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.

Epworth is a vital, growing congregation that continues to be blessed by God at a time when most United Methodist Churches are struggling for members and with outreach to the larger community.

This growth is a result of the movement of God’s Spirit and the willingness of the congregation to live into God’s vision for it to become a church “reaching out, celebrating, and living the love of Jesus Christ in the community and world.” (Epworth’s Vision Statement) Many of the new members have never been part of a faith community or have been away from the church for many years because of disillusionment and brokenness.  In Epworth, they have discovered a place of welcome, healing, and an experience of the transforming and extravagant grace of our Lord. 61 of the 68 new members in 2009 became members on profession or reaffirmation of faith which was also true for 2008.

Jonathan Baker, Senior Pastor, shares five significant factors impacting this growth.  Click here for the complete article in a pdf format.

Epworth UMC PDF