Published on September 30, 2010 聽

An article featuring Dr. Penny Marler's research on pastor peer groups is published in "Faith and Leadership," an on-line publication of Duke University.

Researchers found that congregations with a pastor who is involved in a peer group are more likely to be active, youthful, and to have increasing attendance -- particularly if the group includes a trained facilitator and/or a curriculum, Marler said.

"There is a strong correlation. It's fascinating. It's surprising," said Penny Long Marler, professor of religion and the grant and research coordinator for the Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence at 色虎视频 in Birmingham, Ala., which partnered with Austin Presbyterian Seminary on the study.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, 色虎视频 is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, 色虎视频 enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. 色虎视频 is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. 色虎视频 fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.