Why Church Planting in Greenville?

Why do we need another church in the Upstate?

As we began asking the question, “Where should we plant?” we prayed that God would unite our hearts toward the type of city to which we should give our lives  for the sake of the Gospel.  God answered this prayer in his call for us to plant a church in the upstate of South Carolina; an area ripe for planting due to several critical characteristics:

The Need

Approximately 1.3 million people live in the 13 counties which comprise the Upstate of South Carolina.  Statistics show that Greenville County, the largest in this area, is experiencing some of the fastest growth in the state.  As of July 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Greenville County to be around 379,616.  In January 2009, the population was estimated to be around 427,000 people.  Between 1992 and 2002, Greenville county experienced over 160 million dollars in new residential construction and an additional 100 million dollars in renovations in the city’s older neighborhoods.

The Churches

Within Greenville County, 20 percent (or 83,433 people) of the population is actively involved in a local church.  This means that 80 percent (or 333,733 people) are not connected to a local church.  In addition, there are currently only 278 Evangelical churches attempting to reach all 417,166 people.  Thus, for the entire population to be reached with the message of the gospel and integrated into a local church, each church would have to average approximately 1,500 people.

The Movement

Greenville County is ripe for church planting, and there are many individuals and churches recognizing the immense need that lies in this area.  The fact that there are people seeking to plant Biblically faithful churches in the upstate will allow us to partner with other churches in the area for the purpose of reaching every man, woman, and child.  From 1990 to 2000, there was a net gain of 88 churches in Greenville county; however, a net gain of 249 churches was needed to keep pace with the population growth of the county during those same years.  

The Corporations

With more than 250 international firms, the upstate boasts the highest international investment per capita in the nation.  Greenville county alone has brought in more than 6.5 billion dollars in new capital investment in the past ten years. Projections indicate that the population will continue to grow at a rapid rate as corporations continue to invest and create new jobs in the area.

The Universities

Within Greenville County there are 9 local universities and one university center. These institutions fuel Greenville County with a young, vibrant, intellectual climate that will serve to provide future leaders for corporations, government, churches, etc.  This also provides a great opportunity for the local church to impact young men and women at such pivotal points in their lives and, in so doing, see renewal brought to the largest centers of intellect, arts, and culture in our state.