Crozet UMC, Charlottesville District

The church’s praise band leads the 8:30 a.m. contemporary ‘CrossWalk’ service.

The town of Crozet, about 20 minutes west of Charlottesville, is experiencing a growth boom, as is Crozet United Methodist Church. One of the responses to that growth, the widening of Crozet’s main road, will adversely impact the church’s property, limiting parking and future expansion.

But the church continues to add new members, including 18 on one memorable recent Sunday. A discipling program has helped take the church to the next level, says the pastor, Doug Forrester. Church leaders have given a lot of thought to the Sunday school curriculum, and added a young adult class, which has led to an increase in participation to more than 100. Development of small groups has also attracted members.

The church will open a new preschool in August for 20-30 children, which will answer another of the community’s needs. "It’s another way of signaling that we’re a child-friendly church," said Forrester. "Our nursery is overwhelmed right now." Vacation Bible School attendance also double last summer.

Crozet Church has a young and talented group of lay leadership. "Our members are in demand in other areas of their lives," says Forrester. "They’re passionate, well educated and deeply rooted in their faith. Having people in their 30s teach classes and lead worship is one of the reasons behind our growth. And they’re making a better pastor out of me because of their high expectations."