Innovative Church Awards 2004
Church Business Recognizes America's Forward-Thinking Congregations

By RaeAnn Slaybaugh

In December, Church Business set out to identify America’s innovative churches — and boy, did we find them!

In seeking Innovative Church Award candidates, the editor and publishers of Church Business looked for congregations with four distinct gifts:

• Hearts and minds for reaching the unchurched
• Leaders who know well how to meet members’ life needs through excellent, relevant ministries
• A firm grip on the financial aspects of running a church
• Long histories (100+ years) of service in their communities

Here, we present those churches who met — and exceeded — these criteria.

Ada Bible Church (Ada, Mich.) Founded in 1978, weekend attendance at Ada Bible Church has grown from 20 to 3,500 — an impressive climb for a church with a staff of just 30 employees. “We’ve been pursuing the small-church feel in a large-church environment,” explains Business Manager Edward Shepard. “We’ve doubled in size every four years for five continual cycles while increasing our percentage of attendees who commit to a small-group Bible study. We’re growing deep while still growing wide.”

Cascade Hills Church (Columbus, Ga.) When founded in 1983, Cascade Hills Church welcomed 30 worshippers and 32 members. Today, John C. Maxwell calls this church, led by Pastor Bill Purvis, one of the most balanced in America. “[We were] a purpose-driven church long before it became a model,” says Marketing Director Lori Icenhour. “With 32 people present on Easter Sunday in 1983, Bill Purvis became a pastor and challenged people to reach the un-churched for Christ at all costs and in any way possible. He’s strategically changed styles, building designs and staff through the years and has stayed focused on that mission.”

Central United Methodist Church (Albuquerque, N.M.) Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Charles Crutchfield, Central UMC has grown weekend attendance to nearly 1,000 despite its inner-city location. Perhaps this is because leaders focused on the opportunities this presented rather than the drawbacks. Today, the church’s homeless/street ministries are among its most popular, and leaders will help set up a new drop-in center for the homeless and offer services for homeless youth by 2005. “A flagship church, CUMC offers teaching and support for others in its district, and in partnership with area agencies and neighborhoods,” says Director of Program Ministries Holly Hickson. “CUMC is growing in an aging, urban neighborhood. Our staff and congregation work well together, holding each other in loving accountability.”

The Champion’s Centre (Tacoma, Wash.) Founded only a decade ago, The Champion’s Centre Pastors Kevin and Sheila Gerald host 4,000 worshippers every weekend and membership exceeds 6,000. Moreover, 1,500 of these devoted churchgoers volunteer in some capacity. “[O]ur mission is equipping people to live successful Christian lives,” says Marketing Director Tinia Nelson. “We value commitment, excellence, leadership, life, relevance, team and wisdom — and our pastors have a heart to reach the Seattle/Tacoma area with all the creative resources we can find and produce. I believe that’s how you define innovation.”

Christ Church (Montclair, N.J.) Thanks to 80-plus remarkable ministries meeting the needs of the 25 nationalities represented at Christ Church, membership has grown from just six in 1986 to more than 5,000 today. Every week, 3,700 worshippers walk through these doors, no doubt drawn by the leadership of Pastor David Ireland. Chief Operating Officer Rupert A. Hayles Jr. cites Ireland’s diverse educational background — bachelor degrees in divinity and mechanical and civil engineering and a doctorate in organizational leadership — as a key to Christ Church’s effectiveness. In keeping with this entrepreneurial spirit, leaders recently purchased a 107-acre campus in nearby Rockaway Township.

Christ Fellowship (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) When Christ Fellowship was founded in 1984, only a handful of people attended services every weekend. Today, that figure exceeds 9,000, and 17,000 members are proud to call it home. It’s an impressive leap — one which Director of Ministries Doug Randlett credits to the leadership of Senior Pastor Tom Mullins, his staff of nearly 200, and 1,500 volunteers. This month, this innovative team will open a regional extension campus — the first of three scheduled for completion in the next five years.

Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church (Philadelphia) When Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church was founded in 1876, it became the 55th black church in Philadelphia. Following the examples set by a long line of devoted pastors, the Rev. Alyn E. Waller was installed as pastor on Sept. 11, 1994. After a decade under his leadership, Enon’s congregation has grown to more than 4,000.

Additionally, a computer lab and technology-based ministry have been developed and more than a dozen new ministries have formed. “Enon is committed to thinking outside the box,” says Associate Minister Phaedra Blocker. One perfect example of this is the Covering the City with Prayer outreach encouraging citizens to drop prayer requests in boxes placed throughout Philadelphia.

Fellowship Church (Grapevine, Texas) With Fellowship Church’s attendance of 18,000 and membership of 20,000, it’s obvious its leaders have worked a winning formula — especially considering their church is just 14 years old.

Fellowship will open three satellite campuses in the Dallas/Fort Worth area within the next year, and its Vacation Bible School ministers to more than 3,600 children. Last year, leaders baptized 2,243 new converts, and more than 400 local church leaders have signed up for Fellowship’s paid training courses in seven months.

“Fellowship Church’s passion is to reach today’s culture in a relevant and compelling manner,” says Lawrence Swicegood, director of communications. “Pastor Ed Young and his staff provide biblically accurate teaching that reaches thousands of people seeking truth and relevance.”

First Assembly of God (Muleshoe, Texas) At this small Texas church, leaders aren’t letting size stop them from doing what Pastor Jack Stone says they’re called to: Seeing the Kingdom of God advanced.

Founded in 1932, First Assembly resides in a community of just 5,000, yet Stone and his staff of two full- and part-time employees (aided by 30 volunteers) welcome 150 people to worship services every weekend.

“‘Aggressive’ describes our church,” Stone says. “[Our people] are focused to see lives changed, from the youngest to the oldest. We’ve seen God give the increase.”

First Assembly King’s Cathedral and Chapels (Kahului, HI) Incorporated in 1980, First Assembly Kings’ Cathedral is one church in many locations — on the Hawaiian Islands, mainland United States and in six countries. Though leaders are currently engaged in multiple building programs, they conduct powerful services in schools and converted barns, grocery stores, two strip malls, a movie theatre, and even a mortuary in the meantime.

Under the leadership of Pastor James D. Marocco, 4,000 people attend weekly worship services, 1,200 have passed the classes to become formal voting members, and 500 serve as leaders in ministry and cell groups.

First Baptist Church at the Mall (Lakeland, Fla.) Though First Baptist Church was founded in 1885, leaders say they’ve witnessed the most remarkable renewal in the past eight years. Currently, 2,700 people attend per weekend, and the church enjoys a membership of 5,600. Such amazing growth has even allowed them to purchase and occupy a 475,000-square-foot mall.

Its unusual site isn’t the only unconventional thing about FBC — it also is home to one very innovative outreach:

F.A.I.T.H. Riders, a motorcycle ministry. “We’ve committed to start 33 churches in the next three years on five continents,” adds Executive Pastor Don Allensworth. “We’ve also baptized 1,400-plus people in the last 36 months. We’re committed to reaching the world from Lakeland.”

First Baptist Church of Raytown (Raytown, Mo.) When FBC Raytown was founded in 1842, its budget consisted of $253, which leaders used to purchase land. On it, they built a church that their 16-member congregation could call home. Today, that figure exceeds 7,000, with 3,500 in average weekend attendance. Soon, FBC will even add a 117,000-square-foot outreach and fitness center.

Director of Facilities David Williams credits Pastor Paul Brooks for keeping church a personal experience in such a large context.

“We keep worship and bible study relevant to our times while expanding our facility,” he says.

First Christian Church (Lawrence, Kan.) Founded in 1886, FCC proves that innovative, grace-filled churches can flourish in the inner city. Thanks to Pastor Randall Beeman and a staff of 12, it welcomes 350 worshippers per weekend. “We’re a church which, one year ago, was running 180 people in a downtown location,” Beeman says. “We chose to remain downtown and change and let Christ renew their vision to become the heartbeat of the city.”

