This book presents the first comprehensive introduction to congregational studies in the UK. Through a series of innovative essays, it explores the difference that the increasingly post-Christian nature of British society is making to life in Christian congregations, and compares this to the very different scenario which exists in the USA. Contributions from leading scholars in the field include both rich case studies of local communities and theoretical analyses which reflect on issues of method and develop broader understandings. Congregational studies is revealed as a rich and growing field of interest both for scholars across the disciplines and for all those involved in congregational life.

Contents: Introduction; Part 1 The Emerging Field: Congregational studies: taking stock, Linda Woodhead, Mathew Guest and Karin Tusting; The rise of congregational studies in the USA, Arthur Farnsley; 'Conference people': congregational studies in a globalizing world, Simon Coleman. Part 2 Congregations in the UK: The effects of evangelical renewal on congregational identities: a Welsh case study, Paul Chambers; 'Friendship, fellowship and acceptance': the public discourse of a thriving evangelical congregation, Mathew Guest; Display and division: congregational conflict among Roman Catholics, Peter McGrail; Congregations, narratives and identity: a Quaker case study, Peter Collins; Congregational cultures and the boundaries of identity, Timothy Jenkins. Part 3 Theoretical And Methodological Issues: The messiness of studying congregations using ethnographic methods, Frances Ward; Are congregations associations? The contribution of organizational studies to congregational studies?, Helen Cameron; Priests, parish and people: reconceiving a relationship, Douglas Davies; Denominational cultures: the Cinderella of congregational studies?, Philip Richter; The significance of gender for congregational studies, Kristin Aune; Putting congregational studies to work: ethnography, consultancy and change, Martin Stringer. Index.