Church growth models and the early Quakers

Morrison, Glen A. (2022). Church growth models and the early Quakers. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis explores numeric church growth generally, and the early Quaker movement specifically, within the paradigm of models. A wide variety of practitioner church-growth models have appeared since the 1890s. The emergence of Quakerism in the mid-1650s, however, has never before been explored as a model of church growth. This thesis argues that models are effective at theoretically conceptualizing church growth. Its results elevate the theoretical above the descriptive, providing generalizability. With this approach, several original contributions are made in developing a construct-based model framework and establishing a theoretical system of comparison to analyze both modern and primary texts. It is argued that the Quaker pattern of church growth, as outlined by George Fox in his journal, presents a uniquely provocative model, not elsewhere documented among church-growth model authors. Additionally, the model approach provides a systemic perspective of prior scholarship on the Quaker growth phenomenon.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):