Considering a move - Starting a church (Charleston, North Charleston: homes, college) - South Carolina (SC) -Charleston - North Charleston - Mt. Pleasant - Summerville - Goose Creek - City-Data Forum

churchplanter · 02-12-2009, 02:15 PM

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.

I know this isn't a lot to go on but any feedback we can get would be helpful. There are a lot of little pockets of communities in the Charleston area and since we are local its hard to get a grasp on who is where.

OrangeCountyGirl · 02-12-2009, 05:37 PM

Definitely sounds very cool.

I am absolutely not a church goer-at all. But, if I was that would be my kind of church.

Possibly downtown where you've got access to all the students or even West Ashley or James Island where it's a little laid back.

fqtravlr · 02-12-2009, 05:44 PM

You should come visit Seacoast before you take the plunge. They would be "direct competition"... for a lack of better term. My wife's church. Too progressive for me. Seacoast has a huge following in the area, with satellite "campuses" all over the Charleston area.

welcome to seacoast church

churchplanter · 02-12-2009, 07:52 PM

OrangeCountyGirl: Thanks for the encouragement! Maybe if we end up there we could change your mind about church

I am very interested in Downtown. Are there young marrieds w/ young kids that live there? If so, what would be the best areas of Downtown for that group?

fqtravir: I am pretty familiar with Seacoast however I will definitely check it out. I am not a huge fan of massive churches and especially the satellite video teaching thing. So I am sure there are some people left in Charleston that feel the same way

beth1104 · 02-13-2009, 05:21 AM

I think there are plenty that feel Seacoast is too big... I tried it once, by myself. Stood in the back (because that was the only place left) & didn't see anyone 'approachable' to talk to. I'm not at all implying they're not friendly; just too big to know who's there & who's new. I filled out a 'welcome' card and never heard back. Obviously there are thousands that love Seacoast, and that's great! I just hope there aren't many turned off by it like I was, that don't give another church a chance.

beachme · 02-13-2009, 08:55 AM

I don't think there are married 20-30's with children downtown. College students yes. It's a very expensive area and unless they have or come from money most people that age can't afford million dollar + homes. JMHO

Techgeek · 02-13-2009, 06:17 PM

I agree with beachme. Downtown is too expensive for newlywed young parents.

I'd say to look in Summerville, Goose Creek and parts of North Charleston.

One question though: why such a specific demographic? Forgive me but I've always thought churches should be (for lack of a better word) open to everyone.

churchplanter · 02-15-2009, 08:47 PM

Yeah, this church would also be open to everyone, just targeted at a specific group. I have learned that if you shoot for everyone you miss everyone. But if you shoot for a small target area and hit it then others might enjoy it as well.

I have heard that Downtown is mostly college students and very rich people. I will definitely look into the areas you are talking about.

Does anyone have an opinion on James Island? Are there younger married with young kids there? If so what are the predominant areas?