ANSR is an organization of Nazarene sociologists and others with professional interests in understanding the structure, function, and processes of the church, as well as its role in society. It is a close–knit group that values fellowship, mutual encouragement and prayer support.
The goal of the association is to generate that kind of sociological research which provides valid information related to those subject areas that our denomination considers to be especially helpful in better fulfilling it’s God–ordained mission.
More than two decades ago church leaders asked sociologists to form an organization that would use their professional knowledge and research skills in the service of the church. ANSR was formed and sustained under the leadership of Jon Johnston, chairman, and Bill M. Sullivan, who until his retirement was director of the Church Growth Division which became the USA/Canada Mission/Evangelism Department. ANSR continues to be lead by Jon Johnston. It is now sponsored by Dale E. Jones, director of Research and Centennial Projects. The organization has conducted and disseminated research, created the ANSR Poll as a mechanism for listening to the grass roots of the church and focused attention and provided resources on social/cultural issues. (See History document)
Conferences, which are held annually, often feature prominent speakers including Anthony Campolo, Martin Marty, Robert Bellah and George Hunter III. Annual meetings typically have representation from most of the Nazarene colleges and universities, leaders from the Global Ministry Center, pastors and lay members. In addition to academic papers and keynote addresses, meetings feature rich inspirational times of devotion. The theme of the 2006 conference is, The Digital Church: Communicating or Cluttering the Message? Tex Sample will be the featured speaker. The conference is scheduled to take place March 16-18, 2006. The meeting will be held in the commodious King Conference Center next to NTS and Nazarene headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Harold Young Research Award is given annually to encourage scholarly original research pertaining to the Church of the Nazarene. This research competition is open to all undergraduate students at Nazarene colleges and universities. The award is named for Dr. Harold Young, registrar and sociology professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, whose life and interests exemplified the attitude of a Christian scholar.
Participation in ANSR is open to anyone interested in sociology and other research related to the Church of the Nazarene.
ANSR theme verse: “Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever.” (Revelation 7:12)
Sponsored by: Research and Centennial Projects
Rev. Dale E. Jones, Director
Executive Board: Prof. Bo Cassell, Dr. Kenneth Crow, Dr. Jamie Gates, Rev. Richard Houseal, Dr. Linda Wilcox