Baltimore- a city in need

The Baltimore Metropolitan Area has over 2.6 million people and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. Ranked as the second most dangerous city with a population over 500,000 and dubbed the “bleeding city” due to its high murder rate, Baltimore brings new meaning to a city in need of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

1. Population 2.6 million+ (Largest City in MD)

2. The Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area is the 4th largest combined statistical area in the United States, with an estimated population of 8,052,496.

3. 37% between the ages of 18-44 (Age Group least likely to be attending church -Barna Group)

4. Over 175,000 College Students (Creating International Influence)

5. 19% of Families and 23% of all people in Baltimore City live below the Poverty Level (Over double the national average)

6. Few Missionally Minded Churches (while there are a number of old church buildings there are few churches reaching the unchurched)

7. International City & Major U.S. Seaport

8. Strategically located for impact. (DC, Philly, NYC)

9. The highest concentration of unchurched people in the U.S. are found in the Northwest and the Northeast. (Maryland)

10. In desperate need of the Gospel (the homicide rate in Baltimore is nearly seven times the national rate, six times the rate of NYC, and three times the rate of LA)

11. City of diversity, perfect for multiple church plants. (Baltimore has sometimes been dubbed a "city of neighborhoods," with over 300 identified districts traditionally occupied by distinct ethnic groups )

* All demographics data taken from the 2005 US census community report

*Religious statistics taken from Barna Group