Characteristics of Growing Churches. Quantitative Analysis.

Authors

Ago Lilleorg, University of TartuFollow
Rein Murakas, University of Tartu and Rein Murakas ConsultingFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Ago Lilleorg: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3785-1419

Rein Murakas: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6388-1958

Abstract

Abstract

This article presents a study of church growth using statistical analysis methods that identify the attitudes of members of a growing church with an analysis of them to understand the church growth process. The study of growing churches was conducted in nine protestant churches in Estonia with 350 participants. The article reveals four attitudinal characteristics that accurately describe growing churches: (a) the role of the church clergy in organizing the life and activities of the churches; (b) an open, encouraging, and positive atmosphere in the churches; (c) an active orientation towards serving the community; (d) a longing for God's presence and faith in his work. The cluster analysis reveals that balanced church members, for whom all four characteristics listed above are important, these characteristics play an essential role in growing churches. This suggests that these church members play a crucial role in supporting the growth of the growing churches.

Recommended Citation

Lilleorg, Ago and Murakas, Rein (2024) "Characteristics of Growing Churches. Quantitative Analysis.," Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe: Vol. 44 : Iss. 7 , Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55221/2693-2229.2527
Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/ree/vol44/iss7/2