Date of Award

1-17-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Heather Crandall

Second Advisor

Dr. Carolyn Cunningham

Abstract

As the racial make-up of the population in the United States has changed over the last 20 years, the racial make-up of The United Methodist Church has remained the same – 90% non-Hispanic white. As a result, the denomination has struggled with attracting members of other ethnicities, in turn resulting in a decline in overall membership. Recognizing that the future of the church is dependent upon diversifying its congregations, The United Methodist Church is now focusing its efforts on developing and growing multiracial congregations. In order to build and sustain these multiracial congregations, the church must figure out how to develop relationships among members of these diverse congregations. They must also determine how to ease the anxieties and uncertainties that members may have when encountering members of different races for the first time. This study evaluates how open dialogue and the development of social events/activities assist in managing anxiety and reducing uncertainty among strangers in multiracial United Methodist congregations. Additionally, this study examines how the management of personal anxiety and the reduction of uncertainty aid in building relationships among members of multiracial congregations of The United Methodist Church.

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