Growing Church Sees Light at End of Tunnel

HARRISON, Tenn. — If there’s one thing the Rev. Brian Rainwater has learned at his church plant in the Chattanooga District, it’s patience.

It’s been two years since Rainwater was appointed to Lighthouse UMC, the Holston Conference’s most recent church start since three new ones were launched this year. And things are looking up for Lighthouse: One worship service in September packed 185 participants into a sanctuary only meant to hold 140.

But after months of giving out flowers, lollipops and sodas — months of direct mail and inviting people to worship —Rainwater wishes the numbers were higher. He’s also disappointed that the north Harrison community where Lighthouse is located hasn’t grown as projected.

“When you consider we started out with five people meeting around a table for bible study, we’re doing O.K,” he says. “But I guess I’ll never be satisfied. The timedelay on some of these things has been amazing.”

For example, when Lighthouse members tossed out 2,000 lollipops in a Harrison Christmas parade, it was six months before a woman walked into a worship service in response. The woman had seen Lighthouse’s name and worship time on a card attached to the candy. “I know that God wants me to be involved in church,” she told Rainwater.

Church members also handed out cold sodas and flowers at grocery stores, saying, “We’re doing this to show you God’s love — no strings attached.” To the people who seemed interested, members gave cards with worship information.

“We put the bait out there and let God prompt their hearts,” said Rainwater. “In time, we always have a few new people come in.”

Lighthouse has been averaging about 110 in worship, but the biggest attendance ever occurred after the congregation invested less than $2,000 on a direct-mail campaign. They sent out 8,000 Igniting Ministry postcards, offering free Bibles to children who came to worship. They ended up giving out 90 Bibles on the Sunday following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

With the congregation growing beyond the capacity of the Seventh Day Adventist church where they currently meet, Lighthouse has begun a search for a new place. Until then, members celebrate the fact that half of their worshippers were previously unchurched. They’re also happy about Tennessee legislation that will eventually improve Harrison’s access to Interstate 75.

“The people just aren’t here yet,” Rainwater said. “When they get here, we’ll be ready.”

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