LifeWay Research group recently surveyed churches throughout the United States to determine the growth and state of churches. Each year they release a list highlighting the top 100 fastest growing churches in America. Lifeway Research confirmed Wednesday that First United Methodist Church made the list as one of America’s fasting growing churches in the category of churches under 1,000 in worship.

LifeWay is a leading research organization on the state of churches in America. Their president, Ed Stetzer has written dozens of books with his research helping churches around the globe. Each year, Stetzer and Lifeway reveal the largest and fastest growing churches in America in Outreach Magazine, which includes all denominational and non-denominational churches combined. Lifeway has been in contact with First Untied Methodist of Sikeston since March, according to Brad Aycock, worship coordinator at the church.

On Stetzer’s December 14th blog, he released the list of some of the fastest growing churches in America that have under 1000 in worship. First UMC Sikeston is the most rural and oldest (years in existence) church on the list - founded in 1867.
                
"To be considered on this list is quite an honor, especially when you compare our location and years in existence to the other churches," says Aycock. Three Missouri churches made the top 100 list of churches that have over 1000 in worship - The Journey in St. Louis, Faith Church in St. Louis, and Element Church in Wentzville. Two Missouri churches also made the "Under 1000" list - Restore Church in Kansas City and First United Methodist Church in Sikeston. Sikeston showed a growth percentage of just over 39% over 2010 and ranked 8th on the list.

"The reason this is important to us is because we believe the local church is the hope of the world. These numbers mean that more people are beginning a relationship with Jesus, in turn they are positively impacting their families, their communities, and our world by putting their faith in action," adds Aycock. According to Stetzer, over 8 out of 10 churches in America are either declining or dying. "Where there is an absence of a vibrant church in a community, there could be an absence of hope for the people there. Everyone needs hope," concludes Aycock.

Links of Interest

• Lifeway List
• FUMC-Sikeston