- Collection:
- Interdenominational Theological Center Theses & Dissertations Collection
- Title:
- Why most black men don't attend church: Church attendance among Afro-American males in the South, 1994
- Creator:
- Harris, William J.
- Date of Original:
- 1994-04-01
- Subject:
- Dissertations, Academic
Degrees, Academic - Location:
- United States, Georgia, Fulton County, Atlanta, 33.749, -84.38798
- Medium:
- theses
- Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Description:
- Churches today in America are on average 60-70% female. The fundamental question this dissertation seeks to address is, 'Why most Black don't men attend church?' This study focuses on Black men in the Afro-American Christian Church in the south. The project had two specific thrusts. The first was to interview Black males in secular environments who are not church members and ask their opinions about the church. These men are considered non-attendees. The second was to offer a program to men in area churches (attendees) to gain information from them about how the church can attract and integrate men into its ministries. This program, ARMING MEN OF FAITH provided the opportunity for the pastor of these churches to utilize existing men to attract other men and to modify the church worship experience and other activities to retain men. The general survey of non-attendees revealed that Black men do not attend church because, (1) of poor and irrelevant sermons, lack of a meaningful worship experience (2) disbelief in God because spiritual values were not emphasized while growing up; (3) hypocrisy of church members and leaders; (4) ineffective outreach; church not meeting their needs. The program evaluation survey of church attendees revealed that Black men believe in God and understand the value of striving to grow spiritually. Black men believe the church can attract men, given; (1) it has inclusive, credible leadership; (2) it is accountable for the time and resources of its membership; (3) it has progressive programs to meet the needs of the membership; (4) it has effective outreach to impact the community; (5) it has specific opportunities to train and utilize its leadership; (6) it provides for the spiritual nurturing of men, and encourages male attendees to invite other males.
Date of award: 1994-04-01
Degree type: dissertation
Degree name: Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Granting institution: Interdenominational Theological Center - Metadata URL:
- http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/itc.td:1994_harris_william_j
- Holding Institution:
- Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, Ga.)
- Rights:
-
