The Future of the Church

What does growth mean for the Church?

The Church is the community of Christians, not just the buildings where they worship. Church growth can mean more people becoming Christians and new Christian communities being established. It can also mean existing believers growing in understanding, commitment and faith. A larger congregation and a more committed congregation are related, but they are not the same thing.

The future of the Church therefore concerns both passing Christianity on to new followers and sustaining the faith of those who already belong. Christianity has spread worldwide, but its situation differs between places. In the 2021 census of England and Wales, 46.2% of people described themselves as Christian. This helps explain why some British Christians see reaching people outside the Church as an urgent task; it does not mean that Christianity is declining everywhere.

Evangelism, or evangelical work, means communicating the Christian gospel to encourage people to follow Jesus. It can involve preaching, conversation, media or actions that demonstrate Christian love. A missionary is someone sent to share faith and serve others, often in another country or community. Missionary work and evangelism overlap: neither is limited to speaking from a pulpit.

Jesus’ instruction in Mark 16:9–20

Mark 16:9–20 connects Christian mission with belief in Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene and later to other followers. Initially, the disciples refuse to believe reports that he is alive. Jesus then appears to the Eleven and rebukes their lack of faith. Those who struggled to believe are themselves sent to spread the message.

Jesus tells them: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). Christians understand this as an instruction to take the good news beyond their own community. It supports the worldwide scope of mission: the message is not intended only for one people or country.

Verse 16 connects belief and baptism with salvation and warns of condemnation for unbelief. For Christians who place particular emphasis on this teaching, evangelism concerns people’s relationship with God and eternal future, not simply increasing church attendance.

The passage also describes signs accompanying believers, including healing, speaking in new tongues and protection from danger. After Jesus is taken into heaven, the disciples preach everywhere, with the Lord working with them and confirming their message through signs. This presents mission as work supported by God rather than a purely human campaign. The descriptions of protection are not instructions to seek danger.

How missionary and evangelical work developed

Mission began with Jesus’ followers. After his death and resurrection, Peter helped spread his teaching in and around Jerusalem. Paul carried the Christian message across much of the Mediterranean, helping Christianity spread beyond its first Jewish followers. Preaching, travel and the formation of Christian communities helped establish the early Church.

Later Christians continued this work in different ways. In the eighteenth century, preachers such as George Whitefield and John Wesley addressed large public gatherings, seeking to renew Christian faith and reach people outside ordinary church services. Missionary societies organised journeys overseas; missionaries often needed to learn local languages before they could explain their beliefs.

European colonial expansion also carried missionaries into other parts of the world and contributed to Christianity’s spread. However, the connection with colonial power raises questions about whether conversion was always genuinely free. Christians today can value the commitment of earlier missionaries while questioning methods that failed to respect other cultures or beliefs.

In the twentieth century, evangelists such as Billy Graham addressed large audiences, while radio and television extended their reach. Today, online videos and social media continue this development. The purpose remains sharing Christianity, but the methods change with opportunities and circumstances.

Different methods: local, national and global

Locally, evangelism can be personal and conversational. A Christian might explain their faith to a friend or invite someone to a discussion course. Alpha introduces Christianity through discussion and questions. Courses can take place in churches, homes, workplaces, universities and prisons. This approach allows people to explore beliefs rather than only listen to a sermon.

Nationally, Christian preaching and communication can reach people beyond a single congregation. Radio, television and online material make Christian teaching available to wide audiences. For example, the Church of England encouraged people to share Easter celebrations using #EasterJoy. Sharing experiences of worship can make Christian belief visible and invite interest, although seeing a post is not the same as becoming a Christian.

Globally, missionary activity includes preaching, supporting churches and practical service. Tearfund works through church groups to help people facing poverty and disasters. Its emergency aid and longer-term community projects demonstrate Christian concern for others. Such service can express Christian faith through actions rather than a direct appeal to convert.

Open Doors supports persecuted Christians by distributing Bibles, providing practical help and supporting believers and church leaders. Its work helps Christians maintain and practise their faith where doing so is difficult. This shows that supporting the Church’s future includes sustaining existing communities, not only gaining new members.

These methods differ in emphasis. Public preaching directly announces the gospel; discussion allows questions; practical service demonstrates love; support for persecuted believers strengthens vulnerable churches. Christians may combine these approaches rather than choose only one.

Why do Christians disagree about its importance?

Many evangelical and conservative Christians regard evangelism as a central duty because Jesus commanded it. They believe sharing faith allows others to experience God’s grace and salvation. For the Church, it brings new followers and helps pass Christianity to future generations. For individuals, it is an act of obedience and a way of sharing something they believe has transformed their own lives.

Other Christians agree that sharing faith matters but reject the claim that it is the most important duty. Prayer, developing personal faith, helping people in need and working for social justice also express discipleship. They may argue that loving service makes the Christian message credible and should not be treated merely as a tool for gaining converts.

Some liberal Christians are particularly concerned that attempts to convert people can become intolerant or disrespectful in a society with many religions and non-religious beliefs. They place greater emphasis on accepting people’s choices and demonstrating love without pressure. This does not mean that every liberal Christian rejects all discussion of faith.

A justified judgement should distinguish a respectful invitation from coercion. Sharing beliefs can be compatible with religious freedom when people can question or decline them. Pressure, or treating people mainly as potential converts, can conflict with Christian love. Evangelism may therefore be important without replacing other Christian responsibilities, and its value depends partly on how it is carried out.