Faithful, enthusiastic, innovative – words to strive for when describing local church building programs and stewardship campaigns. At First United Methodist Church Marble Falls, faith, enthusiasm and innovation are so plentiful, this blossoming congregation is experiencing some very welcomed growing pains.  

And grow they have. In fact, First UMC Marble Falls had the largest increase in worship attendance in the Southwest Texas Conference in 2004, said Rev. Ralph Mann, Senior Pastor. “We’re focused on being a very faithful, prayer-filled congregation.” That tremendous faith keeps this church moving as it develops new programs for children and families, and continues outreach within their community.

The congregation’s steady growth over the past 10 years has nearly doubled its membership and led the church to work with the Texas Methodist Foundation to obtain a construction loan, conduct multiple capital campaigns and hold numerous educational programs for year-round stewardship emphasis.  

Mann believes a good part of his congregation’s success comes from involving the entire church in planning and practice. Whether through the energetic stewardship team’s quarterly emphasis on “prayers, presence, gifts and service,” or an older member who lifts up prayers for God’s continued guidance as the church considers its next building phase, everyone has a place in keeping this growth-oriented congregation engaged.

“They’ve got a great story to tell in Marble Falls. Their vitality has attracted others to their expanding ministry. And that results in challenges relating to space. It’s inevitable,” said David McCaskill, Senior Vice President of Loans. “We assisted with a capital campaign and building loan to create more children’s education rooms and address parking issues in 2001. But long before that, we helped them with a capital campaign to rebuild after a fire destroyed their sanctuary. It’s good to know we can be there for churches through the ups and downs they encounter.”

McCaskill also notes the Foundation’s long-term relationship with First UMC Marble Falls has helped them analyze their debt structure and keep them within safe limits so programs for ministry won’t be sacrificed to make room for more worshipers. “We realistically evaluate feasible projects for United Methodist congregations, and this church has done a great job of communicating this process to their members, so they understand what we’re doing together and how it will affect them.”

Foundation Stewardship Consultant Ed Engleking also appreciates the vibrancy and cooperative spirit of this church. “When I see a group of people excited about what’s going on in and around their church, I can’t help but share that enthusiasm. Being able to help them grow financially is more than worthwhile. But watching the spiritual growth and sharing that happens when a church pulls together to educate and support one another, that’s really something special.”

The future shines for First UMC Marble Falls, and the Foundation will continue to serve them as they approach yet another capital campaign this fall to fulfill a recently-developed 10-year building plan. Mann spoke of the relationship built between his church and the Foundation insightfully: “You have been there for us as God has been there for us.”

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