The recent 2020 Census revealed a population shift toward the South and West. Growth in the Lone Star State grabbed the most attention, as its increase of 4 million since the 2010 census led to two more congressional seats. Other states adding a seat were Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon.
With the increased population comes a need for more churches. As a result, the areas around Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth are key to church planting efforts.
Overall, Texas grew by 15.9 percent from 2010 to 2020. The only states to outpace it are Utah and Idaho.
Over the last six years approximately 60 churches have been planted through joint efforts of the Utah Southern Baptist Convention and the North American Mission Board. All of them are still meeting today.
One of the challenges for these states is finding and training pastors.
Doug Hixson, the director of church planting for the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas, told Baptist Press numerous church plants have come about through 15-20 churches working alongside the convention in a mentoring relationship. That process takes 12-18 months with the partnering church also serving as the sending church.
While many church plants struggle for survivability, there is hope that training and mentoring will put them on a path to be stronger and healthier long-term.