New church-start, country church, mission church, urban church.  None of these labels fits Bulverde United Methodist Church and the dynamic activities taking place there.  Bulverde UMC began in 1979, but just recently started expanding quickly, due largely to new homes being built in this Hill Country area.  Because of the many families who work in San Antonio but seek community in Bulverde, this church experienced an annual growth rate of 18 percent in the past seven years and is now worshiping around 800.

Most new members are families with young children, many not raised in the church and unfamiliar with how church life is financed.  The congregation asked the Texas Methodist Foundation for assistance with stewardship education, through both annual and capital campaigns.

During its first capital campaign church members responded with pledges of $540,000 allowing them to construct their Children and Youth Building.  A second capital campaign, also guided by the Foundation, continued in 2001.  So far, $880,000 has been pledged toward financing a much-needed multipurpose facility designed primarily for contemporary worship services.  The loan for this Family Life Center, which can also be used as a gym and includes a kitchen, was financed by the Foundation.

“Our tremendous growth is outpacing the understanding of stewardship,” said Senior Pastor Mark Deaton.  “The Foundation has been a tremendous partner in guiding the church through a theologically sound program of giving.”

Bulverde UMC continues its stewardship emphasis through new member and leadership classes.  Although challenges come with any young congregation, this laity-led church lacks the barrier of having to do things “the way they’ve always been done.” With a mission of being ministers in new and different ways, this congregation may have found a label:  a regional church creating a welcoming, grace-filled community of Christ.

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