Reaching People Who Live in Apartment Communities

As Marion County continues to grow in population, the demand for housing is increasing as well. We are seeing historic increases in both single-family and multi-family development. However, the Florida Apartment Association estimates that there is currently a shortage of 3,391 apartments in the Ocala-Marion Metro and that by 2030 the housing unit gap will increase to 12,815. That is why there has been a significant increase in apartment building construction in recent months. 

When it comes to church attendance there appears to be a gap between single-family residents and multi-family residents who attend church worship services on a regular basis. According to a 2010 article in Baptist Press, while 57% of the people in North America live in multi-housing communities, an estimated 95% of them are considered to be "lost without Christ." 

There are numerous reasons for these differences and there are multiple ways churches can bridge the gap. At MBA, we are offering training that will help churches to build outreach, evangelism and discipleship strategies for people who live in apartments and other types of multi-housing communities. For more information about this training and helpful resources available to churches, visit www.reach.mba/apartments.