DOCSLIB.ORG

A Study of the Conflicts Within Churches That Lead

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY A STUDY OF THE CONFLICTS WITHIN CHURCHES THAT LEAD TO THE TERMINATION OF PASTORS WITHIN THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION, ACCOMPANIED BY A PROPOSAL OF PREVENTIVE AND INTERVENTIONAL SOLUTIONS A Thesis Project Submitted to Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF MINISTRY BY Donald Q. Hicks Lynchburg, Virginia May 2010 Copyright © 2010 Donald Q. Hicks All Rights Reserved ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This paper is dedicated to the Southern Baptist pastors, church members and denominational leaders who have gone before me and who have journeyed with me in my endeavor to help churches and pastors be at peace with God and each other and work out church conflict through Biblical resolution before it leads to termination of a minister. My best friend, supportive wife and partner in ministry, Tricia, who has always believed in and encouraged me since we were in high school. She encouraged me, gave advice and edited this paper. My children, Matthew, Mark and Melody who prayed and gave encouragement. My friend, Steve Gatlin who has encouraged me to follow God’s direction. My assistant, Mindi Hollingsworth, who helped me with proofing and typing. Dr. Adrian Rogers, who taught me to preach, ordained me to the ministry and was my friend, mentor and Pastor. Dr. W.A. Criswell who was my spiritual grandfather in the ministry. Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. – my friend, mentor and pastor who gave me an opportunity to come back to Liberty to start a ministry to help pastors and churches. Dr. Elmer Towns, my friend, mentor and professor who taught me church growth and has encouraged me in my journey. Dr. Dave Earley, friend, colleague, encourager, and my mentor for this paper. My father and friend Floyd Hicks, who taught me how to live by faith and how to lead people to Christ. iii A STUDY OF THE CONFLICTS WITHIN CHURCHES THAT LEAD TO THE TERMINATION OF PASTORS WITHIN THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION, ACCOMPANIED BY A PROPOSAL OF PREVENTIVE AND INTERVENTIONAL SOLUTIONS RESEARCH PROJECT APPROVAL SHEET ______________________________ GRADE ______________________________ MENTOR, Dr. Dave Earley Associate Professor, Liberty University ______________________________ READER, Dr. David Wheeler Professor of Evangelism and Student Ministries ______________________________ READER, Dr. Jerry Sutton Associate Professor of Christian Proclamation and Practical Theology iv ABSTRACT A STUDY OF THE CONFLICTS WITHIN CHURCHES THAT LEAD TO THE TERMINATION OF PASTORS WITHIN THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION, ACCOMPANIED BY A PROPOSAL OF PREVENTIVE AND INTERVENTIONAL SOLUTIONS Donald Q. Hicks Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2010 Mentor: Dr. Dave Earley Since 1984, LifeWay of the Southern Baptist Convention has collected data through the Pastoral Ministries division of LifeWay from state conventions to determine how many pastors were being fired each year from their churches. They discovered that approximately two hundred pastors were being fired from their churches each month. Leader Care was formed in 1996 in order to find solutions to this problem. Throughout the last decade some progress has been made educating and helping churches and ministers in conflict, as well as ministers and their families who were terminated from the churches they served. In 2008, LifeWay disbanded LeaderCare, thereby ceasing support to pastors and their families currently experiencing personal and professional crisis. This project will be a study of the conflicts within churches that lead to the termination of pastors within the Southern Baptist Convention, accompanied by a proposal of preventive and interventional solutions. Abstract Length: 146 Words v CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS………………………………………………………………iii ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………………v CONTENTS……………………………………………………………………………...vi TABLES………………………………………………………………………………….x CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................1 Statement of Purpose ...................................................................................................6 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................7 Special Terminology ...................................................................................................8 Basis for Topic Choice ..............................................................................................11 Statement of Limitations ...........................................................................................12 Theoretical Basis .......................................................................................................12 Statement of Methodology ........................................................................................13 Review of Related Literature .....................................................................................13 Thesis Construction ...................................................................................................15 CHAPTER TWO BIBLICAL/THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION ..................................17 Conflict and Sin .........................................................................................................20 Biblical Portrait of a Peacemaker ..............................................................................23 Summary ....................................................................................................................25 CHAPTER THREE CHURCH CONFLICT ....................................................................27 Church Conflict Defined ...........................................................................................27 vi Causes of Conflict .....................................................................................................31 Conflict Possibilities within the Church Organization ..............................................36 Churches and Pastors can Expect Conflict ................................................................37 Levels of Conflict ..............................................................................................38 Types of Conflict...............................................................................................38 Characteristics of Constructive Conflict ...........................................................40 Characteristics of Destructive Conflict .............................................................40 Benefits of Responding to Conflict Biblically ..........................................................41 Summary ....................................................................................................................41 CHAPTER FOUR THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM ....................................................43 Historical Termination Data of All Pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention ......49 Historical Southern Baptist Convention Remedies ...................................................54 Wounded Heroes .......................................................................................................55 LeaderCare ................................................................................................................59 Consequences of the Problem ...................................................................................60 Pastors Out of Ministry .............................................................................................61 Physical Health ..........................................................................................................64 Emotional Health .......................................................................................................66 Pastor’s Family ..........................................................................................................68 Churches ....................................................................................................................69 Church Family ...................................................................................................69 Evangelism ........................................................................................................70 Church Growth ..................................................................................................72 Summary ....................................................................................................................73 vii CHAPTER FIVE CAUSES OF TERMINATION IN SBC CHURCHES .......................75 SBC Top Reasons for Church/Staff Termination ......................................................78 Southern Baptist Reasons for Leaving Ministry .......................................................80 Pathological Antagonists ...........................................................................................86 Clergy Killers ............................................................................................................87 The Most Common Congregational Toxins ..............................................................88 Summary ....................................................................................................................89 CHAPTER SIX PREVENTIVE SOLUTIONS ................................................................91 Training of Seminary Students ..................................................................................94 Training for Churches ................................................................................................97
Recommended publications
  • The Importance of Athanasius and the Views of His Character

