Washington, D.C., is known as a worldwide hub of influence and the nerve center for U.S. policy and politics. Considered one of the most globally diverse cities in the world, people from across the globe live, work, study and represent their home countries in America’s capital city. But there’s more to the city than the powerful and educated elite who call it home.

Inside the city you’ll find the other extreme. D.C. consistently ranks in the top 10 of cities having the highest population of homelessness. Marked by crime and poverty, the area has become an increasingly difficult place to live for many residents.

The needs are great. Reaching the diverse population in the D.C. area requires overcoming barriers of affluence and poverty, language and culture and the darkness of spiritual liberalism and indifference.

Currently, there are only 713 active Southern Baptist congregations working to reach 6,264,098 people living in D.C. and its surrounding suburbs. This means there is only one Southern Baptist congregation for every 8,786 people.

“There are very few gospel-centered churches in the city compared to the population size,” explains Washington, D.C.’s Send City missionary Clint Clifton. “As you venture into the suburbs, there are a greater number of these churches, but with the population exploding, we can’t keep up. Our churches are dying faster than they’re being planted.”

The evangelical population in D.C. is only 12.5 percent. But a number of planters, pastors and partners hope to see this number increase and lives transformed significantly through church planting and evangelism efforts. We are working diligently to see more churches planted and more people developing a personal relationship with Jesus.

If we can reach Washington, D.C., we can reach the world.

From planting a church to partnering with those already on mission in Washington, D.C., you and your church can make a difference; connect with us to learn how.