<p> This dissertation is presented to provide an accurate presentation of the current rate of attrition of Salvation Army officers in the U.S.A. Eastern Territory and to examine and explore the influence and importance of a healthy and holy community upon retention. An increased attentiveness and an intentional emphasis upon calling and covenant within the context of a consecrated community, shaping that community at the College For Officer Training, and sustaining it throughout active ministry, may ameliorate the rate of attrition and assist in retention of officers. </p><p> Chapter one provides the context of the study and a description of the problem, the purpose, the research model, and the theological framework. </p><p> The literature review in chapter two examines clergy attrition, business attrition, and the attrition of Salvation Army officers. Special emphasis is given a review of the literature concerning community and its possible influence upon retention. </p><p> Chapter three presents the quantitative and qualitative data collected from an historical database, an active officer survey, a cadet survey, a former officer survey, and interviews with particular leaders. Population, data collection, and the limitations of the measures are provided per research question and the validity and reliability of the instruments are discussed. </p><p> The findings in chapter four support the hypothesis that healthy community encourages retention; a sense of a lack of community contributes to attrition. The interpretation of the data includes the identification of the rate, causes, trends, and implications of officer attrition. The presented perceptions of community among officers all contribute to a sense of urgency to focus more effort on healthy, holy community. </p><p> The recommendations in chapter five suggest concrete ways to strengthen the covenant community through education, spiritual formation, pastoral care, and networks of personal relationship. </p><p> An appendix (F) provides a comprehensive outline of an Integrative Curriculum for Spiritual Formation for the College for Officer Training. </p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3629061 |
| Date | 11 September 2014 |
| Creators | Geddes, Eva R. |
| Publisher | Nyack College, Alliance Theological Seminary |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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