Crimora UMC, Harrisonburg District

Wednesday square dances have attracted all ages to the church.

Crimora United Methodist Church is located in a rural area, tucked away out of sight, between Waynesboro and Grottoes. But the church has taken in nearly 30 new members this year, and 14 last year, by thinking "radically."

"We had to rethink things," says pastor Gayle Thornberry, "and see what God wanted us to do next. That involves scrapping everything we know about church."

That included embracing several unwed and pregnant young women in the community, creating a space for them to feel accepted and loved rather than rejected. That led to a support group and care ministry.

Crimora UMC has used some ‘radical thinking’ to overcome its location disadvantage.

Where before only the pastor prayed, now members are actively praying. There are two bowls set up near the altar, one for prayer requests and one for answered prayers. A team takes each request and calls the person who put it in the bowl to pray with them. "The answered prayer bowl is almost full," said Thornberry. "This is visual proof that God answers prayers."

The church changed the worship time to accommodate members’ work schedules, and put a new emphasis on Sunday school. Now participation has gone from less than 10 to more than 50. A "mini-worship" at 9:15 is planting the seed for a contemporary service.

When asked about an activity, the youth requested a square dance. "Sanctified Squares" now meets on Wednesday nights and draws all ages. Crimora also holds "Extreme Home Makeover: Hope Edition" work events and repairs local homes; it’s the first mission work the church has ever done.

Originally on a two-point charge, the church took a risk and became a station church when Thornberry arrived from the North Texas Conference. She committed to stay put for several years while the church worked out a long-range plan for ministry.

Bowls for prayer requests and answered prayers are placed prominently on the altar.

Average worship attendance is now up to around 80 each week. "If you think small you’ll be small," Thornberry says.

"This church had lost confidence in itself as a viable church," said Harrisonburg District superintendent the Rev. Ed Pruitt. "Gayle has taught them to believe in themselves and that the Lord can use them in a great way."