St. Mark's UMC, Roanoke District

Chidlren enjoy Vacation Bible School at St. Mark’s.

The Rev. Dave Rochford describes St. Mark’s United Methodist Church as ordinary, a "loving and friendly group" with no secret way of attracting new members. Still, the church is doing something right, as new members continue to join the church — including two dozen professions of faith in the past 18 months. Now, having enough space has become a problem.

Part of the reason is location. Originally carved out of an orchard about 10 miles north of Roanoke, the church now overlooks Highway 220 in an area of major growth. "We have first-time visitors every single Sunday," said Rochford. "We expect them. They’re looking for loving relationships, and that’s something St. Mark’s has offered for 40 years."

While a lot of churches have a good location, Rochford says St. Mark’s "has been very intentional about the experience a first-time visitor has from parking lot to pew. They’re not only made to feel welcome, but needed. ... A friendly church says ‘hi’ or ‘good morning’; a welcoming church engages you in conversation." The church has made use of Igniting Ministry materials and encourages members to view visitors’ information given on pew registration pads with more than just a cursory glance.

Realizing youth ministry was becoming a critical need, church leaders decided it was not an area that could be handled by a part-time or volunteer worker. So, at a time when the church budget was in the black, St. Mark’s took a leap of faith and hired a full-time director of youth ministries. Rochford calls it a major transition point: Since Katie Pickard came on board in January 2006, the youth program has doubled in size, and many parents have followed their children to church.

St. Mark's UMC, Daleville

The church also has a history of service to the community. Recent efforts have connected that tradition to stewardship. "If people see their church addressing the needs of the community, they feel good about giving their money to help. It’s all about the Great Commission, clearly being the church for the sake of others rather than for yourselves."