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Although we have seen God build His church, the West is still a spiritual frontier with new and expanding ministry opportunities. Rural and urban populations have increased. The Mormon church still influences the culture and religious beliefs of many in the West, and the percentage of those who have no religious beliefs continues to grow.
The western US has experienced a robust bump in population since the census in 2020. Six out of the top ten fastest growing states are in the intermountain west.
Idaho
Arizona
Nevada
Utah
Washington
Montana
Northwest Baptist Missions has a long history of ministering in Utah communities heavily influenced by Mormonism. But along with Utah, the Mormon church significantly affects states like California, Idaho, and Arizona, which desperately need gospel-preaching churches. Surveys over the last decade have indicated that almost three-fourths of Mormons live in the West.
Along with Mormonism, the Western US has the highest percentage of people who have no religious beliefs — often called unaffiliated or religious “nones”.
Several major cities within the intermountain west have significant spiritual needs. The most recent statistics reveal that the Provo, Utah, metro area has only one evangelical church for every 18,000 people (.6% evangelical), while Salt Lake City checks in at one evangelical church for every 9,000 people (2.3% evangelical). Reno, Nevada, also finds itself under 5% at one evangelical church for every 4,700 people (4.6% evangelical).
Many small towns within the intermountain West have experienced significant growth since the pandemic. With less crowding, easy access to outdoor activities, and technological connections for remote work, these smaller communities in the West became hotspots for relocation.
With growth comes increasing spiritual needs and opportunities for gospel influence. The West needs healthy churches in both rural and urban regions. Many areas of the West are spiritual deserts thirsty for the Living Water.
Ready to help?
Prayerfully consider the following opportunities for partnering with us for the sake of Christ.
Pray for us. Prayer is essential to our ministry — we can accomplish nothing outside of God’s help. Subscribe to our prayer list to receive updates.
Would you donate to help the gospel work continue in the West? With costs continuing to rise, we need your financial support to help us advance our mission.
Interested in church planting? Learn more about the process of becoming a missionary church planter with Northwest Baptist Missions.
Many western churches need mature believers eager to disciple, teach Sunday school, help lead worship, offer encouragement, and much more. Contact us to learn more about any available ministry opportunities, or fill out our ministry interest form, and we will contact you.