Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2007
Abstract
Many Chinese Protestant churches in North America have noted a severe membership reduction due to the exiting of second generation Asian Americans, i.e. American-Raised Chinese (ARC) and American-Born Chinese (ABC). This research investigates why 22- to 35-year-old young adults return or do not return to Chinese churches after a hiatus usually caused by relocation to attend college. The purpose of the study is to examine motives of these young adults, to examine the nature and extent of their commitment and loyalty to the church and to consider how acculturation and cultural conflicts influence retention decisions. Our findings may allow church leaders to nurture young adults' long-term commitment, thereby facilitating the overall health and survival of Chinese churches in the United States.
Keywords
Chinese Americans, attitudinal & behavioral commitment, religious motivation, acculturation, cultural conflicts
Rights
© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Department/Center
Design & Innovation
Recommended Citation
Chan, Cecilia C., "Returning to Stay?: Young Adult Commitment in Chinese Protestant Churches in the United States" (2007). Student Scholarship. 360.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/360