The congregational domain of Christian flourishing : a research perspective

This paper profiles the contribution to the science of the congregational domain of Christian flourishing made by a research group working in England and Wales and shaped by the perspective of empirical theology.In this context the congregational domain is defined as 'the local physical presence of the Body of Christ' concerned with the twin aims of nurturing disciples and serving the local community.Attention is given to three strands of research undertaken by this research group: listening to church-leavers; listening to churchgoers; and researching the wider ministry and mission of cathedrals.Each of these three strands combines quantitative and qualitative approaches and draws on the three disciplines of theology, psychology, and sociology.