    The Importance of Athanasius and the Views of His Character

    The Importance of Athanasius and the Views of His Character J. Steven Davis Submitted to Dr. Jerry Sutton School of Divinity Liberty University September 19, 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter I: Research Proposal Abstract .............................................................................................................................11 Background ......................................................................................................................11 Limitations ........................................................................................................................18 Method of Research .........................................................................................................19 Thesis Statement ..............................................................................................................21 Outline ...............................................................................................................................21 Bibliography .....................................................................................................................27 Chapter II: Background of Athanasius An Influential Figure .......................................................................................................33 Early Life ..........................................................................................................................33 Arian Conflict ...................................................................................................................36
  • The Future of Southern Baptists: Biblical Mandates for What We

    The Future of Southern Baptists: Biblical Mandates for What We

    1 The Future Of Southern Baptists: Mandates For What We Should Be In The 21st Century Southern Baptists have a colorful and fascinating history by any standard of measure. From the Convention’s humble beginnings in Augusta, Georgia on May 8, 1845 (only 293 persons attended the Inaugural Convention and 273 came from 3 states: Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia),1 the Convention’s 2004 Annual could boast of 40 State Conventions, 1,194 Associations, 43,024 Churches and a Total Membership of 16,315,050. There were 377,357 Baptisms, and other additions totaled 422,350. Cooperative Program Giving for 2002-2003 was $183,201,694.14, and Total Receipts recorded was $9,648,530,640.2 This is quite impressive any way you look at it, and for all of this and more Southern Baptists give thanks and glory to God. We are grateful to our Lord for what He has done for us and through us. However, it is to the future that we must now look. In spite of periodic blips on the cultural and moral screen, our nation grows more secular and our world more hostile to “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Southern Baptists, in the midst of the swirling tides of modernity, have attempted to stake their claim and send a clear message on who we are. The Conservative Resurgence initiated in 1979 charted the course, and I would argue the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 was something of a defining moment.3 Still, I am not convinced we have a clear 1 Leon McBeth, The Baptist Heritage (Nashville: Broadman, 1987), 388.
  • 2012-2014 Academic Catalog

