Generativity Among Hispanic and White Evangelicals in the United States: A Quantitative Study of Ecclesial Values and Practices

Generativity Among Hispanic and White Evangelicals in the United States: A Quantitative Study of Ecclesial Values and Practices

Robert C. Crosby | 2020

Abstract

This research attempted to answer the challenge from various scholars (Hart, McAdams, Hirsch, & Bauer, 2001) to study trends of generativity further among Hispanic American and European American evangelical church leaders and church attendees. Increasing ethnic diversity and immigration has brought new complexities to the process of intergenerational faith experience and relational connection in ecclesial and familial settings that warrants further investigation and consideration. A dilemma exists today in that the current generation behaves more selfishly than previous generations. As a result, this behavior compromises generativity and societal sustainability and will incur costs for the current and next generation—the generativity crisis (Fisher, Irlenbusch, & Sadrieh, 2004). One of the most troublesome trends facing evangelical churches in the United States today is intergenerational division in the form of relational disconnect and the lack of intentional generative practices (Powell, Mulder, & Griffin, 2016). This trend has contributed to a decline in older denominations being able to enlist younger pastors and attendees, as well as many older leaders failing to develop healthy succession plans and strategies. Are Hispanic Christians in the United States more likely than White Christians to engage in generative practices? The study is the first to examine this question. The method of research was a quantitative study utilizing the Loyola Generativity Scale as a primary tool of measurement. A sample drew from among Hispanic American and European American church leaders and attendees from several evangelical churches in the United States. A t-test process determined the analysis of data.