Shem Creek Presbyterian Church is a new church for Mt Pleasant. People often ask, "Doesn't Mt. Pleasant have enough churches already? Why are you planting Shem Creek Presbyterian Church?"

There are many reasons why God has called us to plant Shem Creek Presbyterian Church. Here are a few:

1. Obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Before his ascension, Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to go to all the nations, baptizing and making disciples. This is a mandate to plant churches since discipleship and the sacraments are practiced in the local church.

2. Following the Apostle Paul's model. Throughout the book of Acts, we read that Paul went into cities such as Ephesus and Colossae and started new churches led by elders (presbyters). Paul's was a missionary, theologian, and writer; but he was also a man devoted to planting churches throughout the Roman Empire.

3. Effectiveness for evangelism. Best selling author Tim Keller writes, "The vigorous, continual planting of new congregations is the single most crucial strategy for the numerical growth of the Body of Christ in any city and the continual corporate renewal and revival of existing churches in a city." In fact, numerous studies show that the conversion rate is 8x higher for churches that are less than 5 years old than for established churches. Moreover, a dozen church studies reveal that the average new church gains 60-80% of its new members from those not attending church; churches over 10 years old gain 80-90% of their new members from transfer members.

4. Church planting can revitalize and reform existing churches. There are a number of wonderful churches throughout Mt. Pleasant. However, there are churches that are not preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Too many churches have lost the biblical message of salvation and give their church members a tepid message of tolerance or a self-help message designed to build self-esteem. Our prayer is that Shem Creek Presbyterian Church will challenge other churches to reclaim biblical truth on doctrine, ethics, and morality.

5. Spiritual need in Mt. Pleasant. Did you know that 58% of residents in Mt. Pleasant do not affiliate with a local congregation? Did you know that less than half of the residents attend a biblical, Protestant church? Many spend Sunday morning at the beach, at brunch, or exercising rather than in a worship service.

These are some of the reasons we are committed to Shem Creek Presbyterian Church - a new church for Mt. Pleasant. We agree with Tim Keller that church planting is the most effective way to increase the number of Christians in a city. Not only is it the bibilcal model, it is more effective for reaching people than evangelistic rallies and more megachurches.

Our vision is to GROW IN THE GOSPEL FOR CHRIST AND COMMUNITY. Join us this Sunday at 10:30 as we meet to worship the Triune God.