Between ecclesiality and contextuality: Church Life Survey and the (re)vitalisation of Christian communities in the Netherlands

Abstract

Between ecclesiality and contextuality: Church Life Survey and the (re)vitalisation of Christian communities in the Netherlands Rene´ErwichStarting from the context in which there is an increasing emphasis on ecclesial revitalisation and churchplanting, the analytical model of the Australian National Church Life Survey (NCLS) research is introduced and described in its background and characteristics. The model shows particular interest in a specific church profile which is created based on local church surveys. The article describes the profile, examines the theological concepts and argues for in-depth empirical research in a Dutch context concerning the use of the profile.Cf. Erwich, Veelkleurig Verlangen. In the Netherlands interest in congregational studies is growing. This article has its focus on a particular type of research within the wider context of congregational studies and does not intend to deal with the entire field of studies in the Netherlands. My interest is in the way CLS could be of relevance in current debates.3 Different in the British context; e.g. congegrational studies with roots in the US. For more background on congregational studies read Guest, Congregational Studies in the UK.

Auditing Congregational Health: Exploring Members’ Well-Being in the Church and Commitment to the Congregation

“…One of the more promising ways of auditing church health is the National Church Life Survey (NCLS) approach (Pepper et al 2015;Powell and Robbins 2015;Erwich 2012). 2 The NCLS aims to support church leaders with research data to realize the growth and health of a congregation.…”