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Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Demographics

Demographic Data for Effective Church Planting

Since 2001, New Church Ministry has used demographic data provided by Percepts, Inc. to determine ideal sites for New Church Planting.

Historical Population Shift

  • 1950 U.S. Population was: 50% Rural, 50% Urban
    Disciples Congregations: 50% Rural, 50% Urban
  • 2005 U.S. Population is 80% Urban, 20% Rural  
    Disciples Congregations: 50% Rural, 50% Urban
  • 65 % of U.S. Population does NOT live within close driving distance of a DISCIPLES congregation!

Geographical Considerations

  • Currently our numeric strength is in our fertile crescent of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Texas - 1,511 congregations, which represents 41% of our 3,700 congregations
  • Our new church crescent is in the Sunbelt of Florida, Southwest, Pacific Southwest and Arizona, these four regions represent 190 new churches or 41% of new churches.

Data for Determining Ideal Church Plant Sites

  • Population density
  • Growth rate
  • Racial diversity
  • Socio-economic factors
  • Faith receptivity

Other Sources of Information

  • School district data
  • County planners office
  • Windshield tours
  • Coffee shop conversations
  • Interviews with area pastors

Target Sites By:

  • Geography - ideal site is an area where there is no Disciples presence and population density and projected growth rate is in the top 10% of the region.
  • Affinity - seeks to reach population segments that are united by specific characteristics, ages, interests or social realities.
  • Ethnicity - seeks to respond to the growing ethnic diversity of our country, reaching out to immigrant populations and ethnic groups desiring to worship in their cultural context.
About NCM
Our vision is to ignite the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in all expressions, as individuals, regions and general ministries, to become passionately involved in birthing, nurturing, engaging and encouraging sustainable new churches in as many ways as possible.