"Marketing research has proven invaluable for Wooddale," White said. "It supports the idea that our congregation is our best marketing tool. When people like what's happening here, they bring their friends and neighbors. Then we get more people."

It's obvious people like what's happening at Wooddale Church. Since its move in July, 1984, from the city of Richfield nine miles west to Eden Prairie, the attendance has increased by more than 50%. An average 1,600-1,700 people attend the church's three Sunday morning services, of which 25-30 each Sunday are first-time visitors.

The congregation's size is one factor that has allowed it to build a $4.2 million facility, which represents the first two of four eventual phases. Members not only raise the nearly $1 million needed to cover Wooddale's annual operating budget but also an additional $350,000 each year for missions. Along with the church's physical expansion, there has been an equally impressive implementation and expansion in the number of support groups, classes and church-related functions.

The seeds of Wooddale's growth in all of these areas can be attributed to some preliminary work done long before any dirt was dug or cement was laid on the plot of land where the church building now stands. It began in 1982 when a nationally-known marketing research company, in consultation with the church's administration, conducted a two-part marketing research study. The study consisted of telephone surveys and focus group sessions, both of which helped to find out what the people in the community were like and how best their needs could be met.

A long screening process went into developing the distinctive Wooddale Church logo. It represents the letter "W" for some people; for others, Christ's outstretched arms, but for most it signifies a butterfly. Because the butterfly undergoes metamorphosis, the symbol is appropriately accompanied by the w...