Grove City breaks attendance records for Nazarenes

GROVE CITY, Ohio--For the first time in the history of the Nazarene church a North American congregation has broken the 3,000 weekly average attendance barrier. Bob Huffaker, pastor of the Grove City, Ohio Church of the Nazarene, one of the Church of the Nazarene's "mega" congregations, told NCN News his congregation is now averaging 3,142 per week.

Easter Sunday attendance was 8,646 over five services. Huffaker said 628 people made decisions for Christ during their Easter pageant.

"Everything is geared to outreach and evangelism," said Huffaker. Grove City's pageant was "Send us the Promise," written, produced and directed by Randy Hisey, a member of the congregation. According to Huffaker, more than 17,000 people attended the seven presentations.

When Huffaker was asked about the future trajectory of Grove City, he spoke of the potential for reaching 5,000 people every Sunday.

He noted the investment of the church in a state-of-the-art preschool facility. With more than 56,000 square feet, the facility boasts a Wacky World theme decoration (done by Disney artists), an indoor playground, and a massive food court. According to Huffaker, this facility represents the eighth building program at the Grove City Church since his arrival as senior pastor.

Huffaker also noted that an advisory group of more than a dozen Nazarene District Superintendents and USA/Canada Mission/Evangelism Department Director Tom Nees will meet June 7 to discuss ways this growing congregation can help other church leaders.

For more information on the Grove City Church of the Nazarene, visit their web site at www.grovecitynazarene.org.