    2012-2014 Academic Catalog

    Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 2012-2014 Academic Catalog 5001 North Oak Trafficway Kansas City, Missouri 64118-4697 Switchboard: 816-414-3700 Application Information: 1-800-944-6287 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mbts.edu While this Catalog was prepared utilizing the best information available at the time of publication, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary reserves the right to make corrections and changes without further notice in accordance with new policies and procedures. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA-HLC) and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada. NCA-HLC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). July 2012 Academic Calendar 2012-2013 2013-2014 Fall Semester Music Placement Exams August 15 August 14 Master’s New Student Orientation August 17 August 16 Fall Semester Registration/Fall Fees Due August 20 August 19 Fall Classes Begin August 20 August 19 Labor Day – Classes Cancelled September 3 September 2 Last Day to Apply for December Graduation September 15 September 15 Fall Picnic September 13 September 12 Fall Break October 8-13 October 7-12 Thanksgiving Break November 19-24 November 25-30 Finals Week December 10-13 December 9-12 Last Day to Apply for May Graduation December 13 December 12 Christmas Recess December 14-January 6 December 13 -January
  • Southern Baptists Focus on Evangelism

    Southern Baptists Focus on Evangelism

    See EEK ‘s SBC meeting 2005 Offering for Maryland/ A missional aproach roadtrip scrapbook Delaware Missions Special Insert to ministry Page 5 Page 8-9 Page 13 TM July 2005 Download this issue online: BaptistBaptistLIFELIFE www.yourbcmd.org/BLJul05 Newsjournal of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware 2005 Wrap-up: Southern Baptists focus on evangelism By Michael Foust SBC Meeting NASHVILLE, Tenn. Summary Edition (BP) — Under the banner of “Everyone Can,” Southern Baptists June 22 launched an ambitious effort to baptize one million people in a year, cap- ping an annual meeting that also saw an end to the Disney boycott, a special recognition of Billy Graham and an ad- dress via satellite from Presi- dent Bush. It was the fi rst time since 1914 that the meeting was held in Nashville, Tenn., with the largest number of messengers since 2000. The 11,641 regis- tered messengers were the most since 11,918 registered for the meeting in Orlando, Fla., fi ve years ago. Although messengers dealt with a handful of con- tentious issues during the CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED CHANGE SERVICE 10255 Old Columbia Road 10255 Baptist Columbia, Maryland 21046-1716 Columbia, June 21-22 meeting – such as As fireworks ignite by center stage and balloons drift down from above, Bobby Welch, president of the approval of the corporate the Southern Baptist Convention, presents the “Everyone Can Kingdom Challenge” launch to close model known as sole member- the SBC annual meeting in the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tenn. LIFE ship for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary – the Christian music group, Cast- teaued baptismal statistics in On Tuesday, Welch deliv- emphasis was on evangelism.
  • A God Blessed Nation 2 Chronicles 7:12–16 Dr

    A God Blessed Nation 2 Chronicles 7:12–16 Dr

    Nelson’s Annual Preacher’s Sourcebook Preacher's Sourcebook 2012.indd 1 8/18/2011 4:34:32 PM Preacher's Sourcebook 2012.indd 2 8/18/2011 4:34:32 PM Nelson’s Annual Preacher’s Sourcebook Volume 1 Kent Spann and David Wheeler, Editors Preacher's Sourcebook 2012.indd 3 8/18/2011 4:34:32 PM © 2011 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a trademark of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Thomas Nelson, Inc., titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fundraising, or sales promo- tional use. For information, please email [email protected]. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations marked nkjv are taken from THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations noted kjv are taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Scripture quotations marked niv are taken from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VER- SION®. © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked nasb are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®. © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked nrsv are taken from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible.
  • A Comparison of American Baptist and Southern Baptist Attitudes, Actions and Approaches Toward Environmental Issues

    A Comparison of American Baptist and Southern Baptist Attitudes, Actions and Approaches Toward Environmental Issues

