The Changing Face of Christianity

What is a Missionary? What does a missionary… …look like? …say?…do?

Is this guy a missionary?

Which guy is the missionary?

Something is happening… Did you know that: Did you know that: The largest church in Europe is made up primarily of African immigrants. The Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations has approximately 25,000 members The largest church in Europe is made up primarily of African immigrants. The Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations has approximately 25,000 members

Something is happening… Did you know that: Did you know that: In Scotland less than 10% of the population attends church on a regular basis… In Scotland less than 10% of the population attends church on a regular basis… But in the Phillipines the figure is nearly 70%!!! But in the Phillipines the figure is nearly 70%!!!

Something is happening… Did you know that: Did you know that: In Nigeria there are nearly seven times more Episcopalians than there are in the US. In Nigeria there are nearly seven times more Episcopalians than there are in the US.

Something is happening… Did you know that: Did you know that: In South Korea there are four times as many Presbyterians as there are in the United States, even though the U.S. is six times larger in total population. In South Korea there are four times as many Presbyterians as there are in the United States, even though the U.S. is six times larger in total population.

What happened? Church Growth by 300 A.D. Church Growth by 300 A.D. -Steady Growth -Steady Growth -Social Networks -Social Networks -Commercial Networks -Commercial Networks -Lay Missionaries -Lay Missionaries Offered: Offered: 1. ethics 1. ethics 2. socialization 2. socialization

What happened? Church Growth A.D. Church Growth A.D. -Became official -Became official -Blurring of church and empire -Blurring of church and empire -Explosive growth, then gradual slowing -Explosive growth, then gradual slowing Offered: Offered: -Recognition -Recognition

What happened? Church Growth A.D. Church Growth A.D. -Empire in Decline -Empire in Decline -Monastics -Monastics -Very slow -Very slow Offered: Offered: -Stability -Stability

What happened? The Next Phase of Church Growth could be called “ The Church Militant ” The Next Phase of Church Growth could be called “ The Church Militant ” Conflict between Eastern and Western Christianity (what we now called Roman Catholic and Orthodox)Conflict between Eastern and Western Christianity (what we now called Roman Catholic and Orthodox) Conflict between Church and IslamConflict between Church and Islam

The Church Militant Growth took place primarily through forced expansion. Growth took place primarily through forced expansion. Lasted nearly 1000 years Lasted nearly 1000 years Even when it wasn ’ t “ forced ” the mindset influenced such growth Even when it wasn ’ t “ forced ” the mindset influenced such growth Best/Worst examples Best/Worst examples THE CRUSADES (1000 – 1300 AD)THE CRUSADES (1000 – 1300 AD) South America (1500 – 1800 AD)South America (1500 – 1800 AD)

Modern Missions New Era begins around 1800 New Era begins around 1800 William Carey goes to India William Carey goes to India Influenced by Religious Liberty Influenced by Religious Liberty Dominated by English Speaking World (nearly 80% of missionaries were English speaking in the 19 th and 20 th Centuries) Dominated by English Speaking World (nearly 80% of missionaries were English speaking in the 19 th and 20 th Centuries)

20 th Century Christianity In 1900, 80% of the world ’ s Christians were either Europeans or North Americans.

21 st Century Christianity Now, more than 60% of the world ’ s Christians live in Africa, Asia, and South America.

21 st Century Christianity Most populous Christian nations: Nation U.S.225M270M330M Brazil164M190M195M Mexico95M127M145M Phillipines77M116M145M Nigeria50M83M123M Zaire/Congo34M70M121M Ethiopia36M65M79M China50M?100M?200M?

The Changing Face of Christian Mission So what does that mean? So what does that mean? How should that shape how we think about how we are involved in God’s mission? How should that shape how we think about how we are involved in God’s mission? Acts 10 as model Acts 10 as model

What about South Africa? 44 Million People in South Africa 44 Million People in South Africa 66% of total population Christian, BUT66% of total population Christian, BUT Nearly 80% of the Black population is ChristianNearly 80% of the Black population is Christian

What about South Africa? Most people you meet in South Africa will be Christians.

What is a Missionary? What does a missionary… …look like? …say?…do?