Growing Congregations: Tips from Maine’s UU Leaders

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Rev. Tara Humphries wearing white vestments and a rainbow stole. They are sitting down but looking at three children whose backs are facing the camera. The children are wearing pants and t-shirts, and are facing chalices. There is also a colorful wall print of three fish.

Rev. Tara Humphries at Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist

Late in December 2025, we noticed a few stories from media outlets in Maine – they noted that while Maine is considered one of the most secular states in the nation, Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations there are seeing growth. Maine is rated 49th out of 50 states in terms of its “religiousness,” according to data from the Pew Research Center. So it’s interesting to see that the UU churches in the state are experiencing an upward trend.

In Good Faith decided to go to the source to find out what’s going on in the Pine Tree State. We consulted with two of Portland’s UU ministers, Rev. Norman Allen of First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Portland and Rev. Tara Humphries of Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist, to get their perspective – and advice – on growing congregations.

Rev. Norm Allen believes that in part the current social environment in the United States explains why people are either seeking out UU churches for the first time or reverting back to them. He said that First Parish’s location in downtown Portland and visibility as a warming shelter over the last few years meant that people were aware of the church. He also said that in particular, parents who want their children to learn about the values they share with Unitarian Universalists have been seeking out the congregation.

Rev. Tara Humphries agrees. They said they’ve heard from people who were saying, “‘We’re struggling with the world, and looking for a place where we feel less alone. A place where we can get help teaching our kids our values, talking to our kids about what’s happening in the world, and where we can just be in community with other people who might not agree with us, but are trying to live the way that we are, because we’re lonely.’”

‘Doing Church Well’

Rev. Norman Allen in front of the altar at First Parish Unitarian Universalist. He is wearing a purple shirt with a rainbow stole. He is holding a microphone over his head. Several children are coming up the church aisle, with their backs facing the camera. There are several people in the pews and two other people sitting on the altar.

Rev. Norman Allen of First Parish Unitarian Universalist

Both ministers also emphasize that they believe people are looking for a “deep church experience.” “I think sometimes ministers or congregations make the mistake of thinking that they should be less churchy,” said Rev. Norm. “And I think we’re going in the opposite direction, and we’re focusing on deep spirituality. We’re not afraid of the language of church. And I think that ‘spiritual but not religious’ group of people are actually looking for what we’re offering. We’re offering deep church experience, but without the creed.”

Rev. Tara notes that empowering people is an important part of that process. “I think people are yearning to be trusted and empowered to do the meaning-making work,” they said. And specifically, they say that they see their congregants connecting to Unitarian Universalism as a whole, especially as their congregations collaborate with each other and with other denominations. “I have noticed a shift in the congregation seeing themselves as a part of something larger,” they said. “There’s a sense of spaciousness and abundance that I think is actually quite attractive.”

So what tips can they offer for growth?

Paradoxically, Rev. Tara says, “focus less on growing and more on doing church well.” Rev. Norm agrees. He says, “we need to offer resonant, relevant, deeply spiritual experiences on Sunday morning that really speak to people on a deep level. And that’s really what’s going to have people come back.”

Rev. Norm also offered that UU churches can benefit from being present in the larger community. “Have a role in the larger community, in whatever way that works for the church and the community that surrounds it. All churches can do that, can be seen as relevant to the community,” he said. And as part of that, Rev. Tara emphasizes that “congregations have to be ready and equipped” for new members.

They both agreed that churches need to know why they want to grow, that rising numbers should not be seen as the sole marker of success. “We want to grow because we want more people to benefit from what we have to offer,” says Rev. Norm.

Further Reading