New in Town - Want to start a new church (Charleston: neighborhood, camps)

[churchplanter]

My wife, 2 year old and unborn little girl are considering moving to the Charleston area to start a new church. We have been there a few times and love it but don't know enough about the different areas of Charleston.

We would be looking to start a church focused on 25-35 year olds who are married and have younger children. Does this sound like any particular area?

If it helps to know the style of the church: We would have "Coldplay/U2" style music, use lots of current media (i.e. up to date graphics, videos, etc) and teaching that is conversational instead of preachy.

People have said that the best areas for a church like this would be Mt. Pleasant or James Island. We are interested in both and would like to know what specific parts (major intersections or area of town) of these areas would be more conducive to this demographic. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

[OleTomCat]

Sir didn't you start this thread once already? With pretty much the same information?

[churchplanter]

I did but there is more specific info on it now. Also no one responds after a couple days.

[beachme]

Anywhere in Mount Pleasant would be fine. People of all ages live in each neighborhood.

[fqtravlr]

Well, I could tell you the same thing I told you a few days ago, but I'll just say, use the internet. There is a vast amount of information out there. Use it.

[pcamps]

Originally Posted by churchplanter

My wife, 2 year old and unborn little girl are considering moving to the Charleston area to start a new church. We have been there a few times and love it but don't know enough about the different areas of Charleston.

We would be looking to start a church focused on 25-35 year olds who are married and have younger children. Does this sound like any particular area?

If it helps to know the style of the church: We would have "Coldplay/U2" style music, use lots of current media (i.e. up to date graphics, videos, etc) and teaching that is conversational instead of preachy.

People have said that the best areas for a church like this would be Mt. Pleasant or James Island. We are interested in both and would like to know what specific parts (major intersections or area of town) of these areas would be more conducive to this demographic. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

I would point you to seeking the Lord first , the sons of God are led by the Spirit of God . Why there are so many Churches here already is something i have never really understand.

[churchplanter]

Thanks for everyone's help now and on the last post. This is the scariest and most exciting thing I have ever thought about doing so I am trying to gather as much info as possible. You guys are more helpful than you know since I am not there and not able to see the area for myself.

pcamps: I totally agree with you. My wife and I have been praying about Charleston (and some other places) for a while. I grew up in the South and am pretty familiar with the Bible Belt mentality of everyone goes to church every Sunday no matter what. My problem with it was that it never really seemed to matter that much to anyone throughout the week (or sometimes even when they were there). I want to start a church for people who have never experienced church before or, at the very least, have grown tired of going through the spiritual motions. I want to be a part of a church that is focused on helping its local community and creating a place where people connect with each other on a real level. I don't know if that kind of church exists where you live but I feel like there should be more of them both in Charleston and all over the world.

I know that this was a bit of a ramble but we have been asking ourselves and God the question "Does Charleston need another church?" We think the answer is yes.

[pcamps]

Not sure if the Church you describe exists here in the Charleston area or not though i would say the Cathedral of Praise in North Charleston and the other Church mentioned on the other thread you created, are similar in they use a contemporary music style and meet together outside of the traditional Sunday morning service .
There are a lot believers, delusioned and otherwise out there who do not go to Church meetings at all , infact there are thousands who don't .
These are the people who need to be reached in my opinion and as much as i like contemporary music , it will not draw them back into fellowship, only one thing will, "the true gospel".
Exposing the Greatest Lie Ever Told

[moneill]

I think that all churches -- new ones, traditional ones, etc. are seeing a drastic decline in their congregations and most importantly -- in their financial pledges. This may not be the best time to try and start a new church economically.

Oh I know -- sounds callous but I have been on the financial council for a church that has over 3,000 registered families...it isn't pretty when economic times are tough.

[moneill]

Wednesday night is almost more important than Sunday for some of these 'non-denominational religions'.