Surely the three most popular ministries — the homeless kitchen, university outreach and Peaceways, a group designed to help members and guests make peace with the past — have helped incite such growth. “Our next dream is to teach other churches how to bloom where they’re planted,” Beeman adds.

First Community Church (Newport News, Va.) First Community Church is on its way to greatness, growing its membership by 700 percent since it was founded last year. Led by Pastor Lewis Nicholson, his staff of two employees and 25 volunteers, attendance has already reached 75 per weekend. Leaders plan to launch a small-group Bible study within the next 12 months, which will complement FCC’s already popular Sunday school, children’s church, women’s and men’s small groups, singles and music ministries, adult Bible study and praise team.

First Presbyterian Church (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Founded in 1872 and led by Pastor John H. Stevens, First Presbyterian Church welcomes 2,500 in attendance and 5,000 members. Aside from meaningful worship, seekers are drawn to a wide array of creative ministries, including divorce recovery workshops for adults and children, Greek lessons, father-daughter and father-son activities, Making Good Choices workshops for singles, 243 recreational ministries and Get Set, a free Head Start-type program for underprivileged children.

“We strive to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the most effective, innovative and economical basis,” says F. Edward Ward Jr., former administrator. “We use every innovation applicable to our circumstances to help achieve it.”

Gateway Community Church (Merced, Calif.) Since its founding in 1983, GCC has exceeded its original attendance 14 times over and increased membership by 900 percent. Under the direction of Pastor Al Schaap, leaders here have garnered enough support to plant a new church within the next year.

“God helping us, we focused on what we saw as His plan,” says Business Administrator Leon Gomes. “We developed our purposes: To seek and find the lost; give them a place to heal; teach them to continually develop their relationships with Christ; to discover, develop and use their spiritual gifts; and to help others do the same.”

Germantown Baptist Church (Germantown, Tenn.) Rather than letting ministry grow stale, leaders at Germantown have grown membership to more than 10,000, raised average weekend attendance to 6,000, and recruited 1,500 volunteers since the church was founded 167 years ago.

Executive Pastor Pete DeMoss credits the risk-taking, progressive and “others”-centered leadership of Pastor Sam Shaw and his 125-person staff with such growth. Of course, a stable of ministries — most notably worship, missions and recreation — are a large part of the equation as well.

Harvest Baptist Church (Barrigada, Guam) When Harvest Baptist was founded in 1975, it had less than 20 members. Today, 500 attend every weekend, drawn by the servant-driven, relationship-oriented and heartfelt leadership of Pastor Marty Herron.

“We’re innovative without tinkering with the essentials,” explains Associate Pastor Jared Baldwin. “Although the concept is as traditional as Jesus teaching the disciples, we’re applying it through relevant and engaging methods — a mixture of that ‘old-time religion’ and that relationship with the Savior.” This year, leaders will launch ministries serving the Department of Corrections as well as Halfway House character training and a men’s mentoring group.

Kingdom Life Christian Church (Milford, Conn.) At Kingdom Life, 2,000 members find every ministry they need, and the school of performing arts and recording studio make this church truly innovative. In addition to becoming one of the few mega-churches in New England, KLCC has had a major impact on urban redevelopment, the public school system and pornography, says Chief of Staff Jim Hashem.

Other local church leaders will find what they need at this large church as well — namely, inspiration. “Through Bishop [Jay] Ramirez, [they] are being networked together in an organized, structured way,” Hashem explains. “Our goal is to share the experience, knowledge and resources God has given us to help them grow.”

Life Church (Murrieta, Calif.) Of all the nominations received, Life Church was the only one to describe its leadership as “fun.” With unique opportunities to join groups like the popular surf ministry, it’s no wonder this two-year-old church already opens its doors to more than 800 worshippers every weekend. In fact, leaders recently added a third service, Saturday Nite @ Life, to keep up with demand.

“Some people think going to church means being in a huge, drafty room, subjected to boring sermons and having their wallets emptied,” says Lead Pastor John Ruhlman. “[But people come here to] connect with others and immediately feel a sense of community. At Life, the people are real.”

