Did You Know in South Carolina . . .

•  Population: 4,356,311
   
• The population is projected to increase by 5.3% between 2008 and 2013.
   
• In 2005, 22.7% of the population attended a Christian church on any given weekend. 
   
• 17.7% of the population in America attends a Christian church on any given weekend. 
   
• 43% of those attending church in South Carolina on any given weekend attend a Baptist church. 
   
• The population consists of:
  Anglos – 65.1%
  African-Americans – 28.9%
  Hispanics/Latinos – 3%
  Asians – 1%
  Native Americans/Other – 1%
   
• Hispanics are the fasting growing racial/ethnic group. The Hispanic population increased 38% from 2000 to 2005. It is projected to increase 33.8% between 2008 and 2013.  

• 298 additional churches were needed in 2005 to maintain the ratio of population to churches from 2000.  

Healthy, new congregations are a proven method of reaching new people for Jesus Christ. One estimate indicated that 60% of adults who join new congregations were not active in church membership before joining.  We can have a greater impact on South Carolina residents who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through a church planting movement. We need an extraordinary movement of God’s Spirit that will result in numerous healthy, new congregations and stronger existing congregations.

Where do we find planters?

Look around you, maybe even in the mirror! Planters from various backgrounds with various strategies are needed. Consider attending Quest! Talk to those who have planted a church and invite them to tell their story to your congregation. And pray urgently, “to the Lord of the Harvest to send out workers,” (Matt. 9:38).

Where will we find the funding?

Church planting in South Carolina is a partnership between churches, associations, our convention, NAMB, and individual Christians. We all will be involved in becoming better stewards and finding new funding streams. Some planters will be “tentmakers,” relying on another vocation for income. Other planters will volunteer to plant house churches. Existing churches will make greater commitments to help resource new planter. 

Where will the new churches be located?

The current population of unreached people is the motivation for starting a new church, not the number of churches already located in a particular community. God must lead partner churches, associations, and planters to specific locations. One way to determine local priorities is to conduct a new church probe in your region. Data from Percept (www.link2lead.com) provides information about population trends that can also influence church planting. 

Why don’t we try to strengthen existing churches?

The South Carolina Baptist Convention is investing tremendous resources and personnel to strengthen existing churches. Part of the new initiative of Experience Kingdom Life strives to partner with our churches to experience spiritual vitality, share the gospel to impact lostness, and multiply disciples. Experience has proven when an existing church partners with a new church, God strengthens both churches. 

Will all new churches be “contemporary” in style?

New churches should reflect the racial, socioeconomic, and generational diversity of the location. The question that must be asked is “Who are we not reaching?” The answers (which vary dramatically) will dictate new church strategy, methods, and main target group.

Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all
that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. 
–Ephesians 3:20