JACKSONVILLE, North Carolina--Ministers in the south aren't sure if it is the war in Iraq, "The Passion of the Christ," or something else, but they are finding more and more people want to stop and talk with them about Jesus.

"People have more questions about salvation, war and how it relates to the endtime," Evangelist Courtney Caruthers of Bell Fork Church of Christ told the Jacksonville Daily News. "We've seen a high increase (in attendance), based on those ideas, especially with people coming to the military."

For many, church is "kind of like a deer in trouble finding a peaceful source of water," he said.

It's about "knowing that wars are inevitable, but they can be stopped and life can continue with some form of enjoyment," he said.

Chris Phillips, pastor of River of Life Church, said he's also seen an increase in attendance and in general he has noticed a greater interest in spiritual things.

"International affairs, the movie 'The Passion of the Christ' has had a great impact," he said. "A lot of people are very open, and people are very receptive right now."

"We have people that come from a variety of backgrounds," Phillips said. "Some are unchurched and haven't had a background in any church growing up, and some of coming from a variety of backgrounds."

Some churches have seen a jump in attendance. Rev. Rick Moser, of Northwoods United Methodist Church attributed that to demographic trends that have been noted by others in the area as well.

"What we are seeing across the country in United Methodism is that the only places where membership seems to be growing is in the Southeast," Moser told the Daily News.

Moser said the growth has come because Baby boomers are moving south to retire and younger workers are moving south to find jobs. Both bring their faith and church attendance habits with them.

"The other thing is that people under the age of 30, they are not following the denominational lines (that people followed in the past)," Moser said. "Baptists are going to Methodist churches; Methodists are going to Baptist churches.'

Moser also said he has seen declining churches revitalized by a young and energetic pastor.

The Rev. Mike Turner of First Baptist Church said he's seen an increase in attendance and in commitment.

"We have noticed an uptick in attendance, beginning after Christmas," Turner said. "This morning was our biggest attendance ever."

About 1,650 people attended First Baptist for Easter services, he said.

Turner said he has also been able to measure increased commitment from the congregation by the larger offerings and greater numbers attending small-group Bible studies.