Global Church Growth: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

 

Summary

In this session, we explored the dynamic growth and challenges facing the global church, particularly focusing on the remarkable expansion of Ligonier Ministries' outreach efforts worldwide. The discussion highlighted the shift in the Christian population from the Global North to the Global South, emphasizing the need for theological education and resources in regions with dense populations and poor economic conditions. The Global South, which includes areas like Latin America, Africa, and India, is now home to the majority of the world's Christians, a significant change from the early 20th century.

We discussed the strategic focus of Ligonier Ministries on creating resources in the world's top twenty languages, aiming to reach eighty percent of the global population. This involves translating and distributing theological materials, such as the Reformation Study Bible, in various languages, including Portuguese for Mozambique and other Lusophone countries. The ministry's approach is field-driven, relying on local partners to understand and meet the specific needs of different regions.

The session also touched on the explosive growth of Reformed teaching in places like the Philippines, which has become a major source of traffic to Ligonier's website. This growth is mirrored in other regions, such as Africa, where partnerships with organizations like Rafiki Ministries are crucial for distributing resources and supporting local churches. The need for discipleship resources is particularly pressing in areas experiencing rapid church growth, such as Uganda.

In Asia, plans are underway for a regional conference in Singapore, with the potential to expand to other cities like Jakarta and Manila. The demand for resources is high, with pastors urging for quicker access to materials. Similarly, in Latin America, the Spanish-speaking outreach serves as a model for other regions, with a strong desire for trustworthy teaching.

Overall, the session underscored the necessity of strategic and efficient resource distribution to support the global church. The call to action is clear: to pray for and support these efforts, ensuring that the message of God's holiness reaches as many people as possible.

Key Takeaways:

1. Shift in Christian Demographics: The Christian population has significantly shifted from the Global North to the Global South, with the latter now home to the majority of the world's Christians. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of how theological education and resources are distributed, focusing on regions with dense populations and limited access to resources. [03:52]

2. Strategic Language Focus: Ligonier Ministries is focusing on creating resources in the world's top twenty languages, which cover about eighty percent of the global population. This strategic approach aims to efficiently reach the greatest number of people, addressing the urgent need for theological education in diverse linguistic contexts. [06:27]

3. Field-Driven Ministry Approach: The ministry emphasizes a field-driven approach, relying on local partners to understand and meet the specific needs of different regions. This method ensures that resources are relevant and effective, supporting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by churches in various cultural contexts. [09:09]

4. Explosive Growth in Reformed Teaching: Regions like the Philippines and Africa are experiencing a surge in demand for Reformed teaching, with Ligonier's resources playing a crucial role in meeting this need. The growth highlights the global appetite for trustworthy theological education and the importance of supporting these burgeoning communities. [12:35]

5. Urgency and Opportunity in Global Outreach: The global church is at a pivotal moment, with unprecedented opportunities to spread the message of God's holiness. The call to action is urgent, as the need for resources and support is immense. This is a time for the church to unite in prayer and action, ensuring that the gospel reaches every corner of the world. [26:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:28] - Introduction to Global Church Growth
- [01:38] - Defining the Global Church
- [02:21] - Shift from Global North to Global South
- [03:52] - Impact on Theological Education
- [04:30] - Demand for Ligonier Resources
- [05:08] - Strategic Language Focus
- [06:27] - Top Twenty Languages Initiative
- [07:08] - Translation Efforts and Partnerships
- [09:09] - Field-Driven Ministry Approach
- [11:06] - Digital and Offline Strategies
- [12:35] - Growth in Reformed Teaching
- [13:52] - Mozambique and Portuguese Resources
- [15:51] - Africa's Role in Global Christianity
- [19:48] - Southeast Asia Conference Plans
- [22:52] - Spanish-Speaking Outreach
- [24:47] - Social Media and Global Reach
- [26:52] - Urgency in Global Outreach
- [28:57] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)
2. Acts 1:8 (Witnesses to the ends of the earth)
3. Romans 10:14-15 (Preaching to those who have not heard)

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Observation Questions:

1. What significant shift in Christian demographics was discussed in the sermon, and how does it impact theological education? [03:52]

2. How is Ligonier Ministries strategically focusing its efforts to reach the global population, and what languages are prioritized? [06:27]

