Friday, February 20, 2026
the social impact of shared Lenten practices: congregational life research in 2026
I’m delighted to be working with six congregations during Lent 2026. I am researching the social impact of Lenten practices.
Spiritual practices are often considered to be individual and to connect us with God. I’m looking to see what happens when practices are shared and how that impacts on social relationships.
It has been so fascinating talking with congregational leaders over the last month about the research. It is one thing for me to idealise a research design. It is quite another thing to talk through how that research design might land in the real world. I am so grateful for the honesty and insight of congregational leaders and to hear how they value good research, care for their communities and might go about introducing change.
Some of the feedback from congregational leaders has been so encouraging:
“The practice is very straightforward, we will find out what sort of difference it makes and Steve has been great to talk with.”
How good is that for unsolicited and publicly posted feedback!
This research in Lenten practices is a follow-up to my social impact of shared spiritual practices research from 2025. During last year, I had begun qualitative data gathering in congregations, working with small groups to experience a practice and provide feedback. I had also done work on what would be involved in quantitative data gathering, inviting congregational leaders to introduce an intentional practice and gather feedback using a short survey at the start and the end.
I hope to gather enough data during Lent 2026 to complete two research articles, one on the qualitative data that is being gathered, the other for a Registered Report on the quantitative data that is being gathered. I will probably also do a public webinar on the research toward the middle of the year, once I’ve reported back to the participating congregations. So if you are interested keep an eye out or drop me a message so I can add you to the list.
I’m very grateful not only to congregational leaders, but also to a private trust who is funding this research and is willing to invest in the practices of Christian faith.
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