First, choose an evangelical religious service (Sunday worship, Bible study, prayer meeting etc.)
Prepare in advance by knowing when and where it meets. Check out the official website, phone
them to find out when they meet, and make plans to attend. Try to go to more than once, if
possible. Go early. Dress appropriately. While there, gather pamphlets, and take mental notes.
Things to look for: What is distinctive about the building? What kind of cars in the parking lot?
What kind of bumper stickers on the cars? How many people attend? What is ther race,
nationality, gender, age, and class? Who are the leaders? Are there special clothes, statues,
paintings, or symbols? Pay special attention to the service/meeting itself: Is it led by a group or
by an individual? How is it structured? What is the overall style (emotional, intellectual, etc.)?
What is the content of the sermon? What kind of rituals? What kind of social interaction? If possible, talk casually to both leaders and several different members. Ask them questions like
“how do you see the relationship between religion and politics in America?” and “do you think America is a Christian Nation?”
Most importantly, focus on politics: how do political issues come up? (And what political issues?) Are they part of the sermon? The literature? Do they come up in your conversations? Your paper should offer a rich description of your visit and discuss how this site fits into the
context of Evangelicalism and American politics.
Take notes as soon as possible after you leave.
The first sentence or two must contain the Five “W” questions: what, where, when, who, why.
For example: On Sunday March 10th I attended the 11:30am service at Elevation Church’s
uptown Charlotte campus, which is at 919 Berryhill Rd. Elevation is a non-denominational
Evangelical megachurch. I went with my older brother David. I chose this church because it is in
my hometown and I have never been to an evangelical church, being raised Catholic, so I was
curious.
Your paper should use as evidence: 1) your own observations from your visit (see above) 2)
Literature produced by the church: pamphlets, websites, etc. 3) casual conversations with clergy
or members 4) Citations from our class texts (at least 2-3 sources from the class readings.)
