Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2007
Abstract
Many Chinese Protestant churches in North America (hereafter referred to as Chinese churches) 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). Lee coins this phenomenon as “the Silent Exodus” (p. 588). This research proposal investigates why the “Silent Exodus” group of 25-35 year-old young adults return to Chinese churches after a hiatus usually caused by relocation to attend college. The purpose of the study is to examine the young adult group’s motives for re-entering and staying with the church and to examine the nature and extent of their commitment and loyalty under the moderating influences of cultural conflicts and levels of acculturation. This study may provide insight to Chinese churches about nurturing and enhancing the commitment of young adults. This critical understanding can potentially allow church leadership to adapt and strategically nurture long-term commitment from the young adult group, which may contribute to the overall health and survival of Chinese churches in the United States.
Keywords
Chinese--religion, attitudinal & behavioral commitment, exit-voice-loyalty, assimilation & 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., "Where Have All the Children Gone?: Young Adult Commitment in Chinese Protestant Churches In United States" (2007). Student Scholarship. 531.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/531
