My dissertation examines two of the most important phenomena on the American religious landscape in the last two decades: small groups and very large churches. On the one hand, previous research on small groups has not studied the groups in their larger congregational settings. On the other hand, research on megachurches has not focused in-depth on the small groups within them. My project brings these two literatures together by studying such groups as they are situated in sponsoring congregations.

How do small groups operate in the context of very large churches? How are small groups connected, both culturally and structurally, to the churches in which they reside? Do small groups integrate members into the larger church, and if so, how? To answer these overarching research questions, I study small groups in three megachurches using several methods: document analysis; in-depth interviews with clergy, staff, and selected small group leaders; participant observation in small groups; and a systematic survey of all small group leaders.

This project aligns with two key research priorities of the Louisville Institute. First, my dissertation will increase our knowledge about the settings in which many Americans practice and experience their religious lives. Second, it will enhance our understanding of an important institutional development in American Religion.