Spiritual Landscape
Roughly 48% of Columbians identify as Christian, but even a cursory look beneath the surface reveals a bleaker picture.
Nearly half of the those who identify as Christian identify with a denomination that offers a gospel deeply corrupted by legalism (Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, Church of Christ, etc.) Even those who identify as religious still need to be reached with the Good News recovered during the reformation: that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Of course, we haven’t even gotten to 52% of folks who identify with the religious “nones” – those who claim no religious affiliation. These folks obviously need to be reached with the good news of Jesus. This need is heightened by what we have already seen about of the church in Columbia- it’s witness to the Good News of Jesus is muddled by so many “churches” that are proclaiming the message of Jesus to be something else entirely.
The people of Columbia- both the religious and irreligious- need churches that faithfully proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ finished work for us.
Growth
The current need is only going to expand due to the city’s growth. The metro Nashville area has been expanding for years, and that growth is spilling out into the surrounding counties. Columbia is the county seat of Maury County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. It has become a destination for those who want more space and lower housing costs than the city and the immediate suburbs can offer.
Being on the ground in the city bears this out. New homes are going up everywhere. A new regional conference center is under construction. Older areas of town are being revitalized and repurposed.
What God is already doing
It seems that God is already at work on this church plant in Columbia. Grace Reformed Church (our planting church) has had several families from Columbia reaching out in search of a biblically faithful church in their city. We have also learned of an exceptional venue desiring to have a church use their facility free of charge. This was happening before this plant ever crossed our minds.
We believe in aligning and submitting ourselves to what God is doing, not trying to bend Him to our desires. Not only is there a need in Columbia, but it seems that the Lord is already on the move.
So why Columbia?
The need is great.
The need is growing.
The Lord is already working.