Church Buzz

Pastor Jeff Kersey has just begun his 25th year at Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church in Lexington. In that time, the church has grown from a small country church to a 4,500 member dynamo for the Lexington community. In 1994, they drew people from 2 zip codes. Now it is 65 zip codes with 2,400 worshipers. If you suggest that he is responsible, he will quickly correct you by quoting from Pastor Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life,” “It’s not about me,” Kersey said. He explained there are 4 key reasons for the growth:

• A dynamic prayer program

• People willing to grow and change

• Commitment to youth/ children

• Continuing growth in missions When he arrived at Mt. Horeb, he realized that great schools attracted many to Lexington. It stood to reason that they wanted a great church for their children. His budget for youth activities was $250 – too small to do much. He requested a part-time youth minister. When church leaders wouldn’t approve the expense, Pastor Jeff and his wife paid for one out of their own pockets, with the help of friends and family. He says they made the right choice. In 1995 they started “5th Quarter,” a Friday night activity after high school football games. The youth activity snowballed. Another factor was his belief that they should be a praying church. Members pray for everything: the weekend, the staff, the sermon, the confirmation process and each other. He believes that prayer is responsible for greatly exceeding their financial goal in their first capital campaign. He said that God showed his power because of their dedication to prayer. Another factor is their “Team” preaching concept. He and 4 other pastors cover 4 Sunday services. All of them preach on the same topic, but he wants them to use their own style, examples and illustrations. It all makes a great success story. Pastor Jeff wants to celebrate and thank those who were attending Mt. Horeb when his family first arrived in 1994. An appreciation dinner is planned in August. Check our Go Page for details later.

Got a church or mission you want me to know about? Call 803-359-7633 or email chuck1946@hotmail.com