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... 