Develop a Discipleship System
Little Church with a Big Heart Garners One Matters Award
By Barbara Dunlap-Berg
“As a small church, you cannot do everything, but you can make people feel like they have received a hug from God,” says the Rev. Peter Lundberg, Community UMC, Oldsmar, Florida.
For a congregation of any size, 22 professions of faith, baptisms, and confirmations in one year is an accomplishment. For Community United Methodist Church in Oldsmar – a bayside city of 14,000 sandwiched between Tampa and Clearwater, Florida – it’s a reality.
Since 2016, the church has experienced significant growth.
“In 2022, our average worship attendance was 91,” the Rev. Peter Lundberg said. “We averaged around 120 from December through May 2023. In 2016, we had one child active in church activities. In 2022, we had around 20.
“Sunday mornings are all about Christ,” Lundberg continued. “Preaching is biblical and practical. We are a traditional Methodist church that has decided to stay in the denomination. We are highly unified. We move when and where we agree that the Lord is moving us.”
Social media plays a significant role, he noted.
“We average over 1,000 views of our worship service per week,” Lundberg said. That number increases fivefold at Christmas. The congregation also ministers to two underserved groups through special worship services, each drawing about 20 additional people.
“We have online devotions published Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays each week,” the pastor added. “More people watch the devotions than the services.”
The menu for success includes a big serving of innovation.
“We equip our leaders and constantly reach out,” Lundberg said. “To be effective, we are open to [change]. We minister to all demographics.”
He credits online ministries, special children’s programs, worship nights, and all-church Bible studies with attracting newcomers and lapsed members alike.
The church building is a beehive of activity.
“We have something going on most days of the week,” Lundberg said. The church offers fellowship groups for women, men, and at-home participants; a Wednesday night, all-church Bible study; Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon meetings; and community-service programs. Community UMC founded and remains a key player in Oldsmar Cares, a nonprofit organization.
Collaborating with other congregations is integral to Community UMC.
Clergy across Oldsmar meet regularly and collaborate on Easter morning services. “We have been the coordinating church for this,” Lundberg said. “The pastors are all friends, and we work together well.”
"Make certain your worship services are building enthusiasm and commitment to Christ. As a small church, you cannot do everything, but you can make people feel like they have received a hug from God."
Even COVID-19 lockdowns didn’t break Community’s spirit.
“Children’s ministries were restarted without children about two years ago,” Lundberg recalled. “We have around 20 active children with some reach-out ministries drawing many more (65 for vacation Bible school and 200 for the Back to School Bash). We are expanding from Sunday mornings to Tuesdays after school to begin children’s clubs.”
Ministries to underserved populations are essential. For example, Community UMC was a regular part of last year’s “Second Friday Reach Out” sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Oldsmar.
How does the congregation welcome the stranger?
“Because we are small, we know who attends,” Lundberg explained. “We want to welcome, but not overwhelm. Most people are brought by friends and family.” He telephones and visits newcomers and members and often involves others in these tasks. Recently, the church administrator began visiting older adults and shut-ins.
“We move together,” Lundberg said. “More people are involved in services. We work as a team.”
What words of wisdom or advice would he offer other congregations?
“Make certain your worship services are building enthusiasm and commitment to Christ,” Lundberg encouraged. “As a small church, you cannot do everything, but you can make people feel like they have received a hug from God.
“Be thankful for everything God does, even the small things,” he added. “God allows us to participate in the work of Christ. That participation is an amazing privilege.”
Every year, Discipleship Ministries partners with Annual Conferences by offering the One Matters Award to one eligible congregation at each annual conference. The award, consisting of a commemorative plaque and a check for $1,000, is delivered to the congregation during the annual conference session.
Dunlap-Berg is a freelance writer and editor in Carbondale, Illinois.
Contact Us for Help
View staff by program area to ask for additional assistance.