Faith-based programs: African American program ministries, leadership, organizational culture, and attitudes about aging adults

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine faith institutions, leadership roles, and attitudes about faith-based social service programs, especially programs for aging adults. Federal initiatives have encouraged collaborative efforts among government, civic, and religious institutions due to religious groups/organizations being perceived as "service" and "care" friendly with untapped alternative care provider resources. A literature review also indicates that faith institutions and churches may be able to provide community-based services to aid older adults, a growing part of the overall population. This study specifically examined predominantly African American churches in Southern California, their community services, and leaders' attitudes toward older adult services.Theoretical framework. The theoretical framework for this study included leadership, role model, organizational, and social theories.Methodology. A questionnaire was distributed at clergy conferences and mailed to ministers affiliated with Progressive Baptist and African Methodist Episcopal churches, primarily located in Southern California. A telephone interview survey to 20 randomly selected churches was utilized to obtain more qualitative data.Findings. Both quantitative and qualitative data indicate that African American clergy and church leaders continue to serve as role models for the African American community, have strong community interest in social service programs, and provide some aging adult services. However, leaders are ambivalent toward faith-based governmental funding, have limited resources, and focus more on children/youth services and programs for adults with families.Conclusions and recommendations. Faith organizations are a great resource in the provision of social services to communities. It is recommended that policymakers: (a) design and implement workshops and training opportunities for the faith community to learn about the coming "age wave," including the benefits of partnering with other faith institutions (b) investigate alternative mechanisms for funding faith-based initiatives and (c) further research the benefits and barriers of developing consortiums and partnerships with faith organizations.