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.

In this day and age, many things contribute to the growth of a local church.  The following are what led to and sustains the current period of growth at St. Luke-Simpson U.M.C.

• A clear and articulated vision. There is no doubt of our vision/mission: “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”  We have made that vision into a Master Plan, giving us the tools with which to do the work.  This has translated into building projects that began four years ago, and will span over the next 12 years.
• A clear and articulated direction. The church knows where it is going (setting and obtaining goals – from attendance and membership to evangelism and missions); the church knows its place in the community (identity, what the church is known for), it knows how to BE the Church (meeting needs and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ).
• Teamwork. A called, motivated, and active laity, working with the pastor(s)/staff.  Leadership developed over time and made perpetual, i.e., leaders making leaders (disciple making!).
• Teamwork. A called, motivated, and active pastoral staff, working with the laity.  Sharing leadership so that the church can BE the Church, developing leadership and making disciples.
• Disciplined Ego. Senior pastors letting others have the “lime light,” sharing the pulpit, enabling the laity to make major decisions.  Charisma can and does build churches, but when that pastor leaves, what happens?  The church that is built around a vision and a direction truly becomes the Church.
• “If you build it, they will come.”  One blessing from building projects is that the community becomes intrigued with what is happening and will visit worship to see what isgoing on, and to be part of the excitement.
• Doing well what has always worked; stop doing what doesn’t work.  “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…but if it’s broke, fix it now – and the wisdom to know the difference!!”  Tried and true methods of “marketing” the church, contacting visitors, following up with new members, assimilating all members, needs to be done and done well and consistently.
• Something for everyone. Jesus does ministry to a variety of people, from all different ages and stages of life.  “From cradle to grave,” the church needs to provide mission, learning, spiritual, worship, fellowship, meaningful and fun opportunities for the congregation and the community as well…program!



• Vibrant worship. “If it doesn’t happen in worship, it doesn’t happen.”  Provide many types of worship experiences during the year.
• Meaningful Outreach. Meeting the needs of the local community as well as the world.  Really acting as though “the world is our parish.”
• Esprit de corps. Developing a sense of belonging, that church is THE place to be.
• Enthusiasm. Literally means “inspired by God.”  The church, people and pastors must be truly inspired.  Sharing a vision makes that possible.

Rev. Karl S. Klaus, Directing Pastor – karlsklaus@yahoo.com
St. Luke – Simpson UMC – http://www.stlukesimpson.org