Will They Stay or Will They Go? Assessing Connections Between Professions of Faith and Church Integration at a Church in Central California

This case study examines the connection between professions of faith and individual retention at Mountain View Church in Fresno, California, identifying potential spiritual, contextual, and institutional factors that influence retention. The research methodology included a statistical analysis of 658 recorded commitment cards and responses from an online survey (N = 23) and a follow-up phone interview (N = 16). Those retained tended to make a profession of faith after two or more visits, in contrast to the average profession, which occurred on the first visit. One-third of those responding to the survey indicated that they had been invited to church three or more times before visiting. Half did not know anyone at the church when they first attended. One-third had three or fewer friends there yet remained connected to the church.