This paper presents a brief review of the ways in which a church has incorporated art activities, particularly drama, in its ministry. The contents of the paper include a discussion of the initiation of and planning for a church theater, a description of the activities offered as part of the drama program, an overview of the staffing of the drama…

This collection of essays on the campus ministry attempts to stimulate interest in developing an efficacious, contemporary role for religion in campus life. An introduction by Clement W. Welch states the place and relationship of the church in the academic community. A section of descriptive essays follows. John J. Kirvan, C.S.P., describes the…

In 1984, the National Council of Churches adopted this policy statement on child day care which provides: (1) a social and theological rationale; (2) a discussion of the church internally as child care advocate; and (3) a view of the church as advocate for child care in society. Section I discusses the cresting tide of need for child day care in…

This informal study of the religious uses of television, based on direct on-site discussions with religious television producers, was undertaken in order to provide a broader base of understanding of current developments in the field, and to assess the viability of a television broadcast ministry for the United Methodist Church. Discussions with…

Support provided by 69 local churches to individuals with disabilities was studied through a mail survey. Results indicate that 56 of the churches were attended by individuals with developmental disabilities, and support was provided by churches in the form of food, transportation, opportunities for service to the church and the community, and…

Examined the impact of the conjugal unit on church activism. Showed that the most powerful influence on the church activism of either husband or wife was the activism of the spouse, particularly the wife. Determined system properties of the marriage to be an important determinant, when other factors are controlled. (Author/KS)

In an attempt to assess the relationship between churches and community colleges in northern Illinois, a questionnaire examining the nature and extent of church-college interaction as well as provisions for teaching religion in the community colleges was sent to 36 administrators at 14 colleges. Twenty-seven individuals responded (a 75 percent…

Part of a larger study entitled "The Church's Expanding Role in Adult Education," this paper is concerned with the Roman Catholic Church's efforts in the adult education movement. Divided into 3 parts, this background study begins with an historical review of the church's and church-related institutions' contributions to the adult…

This article discusses the role of organized religion in providing respite services to families of children with disabilities. Respite programs using church volunteers are seen as an opportunity for new and effective partnerships between secular service systems and the religious community. Model programs are described. (PB)

Reported are the results of a survey of 222 United Methodist campus ministers across the country in both private and public colleges and universities. The report covers the personal backgrounds and careers of the ministers, their views of campus ministry goals and programs, how the campus ministries are financed and administered, and the quality…

Despite the fact that the twentieth-century ecumenical movement was coeval with the beginning of a "language revolution" and the "theology of crisis," it was only at the beginning of the present decade that the problem of unity in verbal formulations reached the agenda of the World Council of Churches (WCC). At that time the…

Public/Private Ventures launched a national demonstration in 15 cities to assess the effectiveness of faith-based initiatives in working with youths involved in the juvenile justice system. The initiatives focused on high-risk youth and developed programs involving mentoring, education, and employment readiness. This report focuses on whether…

This Technical Committee Report focuses on theological, ethical, and spiritual values within the context of spiritual well-being from the perspective of institutionalized religion in America. The place of organized religion in regard to aging and its role in developing national aging policies is examined. A presentation of the data base for this…

As part of an evaluation of the Community College Program of the United Ministries in Higher Education (UMHE), this study surveyed 323 pastors in local churches to determine: (1) local congregations' interest or involvement in working with community colleges; (2) a baseline against which to measure further involvement of the church with the…

Seven articles and a series of cartoons provide background information and practical suggestions for the development of a working relationship between community colleges and the church. William E. Hallman discusses the church's responsibility for ministry at the community colleges. Robert A. Mayo explores the ways in which a supportive…