Local church leaders cite secrets of success

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BY BOB REEVES/Lincoln Journal Star

Here are descriptions of some of Lincoln’s biggest churches, with comments about their success: * Christ’s Place, 1111 Old Cheney Road

This Assemblies of God church began in the 1970s as a campus ministry.  Now it’s one of Lincoln’s fastest-growing congregations, with average weekend attendance of 1,200.

Pastor Brad Riddle cited the church’s strong Bible-based message, with an emphasis on gifts of the Holy Spirit, as the main reason for its success.  But he also noted that the church provides many ways for people to get involved,  from small-group Bible fellowships to divorce  and grief recovery classes, marital support groups and ministries to all age groups.  Rock Solid, a high-energy teen worship and coffeehouse, meets on Wednesday nights.

A strong commitment to world missions and local outreach is another major strength, Riddle said. 

The church is assessing its future, he said, with a goal “of keeping the church healthy and doing the things Jesus said we ought to be doing.”

* St. Mark’s United Methodist, 8550 Pioneers Blvd.

This congregation was bursting the seams of its former building at 70th and Vine streets when it moved to the present site in 1998. The Family Life Center seats up to 1,100 for worship and has two full-sized basketball courts that are busy all week. The church has 4,000 members and an average attendance of more than 1,800 at five weekend services.

Children’s and youth programs are a major reason for the church’s success, said the Rev. Wayne Alloway, senior pastor. Sports leagues,  a vacation Bible school for 500 children and summer youth camps are just some of the activities.

 The church also has a large singles ministry and small groups for all ages and interests, from exercise and motorcycles to knitting and personal finance.  “We’ve become a lifestyle church — we try to offer programs that enhance people’s lifestyles and fit into their dreams and goals for personal well-being,” Alloway said. 

St. Mark’s many outreach programs give members an opportunity to serve others. Among them are Transportation for Humanity (providing free cars to people in need) and Clinic with a Heart, offering health care to low-income patients. 

“People want to belong to churches that are in mission,” Alloway said. 

*  Sheridan Lutheran, 70th Street and Old Cheney Road.

Long a Lincoln landmark at 3700 Sheridan Blvd., the church moved to its present site in 2003 and grew by 40 percent in the first year.  It now has about 3,500 members and an average weekly attendance of 1,500.

“I totally believe it’s the work of the spirit,” said the Rev. Larry Arganbright, senior pastor, when asked the reason for the church’s success.  “We focus on inviting Jesus into your heart and allowing him to change your life.”

Sheridan, affiliated with the Evangelical Church in America, has  many small groups and classes on topics ranging from pilates and parenting to financial management. The church offers services from cradle to the grave — for example, it has a day care center and a large columbarium is under construction.

Worship is contemporary and informal, with messages focused on “applying Scripture to people’s lives today,” Arganbright said.  “When people come to Sheridan they feel a spirit of hospitality and welcome.”

* Christ Lutheran, 4325 Sumner St.

Christ Lutheran, a congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, began in 1949 and has remained at the same central Lincoln site, with many additions over the years.  The church has more than 3,000 members with 1,200 average attendance at five services on Sunday mornings and one on Monday evening.

Worshippers have a choice of a blended/traditional service in the main sanctuary or a chapel service with a praise band, coffee and smoothies.  “All ages come, but that service is really geared toward the 20s and 30s,” said Bob Ewell, director of Christian education.

The church’s day care center, preschool and elementary school serve more than 150 children.

The church has groups and classes for all ages, including an active over 60s group and an empty nesters fellowship. A special outreach ministry serves immigrants from Africa.

Ewell cited the church’s central location, with easy access from all parts of Lincoln. “We made a decision to stay here and grow,” he said.

* First-Plymouth Congregational, 2000 D St.

First-Plymouth dates back to 1866, making it one of the oldest congregations in Lincoln.  The landmark building was completed in 1931.

The $1.8 million Lied Organ, several choirs and Plymouth Brass are keys to the church’s appeal.  The Rev. Otis Young, who is retiring after 35 years as senior pastor, cited “good music and good preaching” as strengths of the church, along with its award-winning early childhood education program.

“People want to go away from the worship feeling better than when they came in,” he said. “They want to hear good news that is uplifting, a message of hope.” 

The United Church of Christ congregation has nearly 3,000 members, and average weekend attendance is about 1,000.

First-Plymouth offers “a worshipful setting — just walking into the building you get a spiritual feeling,” said Tammy Alvis, associate for new program development.  In addition to Saturday evening and Sunday worship, First-Plymouth has monthly contemplative Taize services, healing services and a prayer/meditation room.

The church has an active singles ministry and Singles Plus+ for older adults, plus young adult and youth groups.  Adult classes reflect members’ interests on such topics as comparative religion, how to pray, happiness and inner peace as well as in-depth Bible study. Meeting rooms and gymnasium are used daily by community groups. 

Another way people connect with First-Plymouth is through its radio and television ministries that offer an alternative to other religious programming, Alvis said.

Reach Bob Reeves at 473-7212 or at breeves@journalstar.com.