Montana Missional Communities
Loving God by Living Community and Serving the World
About Billings
The
largest town in a radius of some 500 miles, Billings, with a
population of 100,000, is the hub of the eastern half of Montana,
western North Dakota, and northwest Wyoming. The city is
expanding rapidly, experiencing an 11.47% growth rate between 2000
and 2007 (the U.S. average during that time was 5.88%).
Pictographs a few miles south of present-day Billings are some 2100 years old, and the Crow Indians frequented this area from about 1700. Lewis and Clark traveled through the region in 1806 on the return leg of their famous expedition, and in the decades following fur trappers and then gold prospectors traveled through the area on their respective quests. In 1882 the town of Billings was established in Montana Territory as a railroad town in the midst of cattle country.
Today Billings is a rapidly growing western town whose economy is thriving despite the current national recession. The medical, educational, natural resources (oil refineries), construction and service sectors are the largest provider of jobs. Agriculture and tourism, the top economic sectors in Montana at large, also play an important role in the Billings economy. Employment in Billings is currently a very low 1.3%.
Culturally, Native Americans comprise the largest minority group, at about 4%. The Crow Reservation lies one hour east of town. And despite Billings strong economy, the town is home to a higher percentage of households living in poverty than the national average.
Like other towns in Montana, Billings has a diverse religious landscape, although roughly 52% of residents claim no religion.
Native Americans of earlier centuries practiced their religion long before Europeans arrived. Roman Catholics arrived in the region in the second half of the 19th century and established mission outposts among Native Americans, while Anabaptists (Mennonites) in the form of Hutterites, fleeing persecution in Europe, migrated to the region and established colonies north of Billings. Among Protestants, Methodists via circuit-riding preachers established an early presence during the gold-fever boom decade of the 1860s. Presbyterians, Baptists and others followed in the next few decades. In addition, Mormons arrived in the region in the late 19th century, following their trek West that led to the establishment of Salt Lake City.
Today, Catholics, Lutherans, Pentecostals and Mormons are the largest religious groups in Billings. In addition to a Mormon Temple, Billings features a Jewish Temple and an Islamic Center. The 5000-plus member Faith Chapel (a Four Square, Pentecostal congregation) is the largest religious congregation in town. Following is the breakdown of religious affiliation in Billings compared to the United States as as whole:
Religion
Billings, MT
United States
Total
48.57%
50.03%
Catholic
17.58%
21.92%
Protestant
21.52%
19.12%
Latter Day Saints
4.17%
1.57%
Baptist
3.69%
8.16%
Episcopalian
0.81%
8.12%
Pentecostal
5.05%
1.89%
Lutheran
8.47%
2.81%
Methodist
2.65%
3.84%
Presbyterian
0.85%
1.33%
Other Christian
4.76%
4.66%
Jewish
0.23%
2.16%
Eastern
0.09%
0.05%
Islam
0.22%
0.54%
Religion also finds expression in Billings in a variety of community ministries, including the Montana Rescue Mission, Friendship House and the Billings Food Bank. In addition, a number of other community non-profits provide service to community residents, including Family Service, Youth Dynamics, Montana Migrant Health Program, Tumbleweed Runaway Program, and the Boys and Girls Club. (This listing is not exhaustive, and only includes non-profits that maintain a website.)
Montana Missional Communities seeks to be the presence of Christ by partnering with established community ministries and non-religious service organizations. We believe that if Christ were to hang out in Billings today, he would be spotted in places like the Rescue Mission and Boys and Girls Club more often than a church sanctuary. We also celebrate the religious pluralism that is Billings while we strive to minister in the name of Christ in the community at large.
Sources:
Billings
Demographics
Pluralism in Billings
Additional Information and News:
Billings Gazette (Daily Newspaper)
Official Billings City Site
Billings Visitors Bureau
Montana State University Billings
Overview
Billings is a rapidly growing regional hub with a strong economy, a strong community-services sector, and a low-level of religious affiliation.