| Goshen UMC: A story of growth through enthusiasm BY BARBARA COWARDUMCONNECTION CORRESPONDENT  At a time when church membership in many areas of the country is falling, a church that achieves a single-digit or even double-digit growth rate is impressive. But what about a new church that attracts more than 40 worshippers in just three months since its inception?
Thats the story of the newly constructed Goshen UMC in Gaithersburg. Originally part of a two-point circuit in farm country, Goshen merged with another church 10 years ago as a result of changing demographics in Montgomery County. Returning to the original vision of a distinct identity for Goshen was the foundation of an initiative started two years ago to build a new building. The building was completed last year. Since his appointment to Goshen on July 1, the Rev. James Bishop has overseen a dramatic transformation in which the new church has grown to full capacity. Nobody expected that the church would grow this rapidly and even he is surprised with the results. In my three decades of preaching, I have never seen this happen before, he said. There are about 350 worshippers each Sunday. Attendance has increased by 44 percent from the previous year. Bishop, who pastored Sharp Street Memorial UMC in Baltimore for three years and had an appointment in central Pennsylvania prior to that, attributes his success to a compatibility with the congregation. Members come from all different backgrounds, races and nationalities and are attracted to the contemporary style and nature of the church building, which is shaped like a pyramid. The sanctuary is arranged as a stage around the congregation, forming an arch, which gives it a theatrical atmosphere. Bishop brings his own unique brand of preaching, delivering a dramatic performance as he moves about the sanctuary during the service. The Rev. Ken Jones, a retired pastor in the Baltimore-Washington conference who visited the church, credits Goshens success to the dynamic pastor, describing Bishop as charismatic and sharp as a tack. But Bishop is far more humble and says that the key to effective worship is to make everyone feel that they are included. Children now participate in the worship service each Sunday, compared to previously where they were only recognized every fifth Sunday. As part of his vision of inclusiveness, Bishop believes that a blended service, which combines contemporary and traditional styles of worship, is more effective than separate services targeted for different audiences. Separate services tend to divide, he said. You can do it all in one; it just has to be carefully planned. Bishop also believes that music is an integral part of the worship experience and needs to be selected so that it touches everyone. It is important to keep momentum, even during the traditional quiet and slow months of church attendance, he said. When the choir was off in August, for example, Bishop, a professional musician, played the keyboard himself. But perhaps the most important ingredient in the churchs success is the partnership that exists between the pastor and the congregation. Church members are open and receptive to change. As a leader directing change, the pastor is there to facilitate the process, helping the church realize its vision. Bishop credits the growth of Goshen to the enthusiasm of its members. Goshen is the talk of the country, he said. People are going out telling others about the church. When something good is happening, it is important for the congregation to tell the story. | 
Login/Register to leave comment