DESCRIPTION: A congregation needs to understand its social and cultural context and its own character and identity in relationship to its surrounding community. Any urban environment can be described in terms of demographics, organizations, present-day activities, historical events, networks, economics, political structures, and how churches embody certain characteristics and engage their community. Research tools and resources will be explored and implemented by students in selected geographic settings. Special attention will be given to congregational involvement in homeless prevention.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing the class will (1) become familiar with public and private sources of data that provide demographic information about cities and neighborhoods; (2) learn how to compile data in order to provide profiles of communities and neighborhoods; (3) become skilled at integrating their research with spiritual practices; and (4) learn how to train and mobilize a congregation to serve its neighbors and community.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Concepts: ecclesiology and missiology regarding church interface with the world, and theory concerning quantitative and qualitative research. Skills: quantitative and qualitative research in congregations and nearby communities and report development and use. Conation: commitment and habits accentuating church development and redevelopment, and congregational outreach to a community.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions, for ten weeks. Class times will include lectures, individual and group exercises, modeling, web demonstrations, and reflective discussions of materials and experiences. Students will also work individually and in groups outside of class.

REQUIRED READING:

Ammerman, Nancy T., ed. Studying Congregations: A New Handbook. Nashville, Abingdon, 1998.

Branson, Mark Lau. Memories, Hopes, and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Change. Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2004.

Dudley, Carl. Community Ministry. Washington, DC: Alban Institute, 2001.

Course Reader.

1. Attend, read materials on schedule, and participate in class (10%).

2. A brief theological reflection paper (1-2 pages) on the readings due each week (10%).

3. "Neighborhood Description of a Local Congregation" paper that focuses on the landscape and social capital that surround the congregation (minimum 3 pages) (10%).

4. "Neighborhood Description of a Local Congregation" paper that focuses on the demographics that surround the congregation (minimum 3 pages) (10%).

5. "A Missional History of a Local Congregation" paper (minimum 3 pages) (10%).

6. "Applied Research" final paper, drawing on entire course, to show ways a congregation becomes active in the City of Pasadena Homeless Prevention Program (minimum 10 pages) (50%).