debates over the origins of religious participation and the consequences of organizational change for participation and growth. Unfortunately, limitations of data, measurement, and methodology fueled debate rather than fostered resolution. This project seeks to address these limitations and expand understanding of congregational performance. Two objectives drive the research. First, I explore the interrelationships of contextual and institutional factors to explain rates of regular participation and per capita giving in congregations. I introduce a conceptual model that portrays the dual importance of organizational boundaries and organizational adaptability. Distinctive lifestyle requirements represent boundaries that distinguish the faithful from the secular world. Such boundaries elevate the sense of meaning proffered by congregations. The sense of meaning must be seen as relevant to adherents however. Thus, structures and strategies that enable congregations to adapt are also necessary. Using path analysis and congregational data from the 1998 National Congregations Study, I demonstrate that clear boundaries and structural adaptability (e.g., decentralization, small size, small groups) raise levels of regular participation within American congregations. The model also clarifies the role internal and external forces have on shaping congregational boundaries. Second, I extend the model of participation to account for the attraction of new adherents to congregations. Path analysis of the conceptual model of attraction supports the prediction that attraction is a byproduct of high in-group participation. Although the models are less valuable in explaining congregational performance within a single religious tradition, they offer substantial insight into congregational performance across traditions. In particular, the research reaffirms the primacy of institutional forces in stimulating religious participation and attraction. Congregations with appropriate boundaries to preserve core meaning and an ability to adapt peripheral aspects of the organization to meet market demand hold the greatest potential for successful long-term performance. The origins of an engaging and expanding faith are in the organization of local fellowships