Why Wichita?
That question is often asked when discussing our cities’ need for new churches. However, when you dig into the rising spiritual needs of Wichita it becomes clear that we need more churches. For instance, of the approximately 500,000 people, roughly 53% claim no religious affiliation. Furthermore, according Barna’s city report: while Wichita has a slightly lower percentage of “unchurched” compared to other US cities, it also has a lower percentage of those who are “practicing their faith” compared to the US average. This is especially true of the over 200,000 who are between the ages of 18-35. Therefore, while many of our people may know the name of Jesus and even have some connection with a church, they do not personally know Jesus and are not practicing their faith in a local church.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 says, "...if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." So, in Wichita, we do not have a bunch of "un-churched" but instead a large number of "de-churched". The idols of "business equals godliness" and "good works will get me to heaven" abound in our city. Gospel Life Church must show the people of Wichita the way to authentic life in Christ.
The Need for Church Planting
“A vigorous and continuous approach to church planting is the only way to guarantee an increase in the number of believers, and is one of the best ways to renew the whole body of Christ.”
“Planting new churches is the most effective evangelistic methodology known under heaven. ”
“I think this is the way God has spread the fame of his name and the glory of the gospel since he poured out the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The gospel spreads through people who plant churches that plant churches.”