A Life-Cycle Model For Homogeneous Churches

Abstract

A LIFE-CYCLE MODEL FOR HOMOGENEOUS CHURCHES Affirming the important contribution of sociological analysis to the study of "church communities," this primarily bi-disciplinary work reflects more the methodology of sociological analysis than theological reflection. Multidisciplinary in nature, the writer draws on resources from a number of academic disciplines. The purpose is to create an adequate life-cycle model to facilitate the study of homogeneous churches in Canada. The paper contributes to existing literature on models of community that have been applied to the study of churches and broadens the scope by focusing on homogeneous churches where no adequate life-cycle model for their study appears to exist. Special attention is given to the "Moberg Model." After examining existing analytical models; applying them to a specific homogeneous congregation, namely, Holy Ghost Slovak Greek Catholic Church in Welland, Ontario and demonstrating that the existing models are inadequate for this church, the author takes the reader through the process of adequate model development. The paper provides essential background information [history, theology and polity] on the Byzantine Catholic Church in general and Holy Ghost Slovak Greek Catholic Church in particular, prior to the engagement of the reader in the model development process.During the process the reader is exposed to the most significant issues in the lifecycle of Holy Ghost Slovak Greek Catholic Church. A strategic process of review, development and implementation [RDI] is demonstrated in order to back up the theoretical "Homogeneous Model" with a means of practical application. The establishment of a Cooperative Evaluation and Development Of Church Systems [CEDCS] is proposed; suggestions are given for further research and an extensive bibliography is provided. The ultimate purpose of this work is to impact positively on meeting the needs of communities served by homogeneous churches in Canada. The model is proffered as a tool for "needs response ministry."