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The gospel changes the world, and the world lives in Brooklyn
With a population of approximately 2.5 million people, Brooklyn is by far New York’s largest Borough. If it were its own city, Brooklyn would be the fourth largest in the nation, exceeding the populations of Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio and Atlanta, amongst others. 35,000 people share every square mile, speaking hundreds of languages and representing all the major world religions. One-third of all immigrants that move to New York City settle in Brooklyn. These immigrant communities change the face of the city, but they also stay closely connected with family and friends in their home countries. Therefore it is fair to say that to reach Brooklyn with the Gospel is to reach the world.
Brooklyn is known for its cultural diversity, independent art scene, distinct neighborhoods and architectural heritage. It is home to the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, both venerated institutions in their respective spheres. On a more playful note, Brooklyn is home to one of the nation’s first major amusement areas: Coney Island, but there is much more to be celebrated in this borough. Each neighborhood is a treasure of diverse ethnic and immigrant history. Also known as the borough of writers, many contemporary authors follow in the footsteps of Walt Whitman, making Brooklyn their home and often the subject of their works.
Brooklyn is part of a city which boasts the best of human achievement, ingenuity and imagination but which also serves as the arena for the worst of human sin and brokenness: with its ethnic diversity comes racial disharmony; with its desirability comes displacement and housing inequality; with its frenetic pace comes spiritual unrest. There is much of God’s kingdom work that can be celebrated here, and there is much more to be done. Our hope is that each neighborhood church planted will be a good Brooklyn neighbor, celebrating Christ and serving with his gospel.
Why Brooklyn?
