Congregational Research Lab

The "Congregational Research Lab" is a hands-on laboratory course designed to equip students with practical skills in research specifically applied within congregational and denominational settings. Through a mixture of lectures and practice with research tools, students will gain experience in designing and implementing research projects, analyzing data, and drawing insights to support congregational vitality and growth. The lab emphasizes collaboration with local church stakeholders and introduces students to resources and methodologies suited for understanding the unique dynamics of faith communities. Students will have access to the Canadian Institute for Empirical Church Research database, which includes comprehensive data on churches across Canada, providing a robust foundation for their work. As a final output, each student will engage in a research project of personal interest, allowing them to explore a specific question or theme that is meaningful to them or their ministry context. By the end of the lab, students will be prepared to use empirical research to inform church practices and address congregational challenges and incorporate this into a broader theological and ecclesial framework for ministry and mission.