Voas, D;
(2017)
Intentionality, Numerical Growth and the Rural Church.
Rural Theology
, 15
(1)
pp. 2-11.
10.1080/14704994.2017.1298265.
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Abstract
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.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Intentionality, Numerical Growth and the Rural Church |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1080/14704994.2017.1298265 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1080/14704994.2017.1298265 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Church of England, church growth, decline, churchmanship, tradition, reflection |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Social Research Institute |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10086151 |
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