    ABSTRACT Baptist Environmentalisms: A Comparison of American Baptist and Southern Baptist Attitudes, Actions and Approaches Toward Environmental Issues Aaron Douglas Weaver, Ph.D. Mentor: Charles A. McDaniel, Ph.D. This dissertation articulates how and why Southern Baptists and American Baptists have addressed environmental issues during the critical second and third waves of environmental history. With the birth of the modern environmental movement as a logical starting point, Southern Baptist and American Baptist attitudes and actions concerning key environmental questions in American political and environmental history are examined. These include: population explosion (1960s), energy crises (1970s), environmental backlash (1980s) and international ecological concerns (1990s to present). This dissertation argues that Southern Baptists and American Baptists, while enjoying some similarities along the way and despite their shared Baptist heritage, have adopted and promoted very different environmentalisms. The findings from this comparative study reveal that these dissimilar environmentalisms are due to four factors relating to ethics, political engagement approaches, the regulatory role of government and attitudes toward advancements in science and technology. First, Southern Baptists and American Baptists have embraced disparate environmental ethics. Second, Southern Baptists and American Baptists have taken distinct political engagement approaches due to differing theological commitments. Third, Southern Baptists and American Baptists have adopted different attitudes about the appropriate regulatory role of government regarding environmental issues. Fourth and finally, Southern Baptists and American Baptists have held contrasting perspectives on prevailing scientific viewpoints and advancements in technology. These four factors offer answers to how and why these two related historic Protestant denominations have taken such divergent paths with regard to care of the environment or God’s creation.
  • Florida Baptist Heritage

    Florida Baptist Heritage

    Published by the FLORIDA BAPTIST HISTORICAL SOCIETY Dr. Jerry M. Windsor, Secretary-Treasurer 5400 College Drive Graceville, Florida 32440 (850) 263-9080 Or (800) 328-2660, ext. 480 E-mail: [email protected] Board of Directors The State Board of Missions of the Florida Baptist Convention elects the Board of Directors. Dr. Lulrick Balzora Professor, Broward College, North Lauderdale Mrs. Toni Clevenger Pensacola Dr. Fred Donehoo, Chairman Christian School Consultant, Lake Placid Mrs. Debbie Gillette Church Secretary, Indian Rocks, Largo Dr. Thomas A. Kinchen President, The Baptist College of Florida Mrs. Carolyne Melton Greensboro Dr. John Sullivan Executive Director-Treasurer Journal of the Florida Baptist Historical Society Florida Baptist Convention Florida Baptist Heritage Mrs. Laura Watford Guidance Counselor, Graceville High School Cover: John Rosser, Martha Trotter Doak Campbell, Earl Joiner Introduction Dr. Jerry M. Windsor ..................................4 John L. Rosser: Florida Baptists First Official Historiographer..................................6 Dr. Mark A. Rathel Doak Campbell and His Baptist Writings ..16 Dr. Jerry M. Windsor Earl Joiner: The Effort Has Been Rewarding ......................................................34 Dr. Jerry M. Windsor If Martha Trotter Were Alive Today ..........46 Dr. Allison C. Chestnut Annotated Bibliography ................................57 Contents Book Reviews..................................................69 Alex Kinchen Joel Breidenbaugh Society Members ............................................75
  • April 25, 1990 90-37

    April 25, 1990 90-37

    NAIivnmw -. ..- SSExsoulive Comminr 801 Commerce #7' Nashville, Tonnesass 372( (615) 244-23 &In C. Shaokleford, Direct Dan Marlin. News Ed\' Maw Knox. Feature €dlc BUREAUS ATLANTA Jim Newton, Chiel. 1350 Spring St.. N.W, Atlanta, Ga. m67, Telephone (401) 873-4011 DALLAS Thomas J. Brannon, Chis( 51 1 N. Akard. Dallaa Texas 75201. Telephone (214) 720-0550 NASHVILLE (8*pNst Sunday School Board) Lloyd T, HwsehoMer. Chiel. 127 Ninth Am. N.. Nashville, fenn. 37234 Telephone 1675) 251-23W RICHMOND (Foreign) Robert L Stanley, Chiel. 3806 Monumanl Ave., Richmond, Va. 23230, Telephom (W)353-0151 WASH1NGtON 200 Mayland AmN.E, Warhirrgton, D.C. W,Tel8phone @02) 544-4226 April 25, 1990 90-37 Executive Committee, board nominees are recommended NASHVILLE (BP)--People to serve on the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee and the four denominational boards -- Foreign Mission Board, Home Mission Board, Sunday School Board and Annuity Board -- have been nominated by the 1990 Committee on Nominations. To serve, the nominees must be elected by messengers to the 1990 annual meeting of the SBC, scheduled June 12-14 in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Three of the boards -+ Foreign, Home and Sunday School -- each received an additional member from Texas. The Baptist General Convention of Texas moved past the 2.5 million member level, entitling it to 10 representatives on the boards. The Annuity Board received an addition member frorn New York. The Baptist Convention of I New York moved past the 25,000 member level, thus entitling it to representation an the Annuity Board and the commissions and institutions of the convention.
  • Anabaptism and James Arminius: a Study in Soteriological Kinship and Its Implications 1

