Develop a Discipleship System
Tailored Ministry Helps NY Church Reach 'Hidden' People
By Jan Turrentine
“We’re not a ‘community church,’” Pastor Dion Marquit says of Living Hope United Methodist Church in Waterford, New York. Yet the sense of community at Living Hope is unmistakable and strong.
Located more than a mile from Waterford’s center, the building sits on land formerly used for agriculture. Houses in the area are spread out with no sidewalks, making neighborly connections challenging. Yet people come from Waterford and nearby communities such as Troy and Halfmoon for worship, fellowship, service, and other activities.
Described as small but mighty, Living Hope United Methodist Church has long had the reputation of service to the community. A 2024 recipient of Discipleship Ministries’ One Matters Award, Living Hope makes a concerted effort to see the “hidden” people around them and tailor its ministries to better reach them and meet their needs.
One of its most visible ministries is its food pantry, which is the largest in the area. Staffed each week by close to a dozen volunteers from Living Hope and occasionally from other churches, the food pantry helps ease the burden of food insecurity for many of the area’s residents. The church has a visible presence on the waterfront of the Erie Canal, where it hosts a food truck.
An equally significant outcome of the food pantry ministry is its effect on volunteers. Their understanding of food insecurity and its causes has grown, and they have become well-informed advocates for better policies to address this and other needs of their neighbors.
“We are people who like people,” Pastor Marquit says. Church members are friendly, welcoming, and enthusiastic. They look for ways to make space for and incorporate newcomers. Living Hope is blessed with members who are mature in their faith and open to nurturing new believers. New member classes include more mature disciples and longer-term members, allowing relationships to develop and creating an atmosphere for genuine dialogue with those new to the church and the Christian faith.
Relationships often form socially over shared skills and interests, which leads visitors and new members to discover ways these activities can be used in ministry. “We’re serious about a life of humble, compassionate, loving service,” Pastor Marquit says. “We ask people how they feel called to serve and then make room for them to serve that way.”
"We’re serious about a life of humble, compassionate, loving service. We ask people how they feel called to serve and then make room for them to serve that way."
Like all churches, Living Hope has its share of challenges. One is remaining relevant for all generations. Key to meeting that challenge, Pastor Marquit believes, “is messaging that appeals to and reaches people who are longing for caring connection.” Some of that involves simple, timeless gestures like phone calls and cards.
Pastor Marquit recognizes the need to use and update technology and improve the church’s online presence to reach more people. “People tend not to notice our building because it blends into the background,” he says, so regularly changing outside signage and updating the church’s website are crucial. Worship services are live-streamed on one social media platform, but the pastor would like to move them to a different online video-sharing platform to increase visibility and accessibility. That, along with increasing lay leadership in worship services and incorporating other small changes, will encourage further interest and engagement.
Pastor Marquit and lay leaders have identified several goals for the coming year. One involves beginning outreach groups, led by pairs of laypersons, that meet in the church’s café. A relaxed and welcoming space, it offers a nonthreatening environment for those outside the church to find connection, conversation, care, and support. An outdoor firepit on the church’s property also creates a warm, welcoming space for people to gather and develop relationships.
Having long offered an annual Blessing of the Animals to the church and community, Pastor Marquit and lay leaders want to take that further. Pets are such an essential part of families’ lives, and the loss of a pet brings grief. Church leaders are learning about pet memorial services and hope to offer them soon.
“It’s all about relationships,” Pastor Marquit says. “Valuing individuals; making human connections; being willing to try new things; being approachable; chatting with folks; creating spaces for new people to land.”
People around Waterford, New York, don’t have to go far to find Jesus’ beloved community. It’s alive and well just down the road at Living Hope United Methodist Church.
Jan Turrentine is a writer and editor living in Nashville, Tennessee.
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