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UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS IN NEW MEXICO:
Potential Locations for New Churches
The locations described below are some of the places where a significant population of unreached people resides. While not exhaustive, this listing is based on demographic research and the current level of Southern Baptist strength in each area. Some of these groups may respond to innovative outreach ministries by our existing churches. In many cases, these areas may need a new church now or in the next few years. For more information, contact Dr. Daniel Rupp, Missions Mobilization Team, BCNM. (See contact information at the end of this document.)
SAN JUAN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
San Juan County 2006 population estimate 122,799, up 7.5% over 2000
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 2,766, down 2.6% from 2000
[One of every 44 in Baptist worship]
Principal city:
Farmington, 2005 population estimate, 43,161, up 14% over 2000
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 1,085, down 30.8% from 2000
NATIVE AMERICANS
New Director of Missions Russell Begay is leading San Juan Association in a more aggressive effort to build ministries among the county’s 48,889 Native Americans. There are seven Native American congregations in San Juan County, with an average of 195 people attending Sunday morning worship. An eighth congregation, Teec Nos Pos, with an average worship attendance of 30, is about 4.5 miles into Arizona on Hwy 64.
HISPANICS
Baptist churches in Farmington have enjoyed a healthy growth in recent years. However, more attention needs to be given to the county’s 21,453 Hispanics. While many churches have some Hispanics attending, there are only two primarily Hispanic churches, with an average of 110 people attending Sunday morning worship.
YOUNG ADULTS
One area minister recently brought to our attention the fact that young adults are under-represented in our Baptist churches. In San Juan County, there are about 31,750 citizens between the ages of 18 to 34. That represents slightly over one fourth (25.1%) of the population. Churches affiliated with San Juan Baptist Association have a total of 926 people from ages 18-34 enrolled in Sunday School, representing 20.9% of the total S.S. enrollment.
PECOS VALLEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
CHAVES COUNTY
Chaves County 2006 population estimate[2] 63,597, up 3.5% over 2000
Baptists: Average Worship Attendance 1,208, down 28.3% from 2000
[One of every 53 in Baptist worship]
Principal city:
Roswell, 2005 population estimate[3], 45,199, down 0.2% from 2000
Baptists: Average Worship Attendance 1,067, down 24.9% from 2000
CITY OF ROSWELL
Southern Baptists account for 3,128 of the city’s 45,200 inhabitants. How many of the other 95% are lost and unchurched? Roswell Hispanics number approximately 20,000, but only 86 of them attend a Hispanic Baptist church on an average Sunday. Hispanics over age five number around 18,600, and some 13,300 of them speak English only or “very well.” Many people in this group are not attracted to a Spanish language worship service, although cultural preferences can be an important factor. Culturally appropriate outreach ministries are needed, either from existing churches or new church plants.
ROSWELL BASE COMMUNITY
After Walker Air Force Base closed in 1967, it returned to life as the Roswell Industrial Air Center. A residential area of the base was converted into affordable housing, where nearly 2600 people now live. Sixty percent of these are Hispanics, and as many as 675 residents may prefer Spanish. NEW! With the assistance of Pecos Valley Association, Abel Bolaños, pastor of First Spanish Baptist Church in Artesia, has begun a new church planting effort at the Air Center. Please pray for this new ministry is known as Centro Nueva Esperanza, or New Hope Center.
CHAVES COUNTY HISPANICS
Population estimates for Chaves County in 2006 vary from 61,500 [4] to 63,600. Hispanics make up 43.8% of the population, so in 2006, that was an estimated 26,900 to 27,900 Hispanics. An average of only 101 of them attended Sunday morning worship in Hispanic Baptist churches. Other churches have some Hispanic members, but Hispanic-culture, English-language churches are clearly needed. Roswell alone has some 20,000 Hispanic residents, but only 80 of them are members of a Hispanic Baptist church. Three neighboring towns of Dexter, Hagerman and Lake Arthur have a combined population of over 2,800, some 1900 of whom are Hispanic. At least 75% of these speak English only or “very well.” One attempt to reach this group closed for lack of pastoral leadership.
