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MONROE PRESBYTERIAN
Church takes strides to boost congregation
Pastor says trend is reflected nationally and considers making service more contemporary.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
MONROE — Monroe Presbyterian Church is in a rebuilding phase to regain parishioners after experiencing a decline in its congregation.
The church's membership numbers are decreasing due to the passing away of its senior members who are residents of Mount Pleasant Retirement Village, said Patrick Warren, pastor of Monroe Presbyterian Church. The church's membership mostly consists of Mount Pleasant residents, whose average age is 80, and about four or five new young families, Warren said.
Pastor Patrick Warren, center right, of the Monroe Presbyterian Church, teaches a Bible study class April 2, 2008 at the Mount Pleasant Place Apartments."Which is four more than we had when I started," said Warren, who has served as the church's pastor for four years.
"Somebody must have done something right, or we wouldn't have been here for 200 years," he said.
The two-story church, which dates back to 1803, is the oldest in Monroe and is located at 57 W. Elm St.
Warren said national research shows that in all age groups, attendance is declining throughout the United States.
"But there are churches that are being successful," Warren said.
The church is planning creative events and changes to boost its congregation. One move will be to hire a part-time children's worker and create children's programs, while continuing to provide outreach programs already in place.
Warren also said he is working to make the service more contemporary.
"On Easter, I had three short videos and 90 slides as part of our worship," he said.
The church also is considering moving from traditional organ music to a more contemporary style.
"I'd like to start a contemporary service, but it's just not the time just yet," he said.
The church also is planning a $100,000 interior renovation.
Warren is optimistic the congregation will grow.
"We're doing some of the right things, and we've got a product worthy of a relationship with God that is real," he said.
Residents interested in joining the church are welcome to the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, he said.
"We're about spiritual life — a genuine connection with God and serving people's needs in the community," Warren said.
