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Religious denominations are just one manifestation of an association system, perhaps the oldest form of organizations known to humans. Understanding and acting strategically regarding the economies of associational systems like these are complex undertakings. Scholarly literature on the subject is sparse. This specific study triangulates franchising theory, the study of religion and economics, as well as specific literature on denominational economics, to propose a conceptual model for measuring a denomination´s economy with the intention for it to influence strategic action.

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Mark L. Vincent, PhD, CCNL, is CEO of Design Group International, an executive and organizational development firm. He guides several peer-based executive advising teams, facilitates process design for organizational strategy, and coaches executive leaders in his consulting practice. He resides in Kohler, Wisconsin.

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