The state of churches in Asia

Abstract

Asia is home to more than four billion people and the major religions of the world. The gospel came from Asia, spread to the West, and returned to Asia. Although the history of Christianity in Asia is long, Christians remain a minority across the region. But churches continue to grow even in places that are hostile to the gospel, although they face critical issues like population explosion, poverty, hunger, migration, urbanization, and changing ecosystems, among others. There are also protracted challenges in terms of ideologies, religious fundamentalism, and within churches themselves, failure in leadership, lack of integrity, and “inherited faith.” Amid all these challenges are rays of hope for Asian churches. Unlike forty years ago, churches now have access to theological education for their leaders. The establishment of major consortiums ensures that the training that leaders receive on Asian soil is comparable to that offered in the Global North. The strong missionary impulse is also accelerating the growth of churches in the continent. Though non-Asian missionaries continue to serve in the region, Asian Christians themselves are becoming more dynamic in their participation in global missions, including their own communities. The rise of missionary movements and church multiplication movement is encouraging. Indigenous support is key to the success of these movements. When funds are not sufficient, many serve as tentmakers, using their professional qualifications. This article also shows how contextualized worship and ministries could also open creative pathways for the growth of churches across the Asian region.