What is the impact of church membership decline on clergy in Newfoundland and Labrador Conference of the United Church of Canada?

Abstract

This Project is in the area of Pastoral Theology. The project focuses on the impact of church membership decline on the clergy in Newfoundland and Labrador Conference of the United Church of Canada. The paper shall define membership to give the reader a clear meaning as defined in the United Church Manual. The research is based on the interview of six participants from across the conference. The method used in this research is qualitative in general and Phenomenological method in particular. This method is descriptive and will help me to bracket prejudices and preconceived ideas held before engaging in this research. The theological framework of this research is based on Matthew 16:16-19 and John 10:11-18. These passages present the nature of the church and elaborate the metaphor of the Good Shepherd. The method and the theological framework shall help in the discussion and analysis of the data. The data presents major themes, which shall be analysed and later evaluated. The internal and external statistical records shall be used to provide a critical analysis of the data. Eventually, evaluation and recommendations shall be provided before drawing up a conclusion.