By Anne White
While many churches across the United States face declining attendance and shrinking congregations, Christ Church here in Greenwich is an exception, bucking the trend with growing numbers and dynamic programming. Nationally, participation in traditional religious services has seen a downturn, with a Gallup poll revealing that U.S. church membership dropped below 50% for the first time in 2021, a decline that has continued into 2024 according to The Wall Street Journal . Despite these statistics, Christ Church is thriving, drawing established members and new families, children, and a diverse community into its red doors each week.
Community engagement, particularly through programs like “Messy Church,” attracts families with young children, offering an informal, hands-on service that blends music, storytelling, and interactive worship. Rev. Marek Zabriskie noted that the program is a “big hit,” designed to engage children in worship while acknowledging that “every family is messy in its own way.” Originating from an initiative by a vicar’s wife in England, the service’s success in making church accessible and relevant for families has spread worldwide.
Christ Church’s commitment to a robust music program is another cornerstone of its thriving community. The church boasts one of the most respected music ministries in the Episcopal Church, with offerings for all ages, including its renowned chorister program. During a 90th- anniversary celebration of choral singing, Jamie Hitel, the Director of Music, emphasized the program’s impact on young participants, calling it essential for “character building and fellowship, as well as for musical training and service to Christ.” Hitel highlighted that the program has shaped countless children, allowing them to use music to connect with others in times of “joy, sorrow, thanksgiving, repentance, and celebration.” The church’s voice training initiatives are regarded as some of the best in the nation.
Adding to the church’s appeal is its impressive new organ, built by Harrison & Harrison, which symbolizes a significant investment in musical excellence. Jonathan Vaughn, associate music director, described the new instrument as “revelatory,” explaining that its 4,600 pipes provide a variety of tones that support the voice rather than overpower it. He shared that the organ’s design allows the sound to be directed to different parts of the church, enhancing the acoustic experience for both choir and congregation.
Christ Church’s growth is also evident in its reimagined Courage & Faith series, which draws new and returning members by exploring the intersections of faith, music, and art. Last weekend’s event, “Songwriting and Faith: Maggi Dawn in Conversation and Music with Rob Mathes,” reflects this commitment. Mathes, an acclaimed musician known for his work with Bruce Springsteen and Sting, has deep ties to Christ Church, where he experienced “so many extraordinary things” throughout his life, including arranging music for Maya Angelou and performing with Mavis Staples within the church’s sanctuary.
The church’s innovative approach ex tends to contemporary worship services like “Joyful Noise,” also led by Mathes, which features a mix of rock, blues, and jazz influences. “We’ve created something unique here,” Mathes said, noting that the service “breaks down barriers and lets people experience worship in a way that’s accessible, lively, and real.” The service, which has drawn over 200 attendees since its launch, offers an alternative to traditional Episcopal worship, catering to diverse preferences.
Rev. Zabriskie attributes the church’s continued vibrancy to its welcoming nature and commitment to inclusivity. During the church’s 275th anniversary celebration, he remarked that Christ Church is “one of only five or ten Episcopal churches in this country this old, this large, that are rapidly growing.” He connected the church’s historical roots to its modern success, explaining that “when our parish was founded in 1749, Princeton University was three years old”.
Christ Church’s success seems to stem from an exceptional leadership team that has cultivated a culture of innovation and community engagement. Their approach to worship balances modern practices with tradition, creating an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ages. As Zabriskie expressed, “We believe in reaching out and being inclusive,” making Christ Church a place where people “find connection, and explore their faith in a supportive environment.” The church’s welcoming atmosphere, combined with its dynamic programming and strong leadership, continues to attract new members, making it a notable exception during a time of declining church participation.