EDDY COUNTY
Eddy County 2006 population estimates vary from 51,260 4 (down 0.9% from 2000) to 53,8673 (up 4.1% over 2000)
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 1,918, down 11.8% from 2000
[One of every 27 in Baptist worship]
Principal cities:
Carlsbad, 2005 population estimate, 25,300, down 1.3% from 2000
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 1,098, up 1.0% from 2000
Artesia, 2005 population estimate, 10,481, down 2% from 2000
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 738, down 23.8% from 2000
CITY OF CARLSBAD
Some 2,802 Carlsbad residents are members of Southern Baptist churches. Southern Baptists represent about the same percentage of population that we did in 2000. But in order to reach the lost and unchurched, we must find ways to penetrate the other 89% with the Gospel. One approach would be to minister more directly to the city’s 9,400 Hispanics. A new church start could focus on the 5,900 who speak Spanish. Culturally sensitive outreach ministries, and perhaps a Spanish culture, English language church, are needed to minister to over 3500 Hispanics who speak English only. Carlsbad’s one Hispanic congregation reported an average of 20 in Sunday morning worship in 2000, but only 15 in 2006.
DEXTER-HAGERMAN-LAKE ARTHUR
This area on Highway 2 north of Artesia has a population of over 2800, and 1,920 of them are Hispanic. While it might be difficult for these three communities to sustain a new church, ongoing outreach efforts are still needed.
LAKEWOOD
Lakewood, an undeveloped rural resort area off Highway 285 between Carlsbad and Artesia, has enough short-and long-term residents and visitors to call for ongoing outreach ministries of some kind.
RIO GRANDE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
DOÑA ANA COUNTY
Doña Ana County 2006 population estimates range from 193,888[5]
(up 10.5% over 2000) to 201,1422 (up 14.6% over 2000)
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 3,190, up 5.0% over 2000
[One of every 61-63 in Baptist worship]
Principal city:
Las Cruces, 2005 population estimate, 82,671, up 11.3% over 2000
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 1,973, down 9.7% from 2000
DOÑA ANA COUNTY HISPANICS
About 65% of Doña Ana County residents are Hispanic. Of these, about 39,600 may speak English less than “very well [6].” In 2006, nine Hispanic Baptist churches reported an average Sunday morning attendance of 509, which is less than 1.3% of those Hispanics who speak English less than “very well.” .
By extrapolation, it appears that in Doña Ana County there are an estimated 90,600 Hispanics who speak English “very well.” Some of these attend or could be reached by predominately Anglo congregations. Still, a new Hispanic-culture, English-language church plant might do well.
LAS CRUCES EAST SIDE, EAST OF INTERSTATE 25
Las Cruces is experiencing a massive amount of growth. A 2006 subdivision study shows over 32,000 residential home sites in the planning process within the east side of Las Cruces alone! How many new churches will be needed? Below is an area-by-area description of east Las Cruces.
SOUTHEAST LAS CRUCES, EAST OF INTERSTATE 25
This area is bordered by Highway CO76 (E Lohman) on the North and Interstate 25 on the West. This area includes some of the fastest growth in the city. It is difficult to get a firm estimate on 2006 population, but there were 11,600 people live in this Census Tract in 2000. At that time, the median family income in the area was $62,253, compared to $37,670 for the city as a whole. The median value of an owner-occupied home was $148,600, compared to only $91,200 for the city of Las Cruces. By July 2006, the area may have grown to 14,000 people or more, without a single Southern Baptist Church, although one has relocated just up Telshor Blvd. to the north
HIGH RANGE COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING AREA OF EAST LAS CRUCES, EAST OF INTERSTATE 25
Bordered by Highway 70 on the north and Highway CO76 (E Lohman) on the south, there were over 6,700 residents in this area in 2000. The 2006 population might be between 7,500 and 10,000. One Southern Baptist Church has moved into the area. The Las Cruces City Council is studying annexation of more than 4,200 acres on the city's East Mesa, including a proposed 1,704 acre subdivision on the East Mesa south of Hwy 70 called "The Vistas at Presidio II."
