Date

4-7-2026

Department

School of Communication and the Arts

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Media (PhD)

Chair

Wesley Hartley

Keywords

Media Multiplexity Theory, local church, quantitative research, community, engagement, growth, socio-psychological tradition, social media, social media themes

Disciplines

Communication

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the use of social media within the local church setting as a tool for engaging diverse communities through tailored, targeted messaging that addresses their unique needs and desires. The use of multiple channels helps connect on different levels, allowing for more profound and lasting relationships (Ledbetter, 2021). This quantitative research explored the local church and how it invests in connecting to its communities outside the church walls through multiple communication channels. Local church congregations invest significant time and resources in planning programs that seem only to attract current members. Their congregations are essentially simply “Talking to Themselves” with their current communication channels. The research examined whether churches that used multiple communication channels and applied Media Multiplexity Theory fostered stronger ties with their communities and achieved greater church growth, measured by baptisms or professions of faith. Quantitative document analysis and content coding were used to analyze communication channels and baptismal outcomes across 25 TXSDA churches. By fostering support for church growth and community engagement, this research analyzed how churches use communication channels and to what extent they grow and engage their members and communities to intentionally align their mission and goals.

Download

Included in

Communication Commons

Share

COinS