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IF PRESIDENT WASHINGTON COULD SEE US NOW
by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister
In his book, Charlotte, NC: The Global Evolution of a New South City, the story is retold that President George Washington, back in 1791, dismissed Charlotte as “a trifling place.” Of course, if the first president could see us now, he wouldn’t have the same perspective.
With a projected population of 923,164 in 2025, Charlotte is witnessing tremendous growth. Charlotte is third fastest growing city in the United States, by numeric change.
Only San Antonio and Fort Worth grew more than Charlotte since 2022. Charlotte is growing at a 1.3% annual rate. We are centrally located amidst all this growth.
Charlotte’s metro area now numbers approximately 2,321,000 inhabitants. Our city and region stand out as an attractive destination for people seeking a blend of urban living with economic and progressively minded initiatives. Metro Charlotte has now established itself as a dynamic contributor in the southeastern United States. This expanding population indicates vibrant growth and opportunities in various sectors –
INCLUDING A PROGRESSIVE ECUMENICAL CHURCH SUCH AS ST. JOHN’S.
Here are five reasons why I see the future of St. John’s to be bright.
1. Charlotte’s population is almost 50% college graduates and almost 20% post-graduate degrees. In addition, with the Wake Forest University Medical School emerging in Charlotte, the professionalism of our city will expand. Some of these people will be looking for a church that is open-hearted, open-minded, inclusive, welcoming, affirming, and encourages them to express theological depth in a shallow world. St. John’s offers this kind of faith community.
2. Increasingly, people are searching for a church that has a servant orientation. Churches that express numerous opportunities to serve the needs of this city will be attractive to professional folks. St. John’s has this approach to church life.
3. People who are new to Charlotte will need a ‘family away from family.’ As Charlotte continues to grow, there is a need to think beyond the Charlottean mindset. St. John’s is a friendly faith community. Increasing intentional structures that are relational, caring, and providing connections can provide new growth in membership. One essential initiative is to begin new groups. These groups need to be relational and can be either long-term or short-term in their orientation.
4. An outreach consciousness must be nurtured. By outreach, I mean ‘on the lookout for new members and for additional people to become involved in the life of St. John’s. We have between 400 and 500 participants connected to ministries of our church. In addition, we relate to residential partners, ministry partners, and more than 1,000 households through our Weekday School, Kindermusik, Elizabeth Community Association, and Community Basketball.
5. You are living in reality. You have made commitments and difficult decisions that allow you to focus on today’s realities with tomorrow in mind. With a ministry budget of more than $1,200,000; more than 200 giving units; an endowment of more than three million; and hundreds of members involved in congregational ministries, you are strong. Yet, you should not try to do everything. You should focus on those ministries that will help you grow in numerical strength and vitality and continue to serve the needs that you feel called to address.
If President Washington could pass through this little crossroads today, I would invite him to St. John’s. For within the life of this church, there is a depth of commitment to share your Christ’s message with Charlotte in positive language. And my oh my, how people need God’s good news today! I love you and I believe in you! Shalom!
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