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BY SHARON GIBSON

God?s Grace is sufficient, even for the smaller church.

In June 1998, I began my first appointment at Warren UMC in Mt. Airy. The first three years, the average attendance was approximately 25 people. For the past three years membership dropped by half, which gave a sense of 'no hope' for survival.

But God?s word continued to whisper in my heart that where two or more gathered God?s presence would be there.

Warren is located in central Mt. Airy; however, it sits off the beaten track of Rt. 27, located in a secluded cul de sac. The street does have steady motor vehicle traffic; however, there has been traffic of the negative sense which has crippled our church and the church community. Yet in Christ, hope cannot be lost, even when the odds look dim.

After completing my first year of Course of Study at Wesley Seminary in 1999, I returned to Warren with an attitude which inspired me to understand that ministering meant more than bringing the sermon at the 11 a.m. service each Sunday.

My personal burden was for those whose life challenge was substance abuse and alcoholism. I realized I had to get out into the streets of the community and go to the doors to find out what I needed to do for the community.

There were men and women who grew up near the church building, yet they were not inside the church doors. My job was to welcome them in. What could I do?

With the approval and support of the administrative council, I started a substance abuse recovery meeting each week. It still meets today.

The church has survived storms of membership loss, but there is a strong nucleus that continues to hold tight as a living body of Christ at work.

In the midst of Warren, for more than eight years, there is a little girl who has suffered many losses. God has led Warren to adopt her as our spiritual daughter, helping to meet her needs for school, Christmas and other special times.

One of the prophecies of Isaiah says that 'God will come to do a new thing.' The year 2006 has brought a new sense of hope for the church. The average attendance has increased and our church finances are better. We continue our Sunday school and our Bible studies.

A small church? Yes, Warren is just that. However, Warren is also alive and very well. We may be quiet, but we are at work for the Lord.

Sharon Gibson is a local pastor at Warren-Key?s Chapel Charge.