FOUR HILLS AND LAS COLINAS AREA IN NORTHEAST LAS CRUCES
In 2000, some 18,500 people lived in this area east of Interstate 25 and north of Highway 70, where three SBC congregations now (2006) average a total of 180 in Sunday morning worship. Median family income in 2000 was $39,240 between I25 and N. Jornada Road (CO-DO64) with a median home value of $95,200. East of N. Jornada Road, median family income was only $28,250, with a median home value of $84,700.
ANTHONY
The town of Anthony, off Interstate 10 in southern Doña Ana County, spills over the state line into Texas. The estimated 2006 population of 24,200 is more than 91% Hispanic. Two Hispanic congregations average 127 in Sunday morning worship. One congregation is new. The other has decreased in average attendance over the last few years. Unless these two congregations take off soon, another Hispanic congregation is needed to adequately reach more than 22,000 Hispanic residents.
SUNLAND PARK
This growing city in the southern tip of Doña Ana County, where New Mexico meets Texas and Mexico, has an estimated 2006 population of 14,300. One Hispanic congregation averages 87 in Sunday morning worship. Another new congregation is needed to minister among the 96% of the population who are Hispanic. A Hispanic church planter is now leading two Spanish Bible studies in Sunland Park. If some existing churches would commit to partner with him, these Bible studies might grow into a strong new multiplying church.
SANTA TERESA
Santa Teresa is a young community off New Mexico Highway 273, about four miles north of the Mexico border, practically adjacent to Sunland Park. From its beginnings as residences in a gated community, Santa Teresa’s importance has grown since a border crossing Port of Entry to Mexico was established. State-of-the art facilities were completed in 1997, replacing the original port, which opened in 1992. The Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance describes the Port of Entry as "a 67-acre site that offers quick and easy access to Mexico without the lengthy delays common at nearby El Paso's three bridges." A permanent facility is operated by the U. S. Customs Service. It has twelve inspection docks, no tolls, and large loads can be easily accommodated. The Santa Teresa Port of Entry offers connections to Puerto San Jeronimo and access to Juarez and other places by way of the paved Casa Grandes Highway in Mexico.
In 2000, Santa Teresa had a population of around 2,700, of which 55.6 % are Hispanic. A 2006 population estimate for Santa Teresa is not available, but in May 2005, Governor Bill Richardson announced that three companies will expand to Santa Teresa’s Bi-National Park. The businesses were expected to create a total of 130 new jobs. There are now 110 planes based at Santa Teresa’s airport, double the number of a decade ago.
Due to the growth accompanying these developments, the Hispanic portion of the population is growing rapidly, so a Hispanic congregation is greatly needed. In 2006, the English-language church averaged 30 in Sunday morning worship, down from 86 in 2000. A Spanish-language Bible study is conducted here by the same Hispanic church planter who ministers in Sunland Park. Pray
that it too will grow into a viable new church.
SIERRA COUNTY
Sierra County 2006 population estimates range from 12,669[7] (down 4.5% from 2000) to 15,358[8], up 15.0% over 2000.
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 168, down 30.6 % from 2000
[One of every 75-91 in Baptist worship]
Principal city:
Truth or Consequences, 2005 population estimate, 7,071,
down 3.0% from 2000
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 135, down 23.7% from 2000.
More than 4,000 Hispanics live in Sierra County, about a fourth of whom speak English less than “very well.” Neither of the two Southern Baptist churches in Sierra County lists any Hispanics among their leadership, so a new Hispanic church may be needed.
