Church by numbers: The McKinney First Baptist grows by 100-plus members in 2012

Heads are bowed, eyes are closed most days at The McKinney First Baptist Church, an extended family engrossed in Scripture or prayer.

If ever they glance up long enough, new faces are often there.

Growth has come quickly and uniquely for the church, which a year ago didn't even have a pastor.

"We have a church where fellowship is something very real - the friendliest church in Collin County," said Pastor Louis Rosenthal, who took over the pulpit in December 2011 after a 20-month vacancy.

Since Rosenthal's arrival, 47 families - more than 100 people - have joined the church, which sits somewhat unassumingly off Erwin Avenue on McKinney's east side. They come from around Collin County. Others listen to Sunday sermons online in 16 different countries, Rosenthal said.

"Even though we're really reaching out to the local community, the church base is probably greater than 50 percent outside this direct community," he said. "It's surprising to see how many members don't actually live in McKinney."

TMFBC, established in 1882 by Rev. A.R. Griggs as Second Baptist Church, later changed its name to First Baptist Missionary Church. A new church was built in 1894, and the church eventually took on its current name.

But the longstanding fellowship slightly faltered in April 2010, when its pastor of 17 years stepped down, leaving the congregational family without a father for nearly two years. That - and seemingly a lot more - changed last year.

The church is up from 250 to around 400 members, many of whom helped form new Bible studies, and prayer, hospitality, scouting and marriage ministries. A new youth director came on board. And the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace stewardship class, a singles ministry and health and fitness courses are on the near horizon.

Church members and local residents in need have access to an on-site Dorca's Closet, a collection of gently used clothing fit for anybody for any occasion, Rosenthal said. The church also launched a food pantry ministry.

"We've claimed about a two-mile radius of this church, and we go door-to-door, apartment-by-apartment, to let them know we're a church concerned with their total needs," he said, "their spiritual as well as their physical."

It's the former that's spurred consistent growth, he said. Systematic reading and preaching of the Bible helps reach every Sunday morning attendee. "We have the Word and we have prayer," Rosenthal said. "It's like two wings on a plane: you don't have them both, you can't fly."

Church numbers are indeed rising skyward, and others have noticed. The African-American Chamber of Commerce of Collin County awarded TMFBC "Trailblazer Church and Pastor of the Year."

Yet, Rosenthal, who said he wasn't even familiar with the award, implores it's not a numbers race. While friendly, the church is genuine, eager to help members grow spiritually, sometimes with tough love.

"We're not just going to welcome someone who's living an openly sinful lifestyle just because we want to have a large congregation. If there are certain sinful habits that exist, they're going to hear about it, but out of love for them to see what God's Word says about it," Rosenthal said. "We're going to have sermons on sin and hell just like we're going to have them on blessing and heaven."

Such sermons are reaching ears and eyes worldwide. Rosenthal mentors a church visitor who plays basketball for a European league, and who watches the sermons with friends from Bulgaria and Germany, among other places. Church software has shown sermon downloads in South Korea, Belize, Nigeria, England, Canada, China and Brazil.

"God has used us and the teachings we have here to go across the world," he said. "That is humbling, a blessing, and we praise God."

Like with many churches, there are still challenges, whether it's finances, members' commitment to the cause, or Satan, what Rosenthal calls "the greatest adversary to church growth." To overcome these and other obstacles, the church is going "back to the basics" this year - reaching out to non-believers, bringing back those who've strayed from their faith and helping mature Christians grow.

It's a mission likely to be pursued with closed eyes and bowed heads. By a family that's getting bigger by the week.

"I can't think of a single Sunday when we haven't had visitors," Rosenthal said. "We experienced something very unique in 2012."

For more information about TMFBC, visit www.tmfbc.com.

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