- Gain a better understanding of
faith-based coalitions across the United States.
- Identify various ways in which
coalitions structure their ties with supporting congregations.
- Analyze the impact participation
in a coalition has on a congregation and its members.
- Assist coalition leaders in
developing strategies to strengthen ties with supporting
congregations.
- Identify funding sources.
- Explore faith-based coalitions'
attitudes towards government funding.
Research Questions
The CMACS project utilizes
two methods to examine these issues from the perspective of both
the coalitions and the congregations.
National
Survey
The project
includes a survey of coalition ministries across the
United States that addresses the following questions:
- How are coalitions
structured and organized? How are they funded and
staffed?
- What programs are the
coalitions operating and what community needs are they
addressing?
- What roles do
congregations and their members play in the leadership
and work of coalitions?
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Field
Research
Research conducted
at selected coalitions will include in-depth interviews
with volunteers, lay leaders, and clergy from local
congregations to explore the relationship between
coalitions and congregations. This analysis will address
the following questions:
- What factors influence
congregations to participate in coalition ministries?
- How do clergy perceive
their local coalition and to what degree do these
perceptions influence a congregation’s active
involvement?
- What strategies maximize
participation from congregational volunteers?
- In what ways does
participation in a coalition affect congregations’
vitality and social outreach?
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