1. Area of Influence and Potential for Ministry
Worksheet 3
Created by -- Sandy Eaddy, Mike Jackson, Roy White

2. What we studied… Access to Churches Community Resources
Population Trends
Economic Impact
Potential for Ministries

3. Study Area = The community
within a 2-mile radius of FUMC

4. Access to Churches Additional United Methodist Churches
(1) Bethel United Methodist Church
Non United Methodist Churches
(20) Including Presbyterian, Episcopal, Southern Baptist, Church of God, Independent Baptist, Apostolic, Evangelical,
African-Methodist-Episcopal, Pentecostal Holiness, Church of Christ, Nondenominational
Estimated percentage of the population
who attend Worship Services
Less than 25% attend any church services.

5. “Religiosity”
I consider myself to be a spiritual person.
50.1%
I am a conservative evangelical Christian.
41.4%
I consider it important to attend religious services.
18.7%
My faith is really important to me.
16.8%

6. Community Resources Marion Clothing Closet
Marion Baptist Church Soup Kitchen
Marion Church of God Food Bank
First United Methodist Church Glorious Grits
Marion Intermediate School Good News Club
Helping Hands Free Medical Clinic
Uncle Charlie’s Hut Alcoholics Anonymous
Marion Recreation Department Youth Programs
Trinity Behavior Center
Backpack Buddies
The RISE after-school youth program
Marion Council on Aging

7. Population within the study area
7,434
Ethnic Makeup
69% African American
28% Caucasian
1% Hispanic
1% Asian
1% Other

8. Total Population Change
Population Trends
(5-year projection)
Increase – African American & Asian
Decrease – Caucasian, Hispanic & Other
Total Population Change
DECREASE - 2.3%

9. Population Trends by Age
(5-year projection)
Ages 0-24 – Increase by .1%
Ages – Decrease by .9%
Ages – Decrease by .3%
Ages 65 & older – Increase by 1.6%
Summary - Population Grows Older

10. Population Trends for Students K-12 (5-year projection)
Elementary - Ages 5-9
Decrease by 9.3%
Middle School - Ages Increase by 4.5%
High School – Ages 15-18
Increase by 4.7%

11. Median Household Income
Economic Impact
Median Household Income
Asian -- $71,999
Caucasian -- $54,016
Other -- $17,884
African American -- $17,547
Hispanic -- $17,142

12. Households Information about 511 66.4%
Households with annual incomes of less than $25, %
Number of low-income or rent subsidized housing units
511
Households with One Parent
66.4%

13. Some factors to consider when planning future FUMC ministries:
Increased number of Seniors (65 and older)
Increased number of middle school and high school aged Children
Ethnic makeup of citizens living within the study area
Economic level of citizens living within the study area
Large number of single-parent households in the study area
Existing resources (or lack of resources) for those living within the study area
Percentage of citizens who consider themselves to be spiritual people

14. Potential for Ministry
Partnerships with other churches
There are at least 20 churches in our study area. Some may be interested in forming partnerships with FUMC to share resources and/or programs.
Ministries for Senior Citizens
Marion is experiencing an aging population. Many Seniors may be interested in activities designed just to get them out of their homes for a short time while other Seniors may be in need of assistance (transportation, yardwork, simple home repair and maintenance, etc.) that could be accomplished by FUMC members.
Ministries for Children and Youth
Marion is experiencing an increase in the number of middle school and high school aged children. Many come from economically depressed, single-parent homes. Many children may be interested in being involved in after-school activities or in having a mentor who could serve as a positive role model.

15. Resources for Slides Mission Insites Website
Marion Telephone Directory
Google Maps Website
Marion Housing Authority
Marion County Office of Voter Registration
SC Department of Education Website
Marion Chamber of Commerce
Interviews with a business person, an educator and a politician