Lynne Taylor is Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Theology at the University of Otago and Researcher for the Baptist National Support Centre.
I’ve always been curious about how churches and Christians can help people discover and grow in relationship with God. In fact, I was so interested that I invested a few years of my life doing a PhD that explored why previously unchurched people become Christians today.
The research revealed a common process for people’s journeys to faith, as well as ways that other Christians acted (and simply were) that inspired, encouraged and supported the journey. Those I interviewed also told me things about God (God’s activity and being) that had been significant for their journeys to faith. And I identified several ‘affects’ - deep emotions or feelings - that were common on the journey. You can read more about what I discovered here.
Since finishing the PhD, I’ve wanted to write a book for people who might not want to wade through all the detail in my PhD or my more academic articles.
So, I’m doing a couple of pieces of research as next steps. One is focusing in on people in New Zealand Baptist churches who have been baptised in the past five years. There was one fascinating finding in my PhD that I want to explore some more. (I don’t want to give spoilers before you complete the questionnaire, but I promise to write up what I discover, later in the year!)
Were you baptised in 2019 or later?
So, if you’ve been baptised in 2019 or later, this questionnaire is for you. If you choose to take part in the research, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire (it will take approximately 30 minutes) that asks you questions about your faith journey, and perceptions of God, yourself, and other Christians. This questionnaire will close on the 12 August 2024, so be in quick.
You’ll find more information in a PDF here.
And the questionnaire is here.
And here’s another questionnaire everyone else can complete!
I also want to gather more stories of faith finding, not only from people who have recently been baptised, but from everyone who wants to tell their story. Anyone who is aged over 18 years and considers themselves to be a Christian is invited to participate in the research.
If you choose to take part, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire (it will take approximately 30 minutes) that asks you questions about your faith journey, and perceptions of God, yourself, and other Christians.
You’ll find more information in a PDF here.
I do hope you’ll be able to participate in one of these questionnaires and pass it onto others who might also be interested.
Don’t hesitate to contact me on [email protected] or 03 479 5358 if you have any questions!
These projects have been reviewed and approved by the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee. “Baptism” Reference: 24/0181; “Faith Formation” Reference: 24/0352.
Photo by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash
