The need. Cabarrus county grew by 75K people in the last 15 years, and the number of churches barely changed. No more than 20% of Cabarrus county regularly “attends” a church, and the most generous stats point to another 20% present from once a year once a month. And even if you planted 10 new churches this year with over 100 each to start – you still get around 147K people not part of any church. Bottom line: you have fewer churches per person available at the same time a person is least likely to go to church.
What an opportunity! As Tim Keller famously wrote: we plant churches because
- it’s Jesus’ call in the great commission and carried out in the New Testament pattern;
- it’s the best way to reach the new to church, new generations, and new residents;
- it offers a renewal impulse to whole body of Christians in a town, city, or region.
Why plant a church? Because we are a missionary faith that seeks to invite, welcome, and love people as they discover and live out their place in God’s story. You and me and all our neighbors were made to enjoy union with God in Christ Jesus. One more disciple, leader, and church at a time.
We want to see every man, woman, and child in Cabarrus county enjoying Jesus and serving him in their heart, homes, and whole life–wherever they live, learn/work, and play.