2005
Ronald Douglas Osbourne
Influences of Preschools on Congregational Vitality
A surprisingly large number of congregations are involved in early childhood education in the United States. Those which understand such endeavors as integral to the congregation’s ministry and see them as formative find they have noticeable positive effects on congregational life. They help congregations establish relationships with young families, provide opportunity for young families to become part of those congregations, and provide children in many cases with religiously formative education while preparing them for subsequent schooling, something congregations see as outreach and service to their communities. These influences are most noticeable in this study in larger congregations. Developing early childhood centers could be part of an effective strategy for congregational revitalization.