CHURCHES BENEFIT AS DEVOTEES INCREASE

Many churches in Cape Girardeau are experiencing growing pains.

Several congregations have moved into new buildings, while others are building, particularly in the northwest part of Cape Girardeau.

But construction isn't only prompted by church growth, said Roy Jones, president of the Cape Girardeau ministerial alliance president and director of missions for the Cape Girardeau Baptist Association.

When contemplating a move, churches consider several factors, particularly location. Many times the congregation moves with the hope of growing into a new facility. Other times the move is triggered because the current building is just too small, Jones said.

Building consultants say when a church reaches 80 percent capacity, it is time to expand. Church attendance typically is 50 to 60 percent of membership, Jones said.

Lynwood Baptist Church is one example of a church that has grown so big it needs a new building.

The congregation has three services each Sunday morning at 1712 Randol, and attendance has increased so rapidly that some classes must meet in the basement of the church office building.

Another church that is growing is LaCroix United Methodist Church. Last month, the congregation moved into a new building on Lexington Avenue after meeting for seven years at the West Park 4 Cine.

The church began as a telemarketing project to reach people who weren't attending church regularly, said Pastor Ron Watts.

Maple United Methodist Church moved at the start of last year from Maple Avenue to its new building at Jean Ann and Cape Rock Drive. Membership was declining, and the church decided a move might spur growth, the pastor said.

The move also was prompted by the prospect of finding a central location for members, many of whom lived far from the Maple Avenue site. Only 10 percent of the congregation lives in the south part of town, said the Rev. John Gregory, who has been the pastor since July 1.

Not only did the church move, it sold its building to a another congregation and moved into a vacant Lutheran Church building. Since its move, church membership has been stable, Gregory said.

First Christian Church is in the process of building a new building. The group meets at the Lutheran Chapel at 915 College Hill. The Rev. James Zink said the former building needed remodeling.

The decision to move was a combination of size and function, he said. There was no way to add to the existing structure, so a move was necessary.

Christ Presbyterian Church owns property along Lexington Avenue, but is yet to begin construction of a new building.

First Pentecostal Church moved to Lexington late last summer, said the Rev. John Gourley.

Timing for the move was right because the church members wanted a different location and knew they eventually would build a new church, he said.

Since moving, membership hasn't increased by "leaps and bounds," Gourley said, adding that such growth is unusual today. Attendance averages about 70 members in Sunday worship.

Many other churches that haven't moved are thriving.

St. Mary's Cathedral offers five masses each weekend and two each weekday to accommodate its parishioners' needs.

First Assembly of God bought its former building on South Sprigg for use as an extension of its children's ministry. The church moved to Mount Auburn Road almost 30 years ago, said Associate Pastor Randy Cartwright.

Average attendance is 450, Cartwright said. He attributes the church's recent growth to its pastor, Gary Brothers.

"His approach to ministry and his philosophy and techniques have attracted the (baby) boomer-age people," Cartwright said.

Trinity Lutheran Church has a membership of 1,800, said the Rev. David Dissen. Although the church is large, it doesn't have any immediate plans for expansion. The church, which celebrated its 140th anniversary last year, has been on Frederick Street since 1981.

As congregations change, churches have to use new, innovative methods to reach people.

"You don't change the message, but you change the method to keep up with the times," Cartwright said.