Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Timothy Bagwell

Abstract

AbstractPrevious studies on the Black Church have focused on its history as an institutional hub, its ability to generate social capital, the decline in its membership, as well as the connection between attendance and associational life. However, it is unknown how the Black Church is using its social capital to re-engage inactive members and remain connected to the community. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how Black Churches in West Palm Beach, Florida are using their social capital to re-engage unchurched members, as well as engage their community. Robert Putnam’s social capital theory was used to guide this study. Using a qualitative case study, face-face interviews were conducted with six African American church leaders engaged in their community. The findings revealed that the Black Church is effectively using its social capital through outreach activities to engage the community and unchurched; a broader plan to invite the unchurched to “come as you are” is needed; in order to attract youth and parents, church activities should be appealing and exciting to the population; in order to build relationships, the church must first meet people where they are; and the church is aware of community needs and is addressing them through outreach activities. The findings of this study may impact social change by offering future studies on the impact of the “come as you are” message and instituting flexibility in service times and days.

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