CENTRAL BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
BERNALILLO COUNTY
Bernalillo County 2006 population estimates range from 602,661[9] (up 8.3% over 2000) to 615,099[10] (up 10.5% over 2000)
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 8,714, down 6.4% over 2000
[One of every 69-71 in Baptist worship]
Principal city:
Albuquerque, 2005 population estimate, 494,236, up 10.2% over 2000
Baptists: 2006 Sunday AM worship average 8,479, down 1.3% from 2000
SANDOVAL COUNTY
Sandoval County 2006 population estimate 111,455, up 26.5% over 2000,
and well over twice the statewide growth of 10.9%
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 1,334, up 18.9% over 2000
[One of every 84 in Baptist worship]
Principal city:
Rio Rancho, 2005 population estimate, 66,599, up 28.7% over 2000
Baptists: 2006 Sunday AM worship average 1147, up 16.7% over 2000
VALENCIA COUNTY
Valencia County 2006 population estimate 78,298, up 17.4% over 2000
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 1,125, down 8.1% from 2000
[One of every 70 in Baptist worship]
Principal cities:
Los Lunas-Bosque Farms, 2005 population estimate, 15,307 (11,338+3,969), up 9.6% over 2000 (Los Lunas, up 13%; Bosque Farms, up 1.0%)
Baptists: 2006 Sunday AM worship average 464, down 26.2% from 2000
Belen, 2005 population estimate, 7,121, up 3.2% over 2000
Baptists: 2006 Sunday AM worship average 481, up 9.3% over 2000
TORRANCE COUNTY
Torrance County 2007 population estimate 19,895, up 16.8% over 2000
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 420, down 32.9% from 2000
[One of every 47 in Baptist worship]
Principal towns:
Moriarty, 2005 population estimate, 1,808 (up 2.4% over 2000)
Baptists: 2006 Sunday AM worship average 215, down 18.9% from 2000
Estancia, 2005 population estimate, 1,552, down 2% from 2000
Baptists: 2006 Sunday AM worship average 160, up 56.9% over 2000
[NOTE: The following information on locations in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia Counties is contributed by John Torrison, New Work Coordinator with Central Baptist Association.]
The following information concerns Church Planting (CP) Priorities for 2007 forward. I have not specifically identified dates for these priorities because God will determine which areas He will resource with a planter or planter team according to His perfect will.
To help in understanding the geographical areas of Central Baptist Association I have broken down the association into ten areas or regions which will include all ethnic and non-ethnic potential starts.
- East Mountain/Plains: Everything east of the Sandia/Manzano mountains.
- Northeast Albuquerque: Everything north of I-40 and east of Wyoming to the mountains.
- Southeast Albuquerque: Everything south of I-40 and east of Wyoming to the mountains.
- Northwest Albuquerque: Everything north of I-40 and west of Wyoming to I-25.
- Southwest Albuquerque: Everything south of I-40 and west of Wyoming to I-25.
- Rio Rancho/Bernalillo: Everything within the city limits of Rio Rancho and Bernalillo.
- North Westside Albuquerque: Everything north of I-40 to Rio Rancho and west of I-25.
- South Westside Albuquerque: Everything south of I-40 to the Isleta reservation and west of I-25.
- Los Lunas/Belen: Everything south of Isleta reservation including Belen.
- Rural areas of CBA: All other areas not mentioned above including the areas of Cuba, Vaughn and Mountainair.
In each area I will define, as best as possible, the location for a potential church start, the focus area and any specific characteristics that would be helpful for a church planter to have to minister in that area.
- East Mountain/Plains: Everything east of the Sandia/Manzano mountains
Area summary: The East mountain area is continuing to grow. In fact, information from the Central New Mexico Electric Co-op indicates that a large community (as many as 9,000) will be developed north of Moriarty in the next several years. South of Moriarty growth is taking place and filling in open space with commercial and residential sites all l the way to Estancia. Between Estancia and South 337 (Old South 14) people are continuing to build homes. Growth is also filling in the open space between North Highway 14 and North Highway 41. Developments are continuing to grow in the North Highway 14 area north of Frost Road toward Madrid, NM. The growth potential for this area in the next 10 to15 years could be as much as 3,000 to 5,000 people (my estimates).
SBC church summary: In the East mountain/plains region there are nine churches: FBC Willard, FBC Estancia, Immanuel SBC Estancia, FBC Moriarty, Mountain Valley Edgewood, FBC Tijeras, Forest Meadow, Cedar Crest Baptist and Vista Grande Church Sandia Park.
CP potential: There is certainly an opportunity for a CP north of Moriarty in the coming years with a large new development planned. There is also a probability that a CP will be needed somewhere south of Moriarty and east of Edgewood. There will also be a potential for a CP North on Highway 14 toward Madrid if development plans come to fruition in the next 10 years.
- Northeast Albuquerque: Everything north of I-40 and east of Wyoming to the mountains.
Area summary: This area of Albuquerque is fairly stable with the exception of new housing growth in the far northeast part of this region. The housing developments that are being built are not designed for commercial development. The population is growing and development on the main roads is growing as well. This is an affluent population that likes its privacy.
