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It's major power when you can change the service you give based on the specific need of the person and match the response to the real need. Plus, congregations are significantly more trusted than government.

What is the government's strength in supplying such services?

Money—and the ability to tax or use other resources congregations don't have. It can make general policies that affect people on a large scale. Congregations are limited in their means and their awareness or research.

How would you like to see your findings used?

I was surprised by how little people know about the wonderful work that congregations are doing. I was hoping that by making this a public story, congregations would be more acceptable to foundations and other funders. There is a reluctance by many foundations to work with congregations. I find it almost criminal.

In addition, I'd like to see religion and social services reconnected in terms of education—in seminaries and other higher institutions.

For too many years, the two were separated, and there's a lot that the two can do together.

What's the message you hope your study will send to congregations?

Clergy and congregants should learn to be proud of what they are providing for others. No one else does it so happily and so on their own.

Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also appearing on our site today:

The Neighborhood's Last, Best Hope | American congregations give more to society than they get from it.

The Invisible Caring Hand: American Congregations and the Provision of Welfare is available at Amazon.com.

Christianity Today sister publication Books & Culture ran a different edit of Agnieszka Tennant's interview with Ram Cnaan and a review of the book.

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February 2003, Vol. 47, No. 2