Bringing Light to Las Vegas: A New Vision for ‘Sin City’
What if Las Vegas wasn’t just known for its bright lights and endless entertainment, but also for gospel-centered churches reaching families with hope and purpose? That’s the vision of churches like Emmaus and The Well, who are working tirelessly to transform the city’s narrative. Together with partners like Brentwood Baptist, they are shifting the focus from “Sin City” to a place where the light of the gospel shines, reaching people who are hungry for hope, truth, and community.
Beyond the Strip, Las Vegas is home to more than 2.3 million people—a number that’s growing every day as it ranks as the third fastest-growing city in the U.S. The Las Vegas Valley holds diverse neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and vibrant communities, making it a place where people live, work, and seek purpose. With communities like Spring Valley, where nearly 30% of the population was born outside the United States, Las Vegas is more than a tourist destination; it’s a global mission field in a stateside city.
The gospel need in Las Vegas is immense. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls His followers to be the “light of the world” and a “city on a hill” that cannot be hidden—a message that resonates deeply here. With over 200,000 hotel rooms filled with visitors from around the world and only 177 churches across the state, the task of reaching the city’s growing population demands a greater gospel presence.
Steve Witt, pastor of The Well Church in Henderson, has experienced firsthand the openness of people in Las Vegas to the gospel. “This is the easiest place I’ve ever lived to share the gospel,” he says. People are more receptive than you’d think, and Pastor Steve’s goal from day one has been to reach the city, not just to build a single church. By developing small groups and community gatherings throughout the city, The Well aims to extend its reach, meeting people where they are and ultimately creating new worship communities. One such step forward is the recent church plant led by Pastor John, a passionate follower of Jesus whom Pastor Steve mentored for years.
Brentwood Baptist is honored to partner with these churches as they pursue their vision of gospel expansion in Las Vegas. Through recent mission journeys, Brentwood’s teams have joined efforts on the ground, serving alongside The Well in community outreaches. Together, they share the mission to bring the light of Christ to this city, working hand in hand to build lasting impact and foster thriving gospel communities.
Las Vegas is a city ready for hope, and the call is clear: let’s illuminate it with the gospel’s transformative love. As we stand with The Well and Emmaus, we remember Christ’s words in Matthew—may we too be the light that cannot be hidden, bringing brightness to a city that desperately needs it.
Ready to join the mission? Click HERE to learn about all upcoming mission journeys.