Is your church considering multi-housing ministry? Research shows that in 2023, thrity seven percent of the American population lived in multi-housing. Multi-housing includes apartments, condos, townhomes, manufactured homes, affordable housing, high rise apartments, active retirement homes, student housing, and more.
And did you know that many people who reside in multi-housing communities aren’t connected with a local church? In fact, in some multi-housing communities, the percentage of people who can name a local church is as low as two percent. The other 98% of people living in the community have no connection at all to a local church. For this reason, our name is Mission 98. We are focused on the 98% of people who aren’t connected to a local church in their community.
At Mission 98, we see five reasons why churches should pursue multi-housing ministry.
- As the church of Jesus Christ, we are called to go and to share. One of God’s favorite words may be “go!” The New Testament repeatedly tells us to go. The only time the Bible says to “wait here” is in Acts 1, when the first believers had to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit in order to go. Today, we have that power—so let’s go!
- God is worthy of the worship of people in multi-housing communities. The people who live in multi-housing communities are worthy of our attention. These are people for whom Christ died, and they are worthy of our efforts to help them know and trust Christ. However, a high percentage of people in multi-housing communities are not yet connected to a church. So, let’s take the gospel right to their door. Instead of bringing them to church, let’s bring church to them.
- Multi-housing ministry expands your church’s reach which impacts your community. You may be wondering, “Why don’t multi-housing residents just come to a church service?” There are lots of reasons a resident may not visit a local church! First, they may not know anyone there. Second, some may feel out of place or uncomfortable. The resident might not be sure what to expect or if they would be received and welcomed if they walk into an unfamiliar setting.
- Multi-housing ministry is a great way to build disciples. Not everyone is suited to serve inside the church building. Some people are better suited—and more motivated—to serve OUTSIDE the church building. Multi-housing ministry provides them a place to build disciples beyond the church.
- Multi-housing ministry will raise the spiritual temperature of your church. I have experienced this in both churches where I served as pastor. As we demonstrated the Great Commandment of “loving our neighbors,” people in our church were inspired by the stories coming back from multi-housing ministry. I am convinced that by being unselfishly involved in reaching and ministering to people who were not likely to ever come and join our congregation, GOD sent other people—great people—to our church! Seriously, we all know that “you cannot out-give God” and this is an area where you will see God at work.
As my friend Rick Warren once said, “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will make a great church.”
Photo credit: Mission 98
