History
The Christian Sociological Association (CSA) has a rich and evolving history that dates back to 1976. Dr. Russell Heddendorf, then the Chair of the Department of Sociology at Geneva College, initiated bringing together sociologists from various Christian colleges. This inaugural meeting at Geneva College fostered an environment for dialogue and exchange among like-minded professionals. During its early days, the group was informally known as STCC, which stood for Sociologists Teaching in Christian Colleges.
As the association grew and evolved, a few years later, it adopted a new name: the Association of Christians Teaching Sociology (ACTS). In 2015, recognizing the diverse environments and institutions where its members were now working, the organization rebranded itself again, becoming the Christian Sociological Association (CSA). This change reflected the organization's commitment to inclusivity and its broader mission.
From the outset, the CSA has been dedicated to fostering community and professional development among its members. Each June, 25 to 50 sociologists convene at various colleges for the annual meeting, continuing the fellowship and scholarly exchange tradition.
In 1995, the CSA took a significant step to support the next generation of sociologists by establishing a Scholarship Fund for Graduate Students. This fund helps to defray the costs associated with attending the annual meeting, ensuring that graduate students can participate in and benefit from the community. The scholarship is sustained by a free-will offering collected during the Sunday morning service at the annual meeting, along with individual contributions from members.
The CSA also publishes a peer-reviewed academic journal, The Journal of Sociology and Christianity, designed to provide a forum for the latest research and commentary on the intersection of Christianity and society. The Journal of Sociology and Christianity, founded in 2011, was originally entitled the Journal of the Sociological Integration of Religion and Society (JSIRS) until Volume 6, Number 2 (October 2016). This academic journal is published jointly by Omega Graduate School and the Christian Sociological Association and is released bi-annually in April and October.
In June 2024, the CSA reached a new milestone by partnering with the Network of Christian Anthropologists for its 45th annual meeting. The conference theme, "Taking Sociology and Anthropology to the Public Square," highlighted the organization's ongoing commitment to expanding its reach and impact. Through these initiatives and its dedication to its members, the CSA has created a vibrant and supportive network for Christian sociologists over the decades.
As the association grew and evolved, a few years later, it adopted a new name: the Association of Christians Teaching Sociology (ACTS). In 2015, recognizing the diverse environments and institutions where its members were now working, the organization rebranded itself again, becoming the Christian Sociological Association (CSA). This change reflected the organization's commitment to inclusivity and its broader mission.
From the outset, the CSA has been dedicated to fostering community and professional development among its members. Each June, 25 to 50 sociologists convene at various colleges for the annual meeting, continuing the fellowship and scholarly exchange tradition.
In 1995, the CSA took a significant step to support the next generation of sociologists by establishing a Scholarship Fund for Graduate Students. This fund helps to defray the costs associated with attending the annual meeting, ensuring that graduate students can participate in and benefit from the community. The scholarship is sustained by a free-will offering collected during the Sunday morning service at the annual meeting, along with individual contributions from members.
The CSA also publishes a peer-reviewed academic journal, The Journal of Sociology and Christianity, designed to provide a forum for the latest research and commentary on the intersection of Christianity and society. The Journal of Sociology and Christianity, founded in 2011, was originally entitled the Journal of the Sociological Integration of Religion and Society (JSIRS) until Volume 6, Number 2 (October 2016). This academic journal is published jointly by Omega Graduate School and the Christian Sociological Association and is released bi-annually in April and October.
In June 2024, the CSA reached a new milestone by partnering with the Network of Christian Anthropologists for its 45th annual meeting. The conference theme, "Taking Sociology and Anthropology to the Public Square," highlighted the organization's ongoing commitment to expanding its reach and impact. Through these initiatives and its dedication to its members, the CSA has created a vibrant and supportive network for Christian sociologists over the decades.
Officers
Our association is stewarded by officers that value and incorporate input from CSA members.
Dr. Matt Vos, Covenant College, President
Tiffany Zamora, Student at Central Piedmont College College, Secretary
Dr. Susan Warner, Baldwin College, Treasurer
Dr. Dennis Hiebert, University of Manitoba, Editor of the Journal of Sociology and Christianity (JSC)