New Church

Why Plant Churches in North America?

Statistics:

According to Barna Research, roughly 100 million Americans are classified as unchurched, meaning they haven’t attended a religious service of any kind in the last 6 months.  In addition, if the unchurched population of the United States was its own nation, it would be the 12th most populated nation on the planet. (Barna, 2007)

Important Facts:

•North America is the only continent on which the church is not growing.

•Church planting is the most effective way to reach the unreached.

•New churches help keep up with rapid population growth.

•New churches are more likely to enlist people in Kingdom Advancement through planting other churches.

Why Plant a Church in Winston-Salem?

Despite the nation’s worst recession in decades, longer-term local trends indicate that Winston-Salem has reasons for optimism.  Factors including steady population growth, an economy strong in health care and professional services, an esteemed educational system, an affordable housing market, a low cost of living, a revitalized downtown, and a high quality of life provide Winston-Salem with a solid foundation for future growth.

Area Advantages and Amenities:

•Winston-Salem has two large medical centers with more than 20,000 employees, providing world-class care to the region.  Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center ranks as fourth-highest in the nation in annual royalty and licensing income, and has around 1,000 active research studies and $190 million in outside research support.

•The Piedmont Triad area boasts more than 20 universities, colleges and technical schools with more than 50,000 students.

•FedEx built a new Mid-Atlantic hub at the Piedmont Triad International Airport (opened in June 2009), only 20 minutes from Winston-Salem.

•Winston-Salem and the Piedmont Triad are known for an exceptional and affordable quality of life.  Situated only an hour from the mountains and three hours from the North Carolina coastline, the area is also host to NCAA sports action, numerous arts festivals, museums, a revitalized downtown and much more.

Winston-Salem, a Thriving Technology City:

•Winston-Salem named as One of the Top Seven Intelligent Communities of the Year (2008) by the Intelligent Community Forum

•Winston-Salem Ranked #2 on List of Top Digital Cities by the Center for Digital Government and the National League of Cities

•Winston-Salem Appeared on Forbes’ List of the Best Places for Business and Careers (2009) and on Fortune Small Business Magazine’s List of the Best Places to Live and Launch (2008)

•North Carolina Ranked as #1 Top Business Climate in US (2008) by Site Selection Magazine