"Is There Hope For My Small Church?" Pubblico

Abstract

The decline of small churches in the United States presents a significant challenge to faith communities. With 177,000 small churches accounting for only 16% of total church membership, many face dwindling attendance, financial strain, and the fear of losing their identity as community witnesses. This dissertation explores whether there is hope for the small church, particularly through the case study of the Chisholm United Methodist Church in Chisholm, Minnesota.

           Small churches must navigate an existential crisis, with church closures projected to increase over the next two to three decades. Where do they find a meaningful theology of hope? Where are they in the church's life cycle? Can they be motivated to seek renewal through dialogue, study, and action?

           This dissertation argues that genuine hope is rooted in perseverance and the expectation that God is not yet finished with us. When churches redefine their mission with forward-looking hope, aligning with God's ongoing action, they can find a meaningful course forward. 

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About this Dissertation

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School	Candler School of Theology
Department	Ministry
Degree	DMin
Submission	Dissertation
Language	English
Research Field	Theology Religion, General Religion, Clergy
Parola chiave	Small Church Hope
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Roger Nam, Emory University , Emory University
Committee Members	Edward L. Phillips, Emory University , Emory University

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