At lunch I was perusing the latest issue of Relevant magazine. There is a 14 page investigative feature focusing on 6 different aspects of our world and what they may look like in the year 2020. Ryan Hamm wrote a very thought-provoking article in the Faith section: “Nigeria: The Center of Christianity in 2020.”
When one thinks about what the “average Christian” looks like, the most common image that comes to mind is a young, good-looking, white male. Hamm argues that by the year 2020 this will be the exact opposite. It will actually be a Nigerian or Brazilian woman.
Most of us living in America can attest that over the years our country has consistently tried to separate itself from most things Christian. People trying to take “under God” out of the pledge of allegiance, removing statues of the “ten commandments” from government buildings, and calling Christmas trees “holiday trees” (Lowe’s really did this). But other countries all around the world are accepting Christianity and its message.
Research by Phillip Jenkins, church historian and expert in global trends, believes that by 2025 Africa and South America will be vying for the” title of the most Christian continent.”
What does this mean to the church? Minorities will soon be the majority. And while I am excited for this prospect and what it means for congregations, no more seas of white, it may propose a huge challenge for the American church.
With multiple different cultures what is a church to do? Keep the same kind of service, but splice in other culturally relevant aspects like worship song in spanish (this is always awkward). Or do they segregate and have different groups/services for people’s preferences.
These are valuable and important questions that the Church must begin to work through. Thanks to Ryan Hamm for the article and if you want to read it or even the rest of the issue you can on Relevant’s website. I highly recommend subscribing to the magazine, its $12 for 6 issues, or $22 for 12 issues. And if you like podcasts, theirs is good. It is entertaining and they feature cool bands.
Until next time…PEACE OUT!
The One... 
For too long Christians put the responsibility of the Great Commission on the church and it’s staff, and never address it personally. When biblically speaking, the church’s job is to equip the saints for ministry, not to be the sole focus on moving the kingdom forward. People too often come to church with a consumer mentality-which I think is BS. You are to serve the church and be on mission in the place where God has you placed. The church isn’t necessarily here to serve you and your felt needs. Too many people say they’re not being “fed,” and most of the people who say this have little to none involvment in the church or community and rarely tithe. I heard a statistic that said 1 in 1,000 Christians feel the need to share their faith, when I think that Bible is clear that the statistic should be 1 in 1. This doesn’t mean you have to be the supper lame “Christian” that annoys the crap out of everyone or the guy with the bull horn yelling at people on the street corner. Even sinners hung out and ate with Jesus. Where the true Gospel is preached, even sinners will lean in to hear. We should live our whole life in gratitude and worship knowing our identity in Christ. If we do this and we don’t compartamentalize or faith, we’ll automatically be on mission and serve as a witness. It’s time for the church to step up, be men, resting that we’re sealed by the HS in Christ, and HUMBLY live lives of worship in response to the work done on the cross, and not count the “cost” apart from the COST that was already paid!
Sorry for the rant, poor grammer and spelling.
Thanks for the comment Craig and you for you passion…I didn’t know you really read my blog 🙂 And I have a special announcement for you in my next post so be sure to read it.
Hey Danielle this is a great post! We need to get more people in our context to read it! Can you post it to our church fb page?
Sure…thanks for the comment 🙂 Have a great time this weekend!