This is part of a series of interviews with pastors of churches whose attendance has grown 20% or more in 5 years. We hope this series will be a resource of ideas to help increase worship attendance at your church.
Easter Egg Hunt at Owasso UM
Rev. Chris Tiger has been serving the First United Methodist Church of Owasso since June of 1998. During that time the church worship attendance has more than doubled and they are currently averaging about 500 in attendance. Due to this growth the church relocated to a new site almost 5 years ago. They have also had a corresponding increase in staff, programs and ministries of every type. Here are some of the “secrets of success”:
1. HAVE A SHARED VISION. Your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams – Acts 2:17
When Rev. Tiger first came to Owasso the church was already engaged in a process called Revision which had been recommended by our Conference Board of Church Development. The church took this very seriously and became unified about the vision which was developed. There is great power in a shared vision.
Rev. Chris Tiger
2. MAINTAIN THE UNITY. Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit – Ephesians 4:3
We were determined to maintain unity about the upcoming changes. A prayer group developed that met weekly to pray for the church and the construction process. We included as many people as we could in the planning of the new facility. We communicated often about the problems and the victories along the way. Sermons were preached to prepare people for what was to come.
3. DEVELOP A SERVANT’S HEART. Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant. – Mark 10:43
Emphasizing that we are all servants of our Lord Jesus Christ has helped our church to reach out to our community with the love of Christ. We have a great reputation in our community as a church which helps others. We do not have volunteers in our church; we only have servants.
4. REACH OUT TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH. Let the little children come to me. – Matthew 18:14
This church has a huge heart for children and youth. They have put their money where their mouth is by building a wonderful and unique facility for our children and youth. Again we have developed a great reputation in our community as a church who cares for kids. Our best ministries are aimed at reaching the upcoming generation for Christ.
5. BE WELCOMING AND GRACIOUS. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you. – Romans 15:7
We strive to be a place of grace; where people can come just as they are and receive a warm welcome. We want the culture of our church to reflect God’s kindness, love, grace and mercy. One of my gifts is the ability to recall names and I use this gift to reach people for God.
These are some of the things that have worked for us. I think they can work for you as well.
Chris Tiger, Pastor, First UMC of Owasso - seniorpastor@fumcowasso.org
Church website: www.fumcowasso.org
For further information about this project contact
Dr. Kenneth Lambert
Director of Church Relations
KLambert@FoundationforEvangelism.org
1-800-737-8333