    Anabaptism and James Arminius: a Study in Soteriological Kinship and Its Implications 1

    Midwestern Journal of Theology 11.2 (2012): 54-87 Anabaptism and James Arminius: A Study in Soteriological Kinship and Its Implications 1 JERRY SUTTON Academic Dean Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Kansas City, MO 64118 [email protected] As research progresses many links are being discovered between English General Baptists as they emerged in the seventeenth century, and Continental Anabaptistism, particularly the Mennonites. The factuality of relationships of John Smyth, Thomas Helwys and others with the Dutch Mennonites are incontestable. Irvin Horst has done much spade-work to establish the presence and identity of Anabaptists in England during the Reformation era on the other side of the English Channel. 2 Nonetheless many scholars and particularly British scholars contend that the rise of the English Baptists was essentially independent from any Anabaptist influence. If anything, the theology of the English General Baptists-the most probable link to Anabaptists by either of the two ear­ ly branches-was molded not by the European Radical Reformation but 1 This article is based on research conducted by Dr. Sutton while studying with William R. Estep, noted Baptist historian of the Reformation and Anabap­ tist movements. 2 Tom Nettles, "Smyth and Helwys: The Key to Anabaptist-Baptist Rela­ tions," Southwestern Journal of Theology 19 (Fall 1976) :101-104; W.R. Estep, "On the Origin of the English Baptists," Southwestern Baptist Theological Sem­ inary, Fort Worth, TX, 1979 (mimeographed); Irvin B. Horst, The Radical Brethren (Nieuwkoop: B. De Graaf, 1972). SUTTON: Soteriological Kinship 55 rather by the Magisterial Reform referring to the Dutch theologian, James Arminius. Much evidence exists to support the contention that the English General Baptists were Arminian with respect to their theology.
  • November 13, 1995 TENNESSEE

    November 13, 1995 TENNESSEE

    BUREAUS ATLANTA Martin King, Chief, 1350 Spring St., N. W., Atlanta, Ga. 30367, Telephone (404) 898-7522, Cornpusewe 70420,250 DALLAS Thomas J. Brannon, Chief, 333 N. Washington. Dallas, Texas 75246.1 798, Telephone (214) 828-5232, CompuSefve 70420,115 NASHVILLE Lhda Lawson, Chbt, 127 Ninth Ave., N., Nashville. Tenn. 37234, Telephone (615) 251-2300, CompuServe 70420.57 RICHMOND Robert L. Stanley, Chief, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, Va. 23230, Telephone (804) 353-0151, CompuServe 70420,72 WASHINGTON Tom Strode, Chief, 400 North Capitol St, #594, Washington, D.C. 20001, Telephone (202) 638-3223, CompuServe 71 173,316 November 13, 1995 TENNESSEE--Youthpastors take stand on Phil Donahue broadcast. TENNESSEE--16-year-oldrecounts salvation at church's 'Judgement House.' GEORGIA--EasternOrthodoxy called major challenge to western Christianity. MISSOURI--Reaching 'Star Trek generation' requires change, theologian says. PENNSYLVANIA--Perm.-South Jersey Baptists celebrate 25th anniversary. ILLINOIS--Illinoisexec's absence felt at annual meeting. NEW JERSEY--N.Y. annual meeting focuses on laity. WISCONSIN--Harmonious spirit marks Minnesota-Wisconsin meeting. NEW OWS--Hymnhistory is forte of professor's 30 years. ' NEW ORLEANS--200-year-oldtradition still a fun family event; photos. Youth pastors take stand Baptist Press on Phil Donahue broadcast By Ken Walker 11/13/95 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Two youth pastors whose Halloween-alternative productions will be featured on "Donahue" said they felt awed by the opportunity to stand up for the Lord on national television. "The big thing is it was such a humbling experience," said Phil Wilson of Two Rivers Baptist Church, Nashville, Tenn. "I knew so many people were praying for me; some were fasting and praying." "So few Christians and pastors have an opportunity to be in that kind of forum and make a stand for the truth of God's Word," said Keenan Roberts of Abundant Life Christian Center in suburban Denver.
  • Historical Cmrnission