SBC church summary: There are six SBC churches in this area: Monterey Baptist Church, Sandia Baptist Church, Eastern Hills Baptist Church, Indian Baptist Mission, Hoffmantown Church and our newest CP called The Way which meets in the Montgomery and Tramway area. There are a number of other denominational and independent churches in this area as well.
CP potential: This is a unique area that is very diverse. There will ultimately be a need for a CP in the far northeast area to meet the needs of a growing community. We presently have our newest CP that is about the middle of this region. We also have a new Spanish work that has begun through Monterey Baptist Church. Cost of leasing is very high and detrimental to a new work. Schools are sparse but offer possibilities for use.
- Southeast Albuquerque: Everything south of I-40 and east of Wyoming to the mountains.
Area summary: This area of Albuquerque is in transition. A new development has broken ground, Juan Tabo Hills Development, which will provide homes for around 30,000 when all is complete. There are new homes being built in most of the open spaces around the Four Hills community. Along with new homes being built older mobile home parks will eventually be transitioned out to be replaced by new single family home. A new school is in the area along with a new multi-generational community center. What is known as East Central is also being transformed with the building of new restaurants and businesses. This is a growing community that is changing the look and atmosphere of the region.
SBC Church Summary: There are two SBC churches in this area and both are close in proximity to one another. Christ Church has been in the area for a number of years. X-Factor has just moved into the far east area and leases a facility right on the road that leads to the Juan Tabo Hills community. Each one has a unique ministry that meets needs of a particular segment of the community. X-Factor presently holds Saturday evening services and plans to have Sunday morning worship when as they grow.
CP Potential: There may be a need for a more traditional church plant in the far eastern part of this region depending on what the two SBC churches do in the future. There certainly is a need for a CP in the western part of this region which would minister to a poorer multi-ethnic community. There is a large population that we are currently missing in our ministries in this area which will require a specific type of person and ministry to meet.
- Northwest Albuquerque: Everything north of I-40 and west of Wyoming to I-25.
Area summary: This is an older part of Albuquerque which has experienced most of its growth north of Academy and Paseo del Norte, where many new homes are being built. South of Academy to I-40 has remained fairly stable and little new development has taken place. The older communities have transitioned over the years and will continue to do so over time. Most of the communities in established areas are lower to middle income with a few in the upper middle income range. North of Montgomery the income levels are a little higher. There is population growth where the new developments are being built but for the most part this region is stable.
SBC Church Summary: There are three SBC churches in this region, Del Norte Baptist Church, FBC Alameda are all long established churches and Northside Church which is a new CP that presently meets in a school. Both of these are located in the northern half of this region which leaves the southern part of the region without any SBC presence.
CP Potential: The southern part of this region has a great potential for a new work. There is a large population in the older established neighborhoods that could be reached if there was an SBC church nearby.
- Southwest Albuquerque: Everything south of I-40 and west of Wyoming to I-25.
Area Summary: This is a very large area of Albuquerque that borders the University of New Mexico and Kirtland AFB. It is very diverse in its makeup. On the north edge of this region you will find a patchwork of income levels and on the mid to southern end you will find different ethnic and socio-economic levels of population. The growth potential in this area is small because little land is available for development. There are transitional areas of this region which are affected by the cities desire to redevelop commercial areas which will affect the neighborhoods around them.
SBC Church Summary: There are nine churches in this region and the Baptist Student Union ministry on the UNM campus. The eight churches are Crestview Baptist Church, Vietnamese Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Highland Baptist Church, Counterculture, the Baptist Neighborhood Fellowship, Indian Nations Baptist, Truevine Baptist and Carlisle Community Baptist Church. Highland Baptist is an older long established church on the southern part of this region. New Hope Baptist and Carlisle Community Baptist Church are ethnic churches. Each of these churches are fairly small in membership.
CP Potential: There is a large area of this region without an SBC presence and which is ripe for a potential CP which would border the east side of the UNM campus and southern side of I-40. There is also potential for ethnic work in this region.
- Rio Rancho/Bernalillo: Everything within the city limits of Rio Rancho and Bernalillo.
