At least four churches have seen a rise in members and people attending meetings on Sundays.

Ministers have different opinions about why the churches have grown.

New leaders, good Bible teaching and showing how church relates to everyday life are among the reasons given.

Andy Johnston took over as leader of Christchurch Hailsham two years ago.

He said: 'We are seeing growth.

'I always count by committed members rather than just numbers on a Sunday.

'In the past 18 months we have grown from 85 adult members to 120.

'Our congregation on a Sunday is around the 150 mark.'

Hailsham Free Church had a 70-strong congregation under a year ago.
Now there are 120 people, including many teenagers.

Pastor Dennis Narine has led the church since September 2007.

He said: 'This was a church that was struggling a year ago.

'The key has been teaching the Bible.

'Several people are being baptised who have come to faith in the Lord Jesus.

'God has been blessing us greatly.'

Around 60 mums and toddlers now come to a Wednesday group at the church.

This is a dramatic increase from the 16 mums and tots who went to the
same group last September.

St Mary's Church sees 170 people through its doors each Sunday.
Rev David Bourne believed Hailsham churches were experiencing modest growth.

He said: 'Certainly at St Mary's we have seen 20 per cent growth over the last 18 months.

'It is difficult to be sure of why this is happening now and apparently going against the trend of decline.'

Rev Bourne thought new church leaders across the town had helped bolster membership numbers.

He added: 'They have come with fresh energy, a clear vision for growth and a high priority to teaching the Bible clearly and faithfully, and with relevance to today's world.

'I'm sure there may be other factors, not least the unchanging power of the gospel.'

In the last year Emmanuel Church has grown from 60 to more than 70 people.

Rev Stan Tomalin said: 'In our congregation people invite friends to come and see what they think.'