wfn.org | RCCongress 2010 - Deborah Bruce to lead Research Evaluation Workshop

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> Deborah Bruce

Associate Research Manager, Research Service, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

> RCCongress 2010 Workshop:

How to Evaluate Research about Congregations and Worshipers

Deborah Bruce is Project Manager of the U.S. Congregational Life
Survey -- the largest survey of worshipers ever conducted. She has
helped thousands of congregations use that survey to learn more about
their worshipers and to identify their strengths.

She has published and presented broadly on the results of the U.S.
Congregational Life Survey, and will be releasing new findings from
the second wave at the RCCongress 2010.

She is the co-author with Cynthia Woolever of three books: A Field
Guide to U.S. Congregations: Who's Going Where and Why; Beyond the
Ordinary: Ten Strengths of U.S. Congregations; and Places of Promise:
Finding Strength in Your Congregation's Location (all published by
Westminster John Knox Press.)

Deborah received her Master's Degree in Research Psychology from San
Diego State University. She is an officer for the Religious Research
Association and a member of the Society for the Scientific Study of
Religion, and has presented papers at the annual meetings of these two
organizations, among others.
How to Evaluate Research about Congregations and Worshipers

New research about religion is announced seemingly every day. How can
you evaluate these results? Are they valid? Which are worth passing on
to your constituents?

Using two of the latest studies of congregational life -- the
2008-2009 U.S. Congregational Life Survey and Faith Communities Today
2008 -- Deborah Bruce and Scott Thumma will provide clear criteria for
judging national studies and strategies for comparing diverse research reports.

You'll also learn about the latest findings from these projects, which
will help you understand how worshipers and congregations are changing.

" This research holds up a mirror in which every congregation sees
itself more clearly. Strengths and opportunities for increased
effectiveness become obvious. Practical suggestions indentify
transformation possibilities. "

~ Herb Miller, author, consultant, and publisher of The Parish Paper

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