Bentonville, Arkansas – 2023

New Start: Bentonville, the headquarters of Walmart, is anticipated to see 35% population growth in the next three years. There are only two churches of any denomination in the target area of southwest Bentonville/Centerton. The 12-person core group (pictured) has been active in the community and looks forward to planting a new church in an area with no current WELS presence.

Fast Facts:

• Rev. Ross Chartrand was installed on August 11, 2024, as the new home missionary in Bentonville/Centeron.
• Bentonville is the headquarters of Walmart, J.B. Hunt Logistics is located in neighboring Lowell, and Tyson Foods has a plant in Rogers and headquarters in Springdale to the south.
• Bentonville itself has a population of 62,000. By 2026, its population is expected to be 83,000 (35% growth).
• Walmart has invested quite a bit into the Bentonville community, making it a very desirable place to live with good schools and over 140 miles of bike trails for families. The Ozark National Forest to the southeast makes Bentonville a hub for outdoor activity.
• The four families in the core group have been meeting every two weeks for Bible study and fellowship since May 2022.
• The nearest WELS churches to the Bentonville/Centerton target area are Beautiful Savior in Bella Vista and Grace in Lowell.

Contact:
Rev. Ross Chartrand, Home Missionary
[email protected]
989-522-5111