by John Gross
Based on new statistics, America is creating new, dynamic churches faster than it is losing old ones. American church planters are reaching many more people than had previously been thought. According to a Nashville-based research organization, 4,000 new churches opened their doors in 2014, outpacing the estimated 3,700 that closed.
Church planting studies indicate newly planted churches are more effective than established ones at drawing in people who are not connected with a church. The research also shows that newly planted churches are well ahead of the average church in winning new people to Christ because of their focus on reaching out to the unchurched.
New churches usually meet in a rented public space such as a school or YMCA. Meeting in such locations creates an enthusiastic pioneer spirit, which significantly enhances the attendance of new churches. Focusing on outreach becomes a primary source of growth for these gatherings. These churches offer a variety of activities to encourage children and youth attendance. It is generally the goal of newly formed churches to invest in planting another church within five years.
Surveys show print and media outreach is useful, but an estimated 77 percent of church visitors say word-of-mouth and personal relationships are still the most effective method. (Facts and figures taken from LifeWay Research and an article in “The Texan”, February 2016)
Sure, church planting takes great effort and resources, but the reward of seeing the unchurched being reached should spark an excitement in each of us to be involved in a church-planting endeavor.