The New York Times published a fascinating map (click the image for larger viewing) that shows the concentration of Mega-churches across the United States.
There are just over 1,300 megachurches in the United States, according to the most recent survey by Prof. Scott Thumma at the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. These are churches that average at least 2,000 in weekly attendance. The shaded areas reflect the density of megachurches in counties across the United States, based on the most recent census figures.I'm not suggesting that only "mega-churches" can make a significant impact in a city. But, I do like Brian Houston's perspective in his The Church the I See. "The Church that I see is a Church of influence. A Church so large in size that the city and nation cannot ignore it. A Church growing so quickly that buildings struggle to contain the increase."
Agree with this perspective or not, you cannot argue with the fact that there is much work to be done. 85% of the population in the Tampa area are unchurched. Probably not much different where you live as well.
Big... small... in between... whatever. There are all kinds of ways of "doing church" but to be honest, I'm tired of "doing church". We have to get after it and start "being the Church". BTW, the Church is still God's plan for reaching the planet.
1 comment:
hey pastor dan. this really is an interesting graph here. there are two areas that really strike me one being the very populated states have a very small number of mega churches and the other being the states that have none at all (ex: colorado). I know God is working through those churches to reach the community and the world around them. But it just opens my eyes to how much more we as a whole could step up and reach the community. There is a need around us and you pointed it out about tampa region. I've come to ask the question why is it so simple for us to be eager to go to a foreign nation on a mission trip but it is so hard to step up and reach in our own community? something that struck me is familiarality. It's like we are afraid to hurt people we know. It's easy to go to another country and say you need Jesus because we have no idea who they are. A week on a missions trip is not long enough to get to know someone. Which is why it is more comfortable to introduce Jesus to them then it is to our neighbors. Stupid excuse for us to use but i know that more often then not i fall underneath that security blanket too. I had somewhere i wanted to go with it but Joey just came in and distracted me so we'll have to get together one day and talk. maybe bring this up again. peace out man. ps. i really enjoy your blog.
Post a Comment