New Life Evangelistic Center (Jacksonville, Fla.) Recognized by the Church of God (Cleveland, Tenn.) as one of the fastest growing, most forward-thinking churches in Florida, New Life Evangelistic Center is powered by young, innovative and “on fire” leaders. While the church itself is only 10 years old, its membership and leaders are also young, averaging 35 years old. Already, New Life offers all the ministries you’d expect to find, but services will be broadcast on television as well by 2005.

New Hope Christian Fellowship (Honolulu, HI) Though it’s been just nine years since New Hope was founded, the church already attracts 11,000 worshippers — an increase of nearly 1,200 visitors per year. Additionally, under the guidance of Senior Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, leaders have planted four satellite churches in the past 12 months, all of which are “live” with the exception of the simulcast sermon. Stepping outside of church walls, a team of more than 1,500 volunteers help organize outreach to prisoners and their families, and to drug and alcohol addicts.

New Spring Community Church (Anderson, S.C.) Since its inception in January 2000, New Spring has grown from just eight worshippers to 2,500. Its leadership is summed up in three words: visionary, excellent and unified. And its programs and services live up to this standard.

“Each sermon is culturally relevant while maintaining a high standard of biblical authority,” says Executive Pastor Jason Moorhead.

“We’re committed to excellence throughout each worship service, which includes cutting-edge music, high-quality media technology, a full scale children’s program and a dedicated volunteer base that makes it all happen.”

Point of Grace Church (West Des Moines, Iowa) With less than a decade of service under their belts, leaders at Point of Grace have managed to raise weekend attendance to 1,100 and membership from zero to 1,700. They even enjoy a d e d i c a t e d volunteer staff of 500. Surely, Pastor Tom Allen has the church’s large variety of well-executed ministries to thank. As a result, he and his staff count wonderful blessings, especially their brand-new facility.

Right Direction Christian Center (Columbia, S.C.) In just seven years, Right Direction Christian Center has grown from 10 worshippers to more than 1,250. Leaders broadcast daily on the radio and weekly on television to parts of South Carolina, North Carolina and Maine. The church continues to grow by leaps and bounds, thanks to what Senior Pastor Herbert Bailey Jr. calls “fiscally responsible” and “spiritually accountable” leadership.

“We have more than $5 million in assets, and we paid off our current facility ($850,000) in two years,” he explains. “And we’re in the process of building a $2-million facility debt-free.”

Additionally, the church plans to open an elementary school and credit union by 2005.

Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church (Baltimore, Md.) Senior Pastor Leonard Felton and the other leaders at Sharp Street operate on a shared principle:

“See the need, do the deed.” Perhaps that’s how this 1797 church has not only weathered the test of time but maximized it. Today, weekend attendance exceeds 300 and membership numbers more than 800, all under the direction of a staff of just five employees and 75 volunteers. Sharp Street offers not only child care but also seniors ministry, marital/pre-marital counseling and a host of other ministries typically found in larger churches.

Spreen Green Church of Christ (Plymouth, N.C.) In 1887, the founders of Spreen Green welcomed 25 people to weekend services; today, more than 250 attend, and 130 members call it home. Under the guidance of Pastor Standley Hicks, this century-old church embraces an uncommon sense of openmindedness, even offering computer classes.

“We’re willing to change according to the scriptures of the Holy Bible (King James Version),” explains Deacon and Trustee Willie S. Belcher Jr. “Our leadership is based on confidentiality, prayer and understanding.”

St. John Missionary Baptist Church (Oklahoma City, Okla.) Founded in 1919, weekend attendance at St. John — led by Senior Pastor M.L. Jemison — has grown to nearly 1,000, and membership exceeds 2,200. For a church with such a long history, change must be difficult — or is it?

Today, members can join a number of ministries, including praise dancers, a home owners’ initiative, a newspaper ministry, nursing corps, the “optimists” club, a museum, aerobics, judo — and even a bowling league! “We strive to be the best church ‘this side of judgment,’” says Administrator Myron O. Knight. “We operate the business of the church as a corporation. Members are empowered and encouraged to be innovative and creative in their ministries.”

