The Church of the Revolving Door

The following observations are based our December 2001 directory

31% = Kansas State University students.

19% = KSU faculty, staff and their families.

12% = Fort Riley military personnel and dependents.

36% = Long-term adult population

21% = graduated, transfered or moved in 2001 (58 people)

33% = new to Manhattan church in 2001 (108 people)

18% = total increase in 2001 (50 people)

10% = KSU students new to the Manhattan church in 2001

The church functions under the oversight of six elders

Fourteen deacons serve the church through various forms of involvement, outreach and support ministries

The church staff consists of three ministers and three part-time support staff positions

83% of the residents of Manhattan are under 45 years of age. As both a university and military congregation, the average age of the Manhattan church is far below national averages

The story of a Family of the move

Maybe the Army moved the Thomas Quinn family to Fort Riley. If so, that may only be incidental (or instrumental) to the certainty that God moved the Quinn family to the Manhattan church. They immediately connected with the church family and quickly became involved. In less than a month, Tom's wife Megan was already in the foyer on Sunday morning, serving as a greeter.

Bless her heart, Megan didn't even know the names and faces of the long-term members yet. Still confused about who's who, she kept greeting and introducing herself ... to members of the church of course ... but also to a stream of newcomers and visitors.

Afterward, I patted her on the shoulder and said, "Megan, you've been here three weeks now. You're not the new family anymore." Wide-eyed with amazement, she replied, "I know ... I don't know how you do it."

Megan was referring to the task of keeping track of so many new faces, new names, and new souls that God keeps sharing with us. And that part of our ministry is an incredible challenge, but it is also a phenomenal blessing. We have learned to thrive on the vision and purpose of Equipping God's People to Serve as His Kingdom throughout the World. So if you are one of the transient newcomers in our area, don't worry about being a short-timer. We will welcome you with God's love. For as long as you are with us, you have a place and a purpose.


Footnote: The Quinn family stayed at Fort Riley for two years (2000-2001). For twenty-one months, Thomas served as deacon of military involvement.