Posted: 12-27-2005 10:06 AM    Post subject: Retention time and membership turnovers in small groups

Is there a typical length of time that group members tend to remain in the small (10 - 20 followers), religious-type groups that employ a pyramid authority structure and an enlightened-leader type of guy at the top?

Are sudden membership turnovers and schisms common in groups this size? Or, is it even possible to generalize this kind of question this way?

Posted: 12-27-2005 10:08 AM    Post subject:

Very difficult to predict.

Could be years.

If the leader is old and failing there might be a shake-up after his or her death.

Posted: 12-27-2005 10:38 AM    Post subject:

Okay so, to clarify, would it be correct to say that shake-ups in these kinds of groups do not typcially happen at the group's peak strength times, in terms of membership numbers and apparrent cohesiveness?

Posted: 12-27-2005 11:22 AM    Post subject:

There are many variables.

A scandal might shake up the group.

And each member has their own personal situation and history, which may contribute to an individual leaving.

See http://www.rickross.com/faq.html

And also http://www.rickross.com/help.html

There is a DVD available.

See http://www.rickross.com/dvds/dvd-culted.html

Posted: 12-27-2005 12:21 PM    Post subject:

I have this DVD and it is wonderful. It should be standard issue for senior high schools, with all graduates required to watch it right before graduation. Can you imagine how many kids and their families would be spared the whole cult involvement experience if the kids just saw that presentation before going to college. I'm not just saying that to kiss ass either, I mean it.

Posted: 12-27-2005 01:28 PM    Post subject:

Thanks.

The DVD is priced low so that it is well-within almost anyone's reach.

My hope is that making it affordable will make it well-circulated.

Seems to be working.