Familial Ties, Location of Occupation, and Congregational Exit in Geographically-Based Congregations: A Case Study of the Amish

Abstract

Background While many studies have examined the relationship between social ties and joining social movements and religious groups, few studies have investigated the relationship between social ties and the likelihood of exiting such groups. Additionally, research has not considered how geography affects the membership dynamics of geographically-based congregations, specifically whether factors associated with residential mobility may also affect congregational exit in geographically-based congregations. Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how familial ties and place of employment affect congregational exit in geographically-based congregations. Drawing on social network and residential mobility research, this study hypothesizes that having parents and/or adult children in the same congregation and having minor children decreases the likelihood of congregational exit and working farther away from the congregation increases it. Methods This study draws on longitudinal archival data from one Amish congregation in the Holmes County Ohio Settlement. It tests the hypotheses using logistic regression models. Results The results show that having one's parents/adult children in the congregation and working close to the congregation are associated with a reduced likelihood of congregational exit. Having minor children in one's household is not associated with congregational exit. Conclusions and Implications This is one of the first studies to consider how geographical requirements for congregational membership has implications for congregational exit. Given the results, congregations may be able to increase member retention by creating multigenerational ministries that support extended families and by advertising in local places of employment. As occupations increasingly shift to being primarily outside the home, Amish congregations in particular may experience more member turnover and membership instability.

Closed but Not Protected: Excess Deaths Among the Amish and Mennonites During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The results from the current study indicate that overall, more men died than women in 2020 as compared to the baseline average. Within the Amish and Mennonite communities, men are likely to work outside the home (Corcoran et al, 2020 ) and are therefore more likely than women to be exposed to other people during the workday. Even so, men who contracted the disease while at work would have brought the disease home to their families.…”

The Influence of Reproductive History on Post-Reproductive Mortality: A Case Study of Amish Women

“…We do note, however, the overall effect of birth cohort on maternal health is not statistically significant when controlling for other risk factors in our models. Corcoran et al (2020) indicate the shift in occupations also influences congregational exit. The larger implication of occupational shift on mobility within the Amish community and how this might be linked to health outcomes should be explored.…”

‘When the Waves Roll High’: Religious Coping among the Amish and Mennonites during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…These outside jobs remove men from the home, impacting the ability to be involved in daily family life. Even so, many men work in jobs located within their communities, allowing for interaction with other men in their congregation and surrounding communities (Corcoran et al 2020).…”