Congregations in Conflict

The following questions provided a guide for a structured interview. In almost every case, each question was asked of each person interviewed. In some cases, additional follow-up questions were asked. Some members and clergy were also asked background questions about their communities – Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest.

In each interview, there was an opening/introduction time, when I explained the project and answered questions. Interviews for clergy skipped section A, below, and instead contained a series of questions about the membership, attendance, weekly activities, officers/lay leadership, and organizational structure, followed by a request for access to written materials and referrals to congregation members. I also asked clergy respondents about their education, age, family situation, and tenure with the congregation.

After the end of the questions on conflict in section C, I would thank the respondent for his or her time. I would also ask if there might be any written records, like policies that were adopted or minutes of meetings, and whom I would have to contact to get access to those records.