We believe evolving times call for innovative approaches, and we're here to explore what that means for the next generation of clergy and faith leaders. 

The United States is undergoing profound religious changes. The Religion and Social Change Lab, anchored by our landmark Seminary to Early Ministry Study, was started in 2023 to equip seminarians, educators, denominations, and allied organizations to better understand and adapt to these cultural shifts. To that end, we use the tools of social science to spark data-informed conversations and make research-rich resources on the formation of faith leaders and their communities.

Who We Serve:
  • UMC clergy and denominational leaders in NC
  • Duke Divinity School students, staff & faculty
  • Theological educators across North America
  • Academic audiences in religion and sociology
  • Practitioners helping religious communities adapt to new realities
Ask Us About Our Research On:
  • Seminary to early ministry experiences
  • Politics and polarization in congregations
  • The experiences of pastors of color in the UMC
  • Racial pay disparities in the UMC
  • Social influences in vocational call stories
  • Pastoral ministry in unsettled times

DATA-INFORMED CONVERSATIONS TO SUPPORT MINISTRY FORMATION

From the moment you step foot into ministry to the long and fulfilling journey ahead, we're here to provide the insights you need to thrive. Our approach is rooted in research, meaning we dig deep into the latest data, collaborate with experts, and seek out evidence-based strategies that truly make a difference. Together, we'll explore healthy and sustainable strategies for a life in ministry, address the unique challenges and opportunities you'll encounter along the way, and dive into thought-provoking discussions about the future of theological education.   

 

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Featured Research

With partisan conflict at an all-time high, our disaffiliation report suggests a timely opportunity for the United Methodist Church to embrace its “Big Tent” roots and seed communities where plurality without division can thrive.

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Featured Resource

Seminarians who try to maintain healthy behaviors often report being unable to live up to their aspirations, especially in the face of barriers posed by their degree program. Our Action & Coping Planning Worksheet can help.

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Featured Story

Politically, Mocksville United Methodist Church is purple, or a mix of Republican (red) and Democrat (blue) voters. So, Pastor Lori Anne Bowen uses Loving Kindness Meditation to build compassion and reduce stress.

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Published Research

When Shepherds Shed: Trajectories of Weight-Related Behaviors in a Holistic Health Intervention Tailored for US Christian Clergy Journal of Religion & Health (2023) 

Is There a Crisis in Clergy Health?: Reorienting Research Using a National Sample. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion (2023)

US Religious Leaders' Views on the Etiology and Treatment of Depression. Jama Psychiatry (2023)

Programming Provided by Religious Congregations in the United States to Address
Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder.
Journal of Religion and Health (2023)

Divine Struggles Among Those Doing God’s Work: A Longitudinal Assessment Predicting Depression and Burnout and the Role of Social Support in United Methodist Clergy. Sociology ofReligion (2023)

The Resilience of Clergywomen?: Gender and the Relationship between Occupational Distress and Mental Health among Congregational Leaders. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion (2022)

Seminary students and physical health: beliefs, behaviors, and barriersJournal of Religion and Health (2022)

The Gap in Mental Health Service Utilization Among United Methodist Clergy with Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms. Journal of Religion and Health (2022)

Age differences in trajectories of depressive, anxiety, and burnout symptoms in a population with a high likelihood of persistent occupational distress. International Psychogeriatrics (2022)

Social networks, support, and depressive symptoms: gender differences among clergy. Socius (2019)

Perceived social support, received social support, and depression among clergy. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (2018)

 

Thank you to our supporters!

The Duke Religion and Social Change Lab (RaSCL) is funded by The Duke Endowment, a collaborative initiative between the Duke Divinity School, Duke Global Health Institute, and the Department of Sociology, giving it a strong theological underpinning and the excellence of Duke’s research environment.