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In This Issue:
U.S. BY THE NUMBERS
& YOUR CONGREGATION
Is the average age of your
congregation getting older? The entire U.S. is getting older.
In 1990 the U.S. median age was 22.9 and today it is 36.5 and
rising as 77 million baby boomers begin turning 60. By 2030
20% of the U.S. will likely be over the age of 65.
Is the population in your
area declining? While the total U.S. population has increased
in every U.S. census and the total population has exceeded 300
million, now more than one-half live in the south and west.
The five fastest growing states from 1990 to 2000 were: Nevada,
Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Idaho.
Is the population in your
area more diverse? Over 1/2 of the last 100 million in population
increase are 1st or 2nd generation immigrants. The foreign-born
immigrant population has increased in every state since 1990.
The best predictor of denominational growth is "birthrate"
rather than "immigration growth" or "population
growth".
More Data:
- The percentage of new people (members less
than 5 years) in congregations is roughly the same regardless
of congregational size. (from 31% to 35%)
- More than 1/2 of all U.S. congregations
were formed after 1945.
- People join church in similar percentages
at every stage of life.
- In 1960, 1/2 of U.S. households had children
in them. Today, less than 1/3 do.
This data was shared from research
shared by C. Jeff Woods, Associate General Secretary for Regional
Ministry of ABCUSA.
Discussions in church based
visioning groups would find this data helpful as it has definite
implications for ministry and mission.
Arlo R. Reichter
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ABC BIENNIAL/CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION
June 29-July 2, 2007
Washington, DC
"Arise & Shine"
Isaiah 60:1
Information is available at:
www.abc-usa.org
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BLACK C. E. CONFERENCE
April 19-21, 2007
Columbus, OH
Register NOW at: www.makingnewconnections2007.org
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MARCH
PRAYER FOCUS:
Church:
Community
Honey Creek
Pastor:
Jane Mathison
Spouse: Jeff
Began 11/02
Spouse: Jeff
Jane is also ABC/WI Director of Camping Ministries
as of 1/07
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HOW MUCH?
How much support was provide in the form of grants
to seminarians for the winter 2007 semester?
-$15,000.00 (13 students received grants)
How much financial support will ABC/WI provide
to campus ministries in 2007?
-$8,000 (Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire & La Crosse)
THE AMERICA FOR CHRIST
OFFERING
SUPPORTS THESE MINISTRIES
Thank You!
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