Sugarcreek Free Methodist Church (Sugarcreek, Ohio) Situated in a rural community of 1,600, leaders at Sugarcreek Free Methodist Church — the largest church between Columbus and Akron, Ohio — were able to add a new 600-seat worship center five years ago. And, with an astonishing 1,500 worshippers attending three morning services every weekend, they recently p u r c h a s e d 200 acres to build a new facility and also plan to host a Saturday evening service in nearby New Philadelphia to continue to grow their fellowship.

Summit Evangelical Free Church (Alta, Iowa) More than 750 members in a 35-mile radius of Alta, Iowa call Summit home. For one thing, this young church, established in 1995, offers relevant ministries, including an India orphanage project, Kids for Christ, Hispanic outreach and TeamWorks training. And, by 2005, leaders plan to launch a handful of other incredible services ranging from a Band of Brothers ministry to expanded Servants of Summit groups and even a hot rod outreach.

“Summit enjoys God’s blessing because He has honored our faithfulness to His Word as we strive to be obedient to the Great Commandment and Great Commission,” says Associate Pastor Grant Mangold. “We live out the Gospel in our communities.”

Tree of Life Church (New Braunfels, Texas) With more than 2,000 attending services, a volunteer force of 400, and 1,500 households calling it their church, there’s little doubt Tree of Life — led by Senior Pastor Mike Fehlauer — can be called innovative. Some of its most forward-thinking ministries include parent training, a home-school cooperative, a preteen ministry and the soon-to-be-launched Joseph Project vocational training model.

“We’re innovative because we work hard to be,” says Christian Education Director Julie Beader. “We serve the most creative being in the universe; therefore, we feel we can do more than copy Disney and Starbuck’s — we can do better!”

Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church (Flower Mound, Texas) Pastor Jim Ozier says Trietsch Memorial has been cutting-edge since it was founded in 1983. Just this year, leaders opened a new 15,000-square-foot ministry center housing the largest children’s rotational curriculum in the country. This amazing facility features 19 classrooms, each creatively designed to fit biblical themes. The church offers dozens of other ministries as well, ranging from child care to hearing-impaired services.

Trinity Reformed Church (Grand Rapids, Mich.) Now in its 94th year, Trinity Reformed Church continues to offer a variety of traditional ministries, but leaders have stepped outside the box with a used clothing store and The Lord’s Bounty, a food pantry that served more than 6,500 people in the Grand Rapids area last year.

Impressively, all of this is accomplished by the Rev. Karsten Voskuil, a staff of seven and a 100-member volunteer force.

University United Methodist Church (Austin, Texas) Founded in 1900, University UMC welcomes 750 worshippers, 1,527 members and a volunteer force of 200. A recent lay ministry fair identified 50 new spontaneous ministry areas to develop, including Blankets for Babies (to provide knitted blankets and clothing for newborns of indigent parents), a care and grief counseling program and a landscaping/gardening group to overhaul church grounds.

None of these blessings are taken for granted. ”We never have enough money,” says Support Services Admnistrator Sandra B. Matney. “We never have all the space or supplies we need. We have very limited parking in a university area. And because of this — rather than in spite of this — we thrive.”

Westplex Community Church (St. Louis, Mo.) Though it’s hard to imagine, Westplex Community Church was simply three Bible study groups in 2001. Last year, however, leaders bought property and started a building program scheduled for completion this year.

Most amazingly, all of this was accomplished by Senior Pastor Jim Kane, a staff of one, 40 volunteers and a core group of 30 members (half of whom are children).

This year marks the third anniversary of Westplex’s truck stop ministry. “To date, [our] members have ministered to 1,300 drivers with the gospel, fellowship and encouragement with prayer as they go along their way,” says Deacon Paul Kruse. “And as soon as our church is complete, we’ll really get to work!”

Westminster United Methodist Church (Westminster, Md.) Founded in 1812, Westminster UMC is an established congregation that’s thriving, as leaders seek to make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ. Though located in a small community — and being an older church — they offer their 1,000 members all kinds of services, including a compassion ministry, The Doorway youth ministry and Beginnings: An Introduction to Christian Faith.