World Services in The Family International: The Administrative Organization of a Mature Religious Movement

Based on staff interviews obtained at World Services---the headquarters organization of The Family International---this study offers a case study description and analysis of the administration of a mature religious movement. A conceptual framework for analysis is provided by literature on the convergence of social movement research and organizational theory. Particular attention is given to the religious framing mechanisms of prayer and prophecy that World Services officials and staff members systematically use to administer every organizational operation at every level of the organization. The unusual extent to which women and young people play active administrative roles in The Family International is also described and discussed.