For Molly Dever who grudgingly began attending Waters Edge in October 2011 at the urging of her sister and brother-in-law and then stayed of her own accord, the Waters Edge worship experience is a far cry from the Catholic church she grew up hating to attend. Describing what is different at Waters Edge, she says, “The atmosphere there. The music. Stu’s energy is off the charts. You want to listen to him. He just captures your attention, which is amazing.”
But more than that, she says prior to coming to Waters Edge, “I didn’t know I was supposed to have a relationship with God. I didn’t understand [the Bible] at all. I was definitely exploring other not religions, but spiritualities. I knew there was something more in life, but I couldn’t make up my mind.”
The changes in her life resulting from joining a church that focuses on the Bible led to her baptism in May 2012. “I had been baptized as a baby, but I decided to do it for myself because I just felt so strongly connected, that I had a relationship with God that I never had before.”
“The word has gotten out that this is a place to come for practical teaching,” says Horton. The simplicity of the message is a big draw. Additionally, she says the huge emphasis on inviting has led to growth.
“We are a church that has been successful at reaching unchurched people,” notes Hodges. “When you reach unchurched people, they reach other unchurched people.”
The son of a Southern Baptist Convention pastor, Hodges says he grew up around preachers who looked, acted and talked the same. But around 15 years ago he was exposed to churches on the cutting edge—Willow Creek, North Point, Fellowship, LifeChurch.tv. “[These churches and pastors] really gave me permission to think outside the typical church box. They gave me permission to be ‘me’ in ministry.”
In addition managing church growth space-wise, Hodges also notes the importance of staying ahead of the curve on staff structure. He says Waters Edge made a significant change to staff structure as it added the third campus, which he thinks has set the church up for success.
WATERS EDGE CHURCH Yorktown, Va.
Lead Pastor: Stuart Hodges
Twitter: @StuHodges
Website: WatersEdgeChurch.net
Founded: 2003
Affiliation: Southern Baptist
Locations: 3
Attendance: 3,594
Growth in 2012: +616 (21%)
Fastest-Growing: 45