3. What role do local partners play in Ligonier Ministries' field-driven approach, and why is this important? [09:09]

4. What examples were given of regions experiencing explosive growth in Reformed teaching, and how is Ligonier responding to this demand? [12:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the shift from the Global North to the Global South in Christian demographics challenge traditional methods of theological education and resource distribution? [03:52]

2. In what ways does focusing on the top twenty languages help Ligonier Ministries efficiently reach a large portion of the global population? [06:27]

3. Why is a field-driven approach, relying on local partners, crucial for the effectiveness of Ligonier Ministries' outreach efforts? [09:09]

4. How does the demand for Reformed teaching in regions like the Philippines and Africa reflect a global appetite for trustworthy theological education? [12:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the shift in Christian demographics to the Global South. How can you personally support theological education and resource distribution in these regions? [03:52]

2. Consider the strategic focus on language in Ligonier Ministries' outreach. How can you contribute to or support efforts to make theological resources available in diverse linguistic contexts? [06:27]

3. Think about the importance of local partnerships in ministry. How can you or your church build meaningful relationships with local partners to support global outreach? [09:09]

4. With the explosive growth in demand for Reformed teaching, how can you ensure that your own theological education is trustworthy and robust? [12:35]

5. The sermon emphasized the urgency and opportunity in global outreach. What specific actions can you take to support the spread of the gospel in regions with limited access to resources? [26:52]

6. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to support global ministries like Ligonier and their partners? [28:20]

7. Reflect on the call to action in the sermon. What steps can you take to be more actively involved in supporting the global church's mission? [26:52]

Devotional

Day 1: The Global Shift in Christian Demographics
The Christian landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with the majority of believers now residing in the Global South, including regions like Latin America, Africa, and India. This shift from the Global North to the Global South marks a pivotal change from the early 20th century. As these regions become the new epicenters of Christianity, there is an urgent need to reevaluate how theological education and resources are distributed. Many of these areas are densely populated and economically challenged, making access to theological resources crucial for nurturing and sustaining faith communities. The church must adapt to these changes by focusing on providing the necessary support and education to these growing Christian populations. [03:52]

Isaiah 43:5-6 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth."

Reflection: How can you personally contribute to supporting the growth of Christianity in the Global South, whether through prayer, financial support, or other means?


Day 2: Strategic Language Focus for Global Outreach
Ligonier Ministries has strategically focused on creating resources in the world's top twenty languages, aiming to reach eighty percent of the global population. This approach is designed to efficiently address the urgent need for theological education across diverse linguistic contexts. By translating and distributing materials like the Reformation Study Bible in languages such as Portuguese for Mozambique and other Lusophone countries, the ministry seeks to make theological resources accessible to a broader audience. This initiative highlights the importance of language in spreading the gospel and ensuring that people from different cultural backgrounds can access trustworthy teaching. [06:27]

Acts 2:6-8 (ESV): "And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, 'Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?'"

Reflection: Consider the languages spoken in your community. How can you help ensure that people who speak these languages have access to theological resources and education?


Day 3: Field-Driven Ministry Approach
Ligonier Ministries emphasizes a field-driven approach, relying on local partners to understand and meet the specific needs of different regions. This method ensures that resources are relevant and effective, supporting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by churches in various cultural contexts. By collaborating with local partners, the ministry can tailor its efforts to address the specific theological and educational needs of each region, making its outreach more impactful. This approach underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and local knowledge in global ministry efforts. [09:09]

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Reflection: Think about a cultural or community group you are part of or familiar with. How can you use your understanding of this group to support their spiritual growth and needs?


Day 4: Explosive Growth in Reformed Teaching
Regions like the Philippines and Africa are experiencing a surge in demand for Reformed teaching, with Ligonier's resources playing a crucial role in meeting this need. This growth highlights the global appetite for trustworthy theological education and the importance of supporting these burgeoning communities. The explosive interest in Reformed theology in these areas is a testament to the hunger for sound doctrine and the desire for deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Supporting these communities through resources and education is vital for nurturing their spiritual growth and maturity. [12:35]

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: Identify a person or group in your life who is eager to learn more about their faith. How can you support their journey by sharing resources or engaging in meaningful discussions?


