| Popis: |
This ethnographic qualitative study explored motivations for church volunteerism. More specifically, this study explored motivations for member’s participation in the Black church. Cultural, psychological, and religious beliefs are historically common reasons for church participation. In addition, other more current reasons for church participation exist. Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provided three categories to explore this research and motivations for current church participation. These SDT categories are competency, autonomy, and relatedness. The five case studies used for this research were volunteer members of small churches where the congregation size was approximately 100 members or less in urban communities. This exploratory study was based on semi-structured interviews and detailed observations through five member’s shared church experiences. The research question that guided the study was: what motivates some members in the Black church to volunteer and become active participants working toward the church’s goals? |