Area Summary: This is the fastest growing region in CBA. Homes and developments are springing up all over the Rio Rancho area. Bernalillo is growing as well from overflow of Rio Rancho. Sandoval County is the fastest growing county in New Mexico and the city of Rio Rancho is the fourth largest city in the state. The population growth of the city of Rio Rancho is projected to grow 12% in the next five years. As a result more churches will be necessary to meet the population growth. The city of Bernalillo is projected to grow 8.4% in the next five years which may also provide for opportunities of a new CP.
SBC Church Summary: There are eight churches in this region: LifeQuest Church, Celebration Church, Sol Rio Church, FBC Rio Rancho, Congregation Baruch Ha Shem, Living Word Baptist Church, Emmanuel Missionary Baptist and FBC Bernalillo. Along with SBC churches there are a multitude of new churches and established churches in this area.
CP Potential: The potential for new work in this region is very great. Though we presently have a number of churches that are established and functioning, the future growth will demand at least another new work or two if projected growth and development come as expected.
- North Westside Albuquerque: Everything north of I-40 to Rio Rancho and west of I-25.
Area Summary: This area has a natural division that divides it with the Rio Grande River so that the area of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is separate from the west side of Albuquerque. The north valley and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque are older established communities that are generally identified as high middle income families. like Rio Rancho, is growing at a fast pace. Development is taking place toward the west and will one day cover the entire west side of Albuquerque. The population is expected to grow 14% in the next five years. Developments are projected to be built as far as ten miles further west.
SBC Church Summary: There are eight churches in this region: Northdale Baptist Church and Mountain View Baptist are the only SBC churches in the north valley/Los Ranchos de Albuquerque area. Promise Community Church, Bethania Central Baptist Church, Sagebrush Community, Cottonwood Church, and FBC West Albuquerque and FBC Albuquerque are west of the river. FBC Albuquerque has not yet moved to their new property but is listed here for reference because they are ministering in that community. The population based on the 2000 census for this area is 125,503.
CP Potential: This area is a hot bed for CP’s to meet the growing needs of the community. The growing population toward the west will require new churches to be started. There are also established areas with high ethnic populations that are not being ministered to at this time which indicates potential for CP’s to be started.
- South Westside Albuquerque: Everything south of I-40 to the Isleta reservation and west of I-25.
Area Summary: This area is also growing at a fast pace particularly in the area West of Coors and South of I-25. There are many developments that have sprung up with close housing units. The area south of existing developments is plated for further growth in the future. This area is a patchwork between some older established neighborhoods and growing new developments. There is also a patchwork of culture and language. The population for this area was around 120,500 based on the 2000 census. This area has grown since then.
SBC Church Summary: There are twelve SBC churches in this region: Albuquerque Sovereign Grace, Blake Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, First Spanish/Fruit Avenue Baptist, Friendship Baptist, Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel, Korean American Baptist Church of Albuquerque, Iglesia De Sinai, Riverside Baptist, Southwest Heights, Trinity Baptist and FBC Albuquerque which is moving to the west side of Albuquerque.
CP Potential: This is a growing area especially the area that is the furthest south and just west of I-25 is growing at a rapid rate. This area is adjacent to the Mesa del Sol development and will pick up many residents who will be working in the new movie studios that are not present in that area. This SW Albuquerque area is and will be in need of a church plant. The developments are not being designed for churches which mean that creative church start meeting places will need to be discovered.
- Bosque Farms, Los Chavez, Los Lunas and Belen: Everything south of Isleta reservation including Belen.
Area Summary: Many homes and developments are being built in this area. Greatest growth is south and west of Los Lunas, the Meadow Lake area and Los Chavez to Belen. Belen is also experiencing growth on its south side. With the addition of the New Mexico Rail-runner system growth in this area will continue. Housing costs and the cost of living are not as high as in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area and with the rail access to Albuquerque more people will be moving in. There is an existing and growing Spanish speaking community east of Highway 47 which will require various ministries to meet their needs.
SBC Church Summary: FBC Bosque Farms, FBC Los Lunas, Tender Mercy Baptist, Mission Valley Baptist Church, Good News Baptist, FBC Los Chavez, New Life Fellowship, FBC Belen, and Sierra Vista Baptist.
