Area churches living on a prayer
By Lauren Searson, staff writer
Posted on August 31, 2006

More JMU students practice their faiths at places of worship in Harrisonburg where churches are broadening the ways they encourage prospective members to attend.

Senior Ashleigh Hall, who attends Covenant Presbyterian, said while new students of any religious affiliation have several options within the community, she meets freshmen who don’t know where to attend. 

“When I was a freshman, I found out through word of mouth,” Hall said.  As a member of Intervarsity, she and members of other religious groups on campus help new students find their ideal church or temple and offer them transportation.

One such group is Hillel, an organization centered on Judaism. President Drew Hayes said members of the Jewish community attend the Beth El Synagogue off of Route 33, where Rabbi Joe provides services in Staunton.

“We encourage members to provide rides to services and to let us know when they are planning to attend so that people can go with them if they would like to,” Hayes said.

According to religious figures and students in the community and students, another aspect that encourages prospective attendees is the help of those already a part of the church or temple.

At Covenant Presbyterian, Hall said they have a program where students are adopted by a church family. This encourages interaction between older generations and kids within the community. 

“They make you feel welcome in the community,” she said, “and it can provide a place to get away and study.”  Adults also help lead Bible studies for small groups at JMU.

Hayes said the Jewish community belonging to his temple offers hospitality to Jewish students, such as inviting them for a home-cooked meal before an evening service during the High Holy Days.

Jack Mercer, pastor for the Harrisonburg Baptist Church, said about 100 to 200 JMU students are in attendance over a one-year period.  On a typical Sunday, 70 to 90 students attend service at HBC.

“Students are fully involved leading in worship, singing in choirs, teaching in Sunday School, helping out with youth and community service projects,” said Mercer.

Last Sunday, HBC gave out approximately 100 goodie bags containing information, a copy of Madison 101 and snacks to students. They place ads in The Breeze as well as use brochures and e-mails to get the word out to students.

“Students are encouraged to ‘join the church,’ by attending a newcomers class which tells about the church’s mission, doctrine and how HBC is organized,” he said.  From there, people can decide if HBC is right for them.

There is also an “adopt-a-student” program that allows students to be engaged in church activities without formal membership in HBC, according to Mercer.

Hall said despite methods used to get the word out, most churches or temples don’t go out of their way to advertise themselves, since they assume prospective members will come to them.

“They recognize that students aren’t here year-round. They know it is a transition period, so memberships aren’t expected,” Hall said.