The unit of analysis in the organizational study of religion has primarily been congregations and denominations. However, a population of organizations with a religious mission or identity has developed that exists outside of these traditional structures. Many of these organizations have more resources than many denominations, but have received little attention theoretically or empirically. The following chapters rely on original data for over 1,900 hundred of the largest Christian nonprofits based in the United States. Drawing upon theory in the study of organizations, social movements and religion I address three underlying research questions.

First, when and why did these organizations rise? While adjectives such as “new” or “proliferating” are often used when talking about religious non-profit organizations, little empirical research has explored these questions. Chapter 2 explores the historical roots and contemporary growth of the Christian nonprofit population.

Second, what is the role of Christian nonprofits within American religion? Are Christian nonprofits competing with or cooperation with congregations and denominations, and how does the presence of Christian nonprofits help us understand changes within those more traditional religious organizations? Chapter 2 examines the often ambivalent relationship between churches, denominations, and Christian nonprofits. Chapter 5 looks at how the often ambiguous line between church and parachurch is reflected in how the IRS distinguishes churches from nonprofits. More specifically, what are the different roles or activities being filled within the Christian nonprofit population? Chapter 3 explores the nine primary activity sectors within the Christian nonprofit population.

Third, how are these national religious non-profits run? That is, how do they acquire and allocate resources and what explains variation in these methods? Chapter 4 details the different fundraising and fund-spending dynamics within Christian nonprofits. Chapter 6 provides an analysis of leadership compensation in these organizations. Finally, Chapter 7 examines the role government funding has on the religious expression of Christian nonprofits.