Finding Focus

If I asked, “Who do you want your new church to reach?” you would most likely respond, “Everyone.” While you want to share the gospel with anyone who will listen, developing a clear picture of the demographic you are targeting will help you effectively reach the most people from the start. FOCUSon the specific group to which God is calling you. Your focus population should be:

Findable
Outward-oriented
Community-based
Unreached
Specific

To find focus for your new church, ask yourself three questions:

1. Who are the key population groups living in my area?

Do some demographic research. Do not just go with what you see. If you have lived in an area for a long time, you need to examine it even more closely. Studies show that once people live in an area for a while, they do not really see the community as it is. They only see their small corner and translate that personal reality onto the whole area. Find the facts.

2. What population group is not being reached effectively?

Invariably, there are certain groups in your community who are less exposed to the gospel than others. Perhaps a housing boom has recently attracted young couples. Maybe a certain ethnic demographic has just moved in. You will effectively influence more people if you can couple your new church plant with the rising population trend of an unreached group.

3. To what population group do I best relate?

Of the varied people groups in your area, to whom do you most relate? You will best relate to people who are similar, and slightly younger, than you. You may have a heart for a different population group, but that does not mean you are called or equipped to reach them.

Your sweet spot lies at the intersection of these three questions. At The Journey, we discovered we needed to focus on the young professionals moving to Manhattan. This demographic is one we can effectively and enthusiastically reach. By learning to FOCUS, our answer was clear.

Nelson Searcy, Manhattan, New York