Assimilation of new members in a large and a small church

Abstract

Consistent with behavior setting theory, 26 new members of a small church (338 members) reported greater assimilation than 40 new members of a comparable large church (1599 members). The assimilation measure was a composite based on participation in church activities, felt obligation to participate, sense of belonging to the church, and acquaintance with church members and officers. 42 undergraduates asked to role-play new members of either the small or large church, did not differ in reported assimilation. The 2 * 2 analyses of variance (large vs. small church, new vs. established members) of self-report data on participation and church records of attendance and contributions revealed greater support for church activities by members of the small church and by established members. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)