Washington D. C.
The seat of government for the United States, Washington, D.C., is a home to some of the most powerful and influential men and women on the planet. American history comes to life here, and new advancements are happening every day. From embassies to landmarks, universities to museums and restaurants to parks, the institutions and amenities draw people from every race and background. But a closer look reveals this population is also dealing with problems such as crime, poverty and hopelessness. If you want to reach the nations with the message of life abundant in Jesus Christ, the nation’s capital is a good place to start.
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6,264,098Population |
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1:8,786SBC Church-Population Ratio |
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62Active SEND Church Planters |
Washington, D.C., is known as a worldwide hub of influence and the nerve center for U.S. policy and politics. Considered one of the most globally diverse cities in the world, people from across the globe live, work, study and represent their home countries in America’s capital city. But there’s more to the city than the powerful and educated elite who call it home.
Inside the city you’ll find the other extreme. D.C. consistently ranks in the top 10 of cities having the highest population of homelessness. Marked by crime and poverty, the area has become an increasingly difficult place to live for many residents.
The needs are great. Reaching the diverse population in the D.C. area requires overcoming barriers of affluence and poverty, language and culture and the darkness of spiritual liberalism and indifference.
Currently, there are only 700 active Southern Baptist congregations working to reach 6,162,244 people living in D.C. and its surrounding suburbs. This means there is only one Southern Baptist congregation for every 8,803 people.
“There are very few gospel-centered churches in the city compared to the population size,” explains Washington, D.C.’s Send City missionary Clint Clifton. “As you venture into the suburbs, there are a greater number of these churches, but with the population exploding, we can’t keep up. Our churches are dying faster than they’re being planted.”
The evangelical population in D.C. is only 12.5 percent. But a number of planters, pastors and partners hope to see this number increase and lives transformed significantly through church planting and evangelism efforts. We are working diligently to see more churches planted and more people developing a personal relationship with Jesus.
If we can reach Washington, D.C., we can reach the world.
From planting a church to partnering with those already on mission in Washington, D.C., you and your church can make a difference; connect with us to learn how.