Day 5: Urgency and Opportunity in Global Outreach
The global church is at a pivotal moment, with unprecedented opportunities to spread the message of God's holiness. The call to action is urgent, as the need for resources and support is immense. This is a time for the church to unite in prayer and action, ensuring that the gospel reaches every corner of the world. The urgency of this mission is driven by the rapid growth of Christianity in the Global South and the pressing need for theological education and resources. By coming together in prayer and support, the global church can seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact. [26:52]

Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

Reflection: Reflect on your personal role in the global mission of the church. What specific actions can you take today to support the spread of the gospel and the provision of resources to those in need?

Quotes

We are talking about standing firm, and we must resist the progressive waves of unbelief that are certainly coming against the church, and we are striving to equip, particularly, the North American church who is gathered here this week. But the reality is that the Lord is strengthening and building His church in some explosive, exponential ways around the world, and we've been able to see some of that firsthand. [00:41:24]

The Global North represented over eighty percent of all professing Christians at that point in time. If you fast-forward to 2020, that number shifted from eighty percent of all professing Christians in the Global North to a third. Two-thirds of all professing Christians by 2020 lived in the Global South. Fast-forward again, another fifty, or another thirty years, so less than thirty years, we will see three-fourths, more than three-fourths of all Christians will live in the Global South. [00:20:18]

We are striving to be creating ministry resources in the world's top twenty languages, and we want to do that in a sustainable way. So, what does that mean to create resources in the world's top twenty languages? And why did we pick those top twenty languages? What's behind that? [00:30:08]

We are focusing on these top twenty languages which already reach about eighty percent, four-fifths of the world's population. And we are starting dedicated websites in these languages to act as online libraries for Ligonier resources that have been translated. And by God's grace, we already have twelve, and we have more planned this year, God willing. [00:39:54]

We want to be a field-driven ministry. And that means, we want to lean heavily into the expertise that our field partners have gathered because they're living there, they are in that context on a day-to-day basis. So, to think that we can somehow parachute in and suddenly be the experts, that's not a great approach as you might expect. [00:55:08]

I was in Manila just a month ago, and we are in the craziness of Manila traffic, which I can only kind of describe visually. Just imagine each of my fingers being sort of like lanes of traffic, and this is what it looks like in the States, for the most part. But in Manila, it looks kind of like this, and that's their day-to-day. [00:54:54]

To give you some sense of the appetite for Reformed teaching that we have seen just in the past eighteen months or so, the Philippines became the second largest traffic-sending country to ligonier.org. So, I think, right now it goes: the United States, Philippines, India, Nigeria, Canada. "Come on, Canadians." But just think about that. [00:70:46]

And so, what J.D. was talking about of the growth in the Global South, the church is growing by leaps and bounds. And one of the things that Archbishop Kaziimba mentioned to me is that "We need more discipleship resources. We are growing so fast, there we are not able to do the training that is needed, and we need to do more equipping ministries." [01:14:24]

And my coworker, Emanuel Betances, and the team are just doing an amazing job. There is such a desire among Spanish-speaking people across Latin America for trustworthy teaching, teaching they can go to, to encourage them and teach them the deep things of God. And, as you say, podcasts, books, the online outreach, that's the way we want to go wherever we can. [01:19:13]

I hope you all feel that. This isn't something that is optional; it is something that we must do. We have been richly blessed here in North America. The Lord has strengthened the church. He has provided resources to the church. And so, we feel a compelling, really, a mission to come alongside of our brothers and sisters in Christ in these other places who would not ever have access to the teaching that you've received just over the past eight hours here today. [01:58:00]

This is an amazing time to be alive as a Christian, and I hope you all get some sense of that zeal and excitement, and take that message back home to your churches. And let's continue to partner together and find ways to serve the global church. So, J.D., would you just close us in prayer as we pray for the global church? [02:00:06]

Dear heavenly Father, we lift up our brothers and sisters around the world, seeing and knowing that the resources they have are so few, but we give thanks that they know You as their Lord and Savior. We give thanks that we can come alongside them and serve them. We pray that the work would continue and that, not only would it continue, but it would multiply, that it would grow. [02:26:34]

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Transcript
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