Faith
Evangelical Movement Grows in Global South
Faith Facts
- Evangelicalism is diverse and challenging to measure, especially as its center moves to the Global South.
- Researchers highlight Bebbington’s Quadrilateral and a threefold model to estimate evangelical numbers worldwide.
- Definitions of ‘evangelical’ are widely debated, varying across cultures, denominations, and regions.
Global faith leaders and researchers are wrestling with how to define and measure evangelical Christians, citing increasing diversity and growth in the Global South. Rather than a single, fixed identity, evangelicalism reflects varying beliefs and practices, making definitive counts difficult but crucial to tracking Christianity’s worldwide influence.
According to Dr. Gina Zurlo of the World Christian Database and Jason Mandryk from Operation World, universal agreement on who qualifies as evangelical remains elusive, unlike more clearly defined traditions such as Catholicism or Orthodoxy. Instead, identifying evangelicals involves theological, cultural, and even practical distinctions that differ by nation and context.
Zurlo’s research uses a layered approach, considering formal affiliations, Pentecostal and charismatic communities, and unaffiliated Protestant movements, leading to an estimate nearing one billion evangelicals. Mandryk’s team applies the Bebbington Quadrilateral, focusing on biblical authority, the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice, conversion, and active faith.
“Virtually nobody is using it exactly the same way,” Mandryk explained.
Complex cases, such as Brazil’s Universal Church or unregistered house churches in China, reveal how contested the label can be. American black Protestant churches may embody evangelical theology but eschew the term due to cultural and political associations. These examples remind believers to focus on faithfulness over labels.
When demographics and definitions shift, the Christian response remains rooted in truth, biblical clarity, and a commitment to sharing Christ’s love. Faithful witness bridges every boundary, affirming that God’s Word and Christ’s redemption call His people together in unity and purpose. Stand firm in upholding gospel truth wherever God’s family is found.
Faith Facts
- The Lausanne Movement’s LIGHT research division is exploring how artificial intelligence affects the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.
- The LIGHT Briefing calls the Church to ensure AI is used with discernment, prioritizing Christ-centered mission and authentic human relationships.
- Researchers emphasize biblical values by offering an ethical framework that keeps technology aligned with justice, truth, mercy, and love.
Christian leaders are seeking wisdom as artificial intelligence transforms communication, outreach, and discipleship. The Lausanne Movement urges the Church to govern new technologies by faith and grounding in Scripture.
The church is encouraged to reject both fear and misplaced optimism, choosing instead to prayerfully consider how AI can support—never replace—God’s call to spread the Gospel.
“AI is neither savior nor threat in itself. Rather, its value depends on how it is discerned, governed, and deployed by God’s people.”
Believers are challenged to model transparency, fairness, and accountability while recognizing that digital tools can never replace Spirit-led, personal gospel witness.
“The gospel remains unchanged. Biblical commands transcend technological innovation and demand faithful proclamation, regardless of medium.”
It remains vital that evangelism expresses Christ’s love through genuine presence, as only human ambassadors can fulfill the Great Commission’s relational call.
“While AI may augment, it must always serve, not supplant, the spirit-filled human herald in proclaiming the good news and fulfilling the Great Commission.”
The church must move forward with courage and prayer, trusting God’s mission will not falter in the digital age.
Faith Facts
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern about violence and unrest following Tanzania’s recent election.
- Key opposition leaders faced arrest and exclusion from the election, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
- The WCC called for an investigation into the violence and urged protection of human rights and accountability.
Christian leaders emphasized the sanctity of human life, highlighting that every life is a gift from God and must be honored, even amid political turmoil. They denounced the use of lethal force against citizens standing for peaceful assembly and free expression.
Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, declared,
“Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”
He further stated,
“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood.”
The WCC stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, supporting faith-driven calls for peace, dialogue, and justice, and affirming the vital contributions of Christian organizations in seeking reconciliation.
Faithful believers are called to uphold Christian values by praying for Tanzania and advocating for truth, accountability, and protection of freedoms guaranteed by God.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Kim Davis’s petition, leaving the 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage in place.
- Kim Davis was previously jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her Christian convictions.
- Liberty Counsel continues to support Davis, emphasizing the need to protect religious liberty for public officials.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges keeps the national legalization of same-sex marriage unchanged. The decision also leaves in place a ruling requiring Kim Davis to pay substantial legal fees related to her stand for biblical marriage.
“This cannot be right because government officials do not shed their constitutional rights upon election,” stated Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Chairman.
Believers must remain vigilant, standing for religious freedom and biblical principles in the public square. Our faith calls us to uphold God’s design for marriage while advocating for the rights of Christians to live out their convictions.
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