Methodological tools for the Study of Congregations

We recommend that you visit these pages within this site:

Researching a congregation using Web resources

Congregational Survey Question Bank

Congregational Observational Guides

Resources for research methodology

Census, Social and Religion Data Sites and Research Tools

Links to Church Locators

Or check out these external sites:

Faith Communities Today
The largest survey of congregations ever conducted in the United States, this project seeks to enhance the capacity of participating faith groups to conduct and use congregational research.  Directed by David Roozen and Carl Dudley of Hartford Institute. 

National Congregations Study
Conducted by Dr. Mark Chaves, this was the first religious study to use a new sampling methodology technique to generate a high-quality, nationally representative sample of congregations.  You may also read an in-depth description of the project on this site.

A Timeline of Almond Springs Episodes
This extended case study offers an interesting look at an ongoing congregational study. By participating virtually in one pastor's encounter with a new congregation, site visitors can experience the process of thinking critically about congregational dynamics while learning basic congregational study methods. This site is well worth a look.