About Memphis
Our city is known for its rich musical heritage (the home of Elvis Presley, “the birthplace of the blues”); its passionate love for its nationally prominent sports teams; its world famous barbecue; its emerging prominence as a transportation and logistics center; and its distinctive Southern culture and hospitality.
It has other defining factors that shape its character
- Racial and Ethnic Diversity
African Americans comprise over 60% of the population. It is also among the several southern cities which are recognized as having a rapidly growing Hispanic population. It is estimated that the total Hispanic population is in excess of 100,000. - Poverty
In excess of 24% of the total population, and approximately 40% of all children, live below the poverty level. - History
A painful connection with the civil rights struggles of the 60’s still lingers. There continue to be racial and social disparities that create tensions and polarize segments of the population. - Families in Crisis
Over 60% of all births are to single mothers and 16% are born to teenage mothers. Fathers are absent in many Memphis homes.
As with most other urban areas Memphis has disturbing levels of crime and is challenged to provide quality education for all of its children; and suffers broad consequences from the loss for many of a stable family environment.
We are encouraged that increasingly in our city public officials and others outside of the faith community are calling on the churches for help and are recognizing that the church must be at the forefront of any effort to effect change in our city.
We firmly believe that conditions in our city present an incredible opportunity for the church to live out its calling to be the body of Christ in our city demonstrating, in word and deed, the power of the Gospel to bring hope and healing where brokenness and divisiveness exist.