CP Potential: Two new churches and one house church have been started in this region in the last three years all of which are progressing well. There is a continued need for Hispanic ministries and churches in this region. There will be a need for new churches in the future as the communities continue to grow from the shifting of people out of the Albuquerque are into this region.
- Rural areas of CBA: All other areas not mentioned above including the areas of Cuba, Vaughn and Mountainair.
Area Summary: These rural areas are small and see little growth. The populations are as follows: Cuba – 5,540; Vaughn – 539; Mountainair – 1,736. .
SBC Church Summary: FBC Cuba and Eagle Springs Baptist Mission, Jemez Valley Baptist, Lindrith Baptist, FBC Vaughn and FBC Mountainair. There is also Tohajiilee Baptist Mission north of Laguna.
CP Potential: These areas do have potential for ethnic work and ministries but little need, at this time, for a church plant.
SANTA FE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
SANTA FE COUNTY
Santa Fe County 2006 population estimate, 146,602, up 12.8% over 2000
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 1,091, up 16.2% over 2000
[One of every 134 in Baptist worship]
Baptists excluding FBC Española: 2006 Worship Attendance 929, up 17.7% over 2000
[One of every 158 in Baptist worship]
Principal city:
Santa Fe, 2005 population estimate, 70,631, up 13.5% over 2000
Baptists: 2006 Worship Attendance 573, down 0.3% from 2000
To understand the area encompassed by Santa Fe County, note that the northeast corner of the country includes Santa Cruz and actually juts into Española. In fact, First Baptist Church of Española actually lies within the northwest corner of the county, and Mountain Valley Church of Edgewood is in the southwest corner. The southwest corner of Santa Fe County even extends south of Interstate 40 at Edgewood.
SANTA FE URBAN AREA
BBER growth projections would estimate the 2006 population of the Santa Fe urban area (excluding Eldorado) at around 91,000. Six Southern Baptist congregations in the Santa Fe urban area reported 626 resident members in 2006, which is less than three-fourths of one percent (0.69%) of the population. On any given Sunday, about one Santa Fean in 164 attended one of these six churches. If we were to set a goal that two percent of the urban area would be resident members of Southern Baptist churches, we would need twelve more churches with 101 resident members each!
SPANISH CULTURE, ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORK IN SANTA FE
Reaching the Hispanics of Santa Fe is a tremendous challenge. Hispanics comprise 55% of the population in the Santa Fe urban area. However, they identify themselves as at least two very distinct groups, with different values and perspectives on life. A significant number are first or second generation immigrants from Mexico and Latin America. But a larger number identify themselves as Spanish, tracing their origins back to the days of the conquistadors. This second group generally prefers English, or a mixture of English and Spanish. While all our churches have a few Hispanic members, the two Spanish language congregations have only 70 resident members between them, with a sizeable majority of these being first and second generation. Of the estimated 47,000 Hispanics in the Santa Fe urban area, some 16,200 do not speak Spanish. Over 30,700 speak Spanish and also speak English “very well.” Of 11,000 Hispanics who speak English less than “very well,” an average of 70 attend one of our two Spanish language churches.
So Santa Fe needs Spanish culture, English language churches, while continuing to build aggressive evangelistic ministries to the Spanish-speaking as well.
[OTHER AREAS OF THE STATE WILL BE ADDED]
Compiled by:
Dr. Daniel H. Rupp,
Missions Mobilization Team
Baptist Convention of New Mexico
P.O. Box 94485
Albuquerque, NM 87199-4485
BCNM Office: 505-924-2332
Cell: 505-220-6156
[Last Revision: January 8, 2008]
[1] Compiled by Dr. Daniel H. Rupp, Missions Mobilization Team, Baptist Convention of New Mexico. Last revision: January 8, 2008.
[2] Unless otherwise noted, county population estimates are for July 1, 2006, extrapolated from BBER (Bureau of Business & Economic Research, UNM) growth projections.
[3] Unless otherwise noted, population projections for all cities/towns are by BBER (Bureau of Business & Economic Research, UNM) for July 1, 2005. Figures represent residents within city/town limits only and do not include populated areas outside city limits.
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