Congregational analysis revisited: Empirical approaches

Abstract

The research problem of concern here is: What criteria should be used when congregations are analysed? Congregations as faith communities are defi ned variously. Discerning the local congregation as a defined and as an empirical subject plays a major role in answering the research question. The theological points of departure are that any measure of a local congregation has to deal with issues like faithfulness to the gospel and the missional identity and integrity of the congregation as a contextual faith community. The hypothesis is that, when theologically informed and motivated, congregations can and should be analysed in the process of continuing reformation. This article describes a number of approaches to and outcomes of empirical research related to congregational analysis. Follow-up research to be submitted for publication will deal with the missional identity, the ministerial role-fulfi lment of the congregation, and a proposal to analyse these in a way that is theologically faithful and contextually relevant.