    Historical Cmrnission

    SOUTHERN BAPTIST HiSTOf3lCAL. - I-WVViY AND ARCHIVES NATIONAL OFF1 e Historical Cmrnission, SBC SBC Executive Comm~t Nashville Teflnsss 901 Commerce X- Nashville, Tennessee 37: - .BAFTIST PRESS (615) 244-2: New8 Service of the Southern Baptist Convention Herb Hollinger, Vice Presid Fax (615) 742-8' CompuServe ID# 70421: BUREAUS Af LANTA Martin King, Chiel, 1350 Spring St., N.W., Atlanta, Ga 30367, Telephone (404) 898-7522, CompuServe 70420.250 DALLAS Thomas J. Brannon, Chief. 333 N. Washington, Dallas, Texas 75246-1798, Telephone (214) 828-5232, CompuServe 7#20,115 NASHVILLE Linda Lawson, Chief, 127 Ninth Ave., N., Nashville, Tenn. 37234, Telephone (615) 251-2300, CompuSe~e70420,57 RICHMOND Robert L. Stanley, Chief, 3806 Monunent Ave.. Richmond, Va. 23230, Telephone (804) 353-0151, Cornpusewe 70420,72 WASHINGTON Tom Strode, Chief, 400 North Capitol St., #594, Washington, D.C. 20001, Telephone (202) 638-3223, CompuServe 71 173,316 April 13, 1995 95 - 62A TENNESSEE--Editors1note. ATLANTA--Pastor's Conference to focus on Jesus as 'High and Lifted Up.' ATLANTA--Pastor's Conference program. ATLANTA--WMU annual meeting features Lotz, commissioning service. ATLANTA--WMU program. ATLANTA--Music Conference to feature Charles Lowery, 4 workshops. ATLANTA--Directors of missions to address relationships. ATLANTA--Seminars to inaugurate Hispanic Fellowship agenda. ATLANTA--Missions to be highlighted at ~fricanAmerican worship. ATLANTA--Campus ministers to meet at Ga. Tech. ATLANTA--Researchers ta examine baptism, discipleship. ATLANTA--Baptist computer users to meet prior to SBC. EDITORS' NOTE: This special edition of Baptist Press contains stories about the meetings of various organizations to precede the June 20-22 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Atlanta.
  • Abstract LOUGHRIDGE, KENNETH BRANDON LANG. Community

    Abstract LOUGHRIDGE, KENNETH BRANDON LANG. Community

    Abstract LOUGHRIDGE, KENNETH BRANDON LANG. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the Mid-Atlantic United States: A Sociological Analysis. (Under the direction of Randall Thomson.) In response to the globalization of agriculture and the proliferation of convenience-based and processed foods, many Americans have joined community supported farms. Community supported agriculture (CSA) involves people paying a seasonal fee to a local farmer in return for weekly allotments of organically-grown produce. This research investigates the membership, stabilization, and success of selected CSAs in the mid- Atlantic United States. The analyses are based upon survey data from 204 members of five CSAs collected during the 2000 growing season. Interview data from each of the farmers and thirteen of the members supplement the survey data. The data are analyzed primarily with path analytic techniques in order to test hypotheses derived from a thorough search of the relevant literatures. Results show that the majority of the members of these CSAs are white, well educated, wealthy, and female. Although the respondents tend to be interested in environmental issues, alternative agriculture, and community issues, their relative level of interest does not affect their level of investment in the CSA. A higher level of member investment, however, does have a positive effect upon the organizational success of the farms in this study. Organizational success also is found to be negatively affected by the CSA's relative degree of organizational stability, a finding that contradicts some of the literature. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of the methodological, theoretical, and applied implications of these findings. These implications include the finding that while electronic survey techniques have certain advantages, one disadvantage discovered is that electronic return rates are much lower than the return rates for U.S.