The Global Christian population
According to a report released in early January 2023 by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC) at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, it is projected that the global Christian population will surpass 2.6 billion by mid-2023 and is expected to reach approximately 3.3 billion by 2050. This estimate for mid-2023 represents an increase of 44.5 million people compared to the total in mid-2022.
The 2023 report also indicates that the estimated number of Christians worldwide for both 2025 and 2050 is higher than the figures in the 2022 report. Specifically, the 2023 report predicts a Christian population of 2,662,979,000 in 2025, an increase of 25.8 million from the 2022 estimate, and a population of 3,342,878,000 in 2050, which is an increase of 8.8 million.
These statistics demonstrate a daily growth rate of just over 70,000 Christians, equivalent to nearly half a million new Christians per week.
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Shift in the Global Centre
Surveys have identified a shift in the global centre of Christianity from the minority world (Europe and North America) to the majority world (Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania). In 1900, 83% of Christians lived in the minority world, while as of mid-2023, the majority world now accounts for 68% of the global Christian population.
A lack of Theological Training
The CSGC estimates that there are approximately 5 million pastors and priests in all Christian traditions worldwide, including Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and Independents, including those with bi-vocational roles. Of these, it is estimated that around 5% (approximately 250,000) have received formal theological education, such as undergraduate Bible degrees or Master’s degrees. These estimates are based on incomplete responses gathered through the Global Survey on Theological Education. Notably, roughly 70% of these pastors serve in Independent congregations, and even in the Western world, Independent pastors often have limited theological training.
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Furthermore, the Global Survey on Theological Education conducted between 2011 and 2013 revealed a shortage of theological schools in regions where Christianity is experiencing rapid growth, such as Africa, Latin America, and certain parts of Asia.
It’s important to acknowledge that these assessments may have limitations, but they provide valuable insights into the global Christian population and theological education.
Equipping leaders in the local contexts
With our partners, Langham Partnership and Overseas Council, we equip preachers to biblically shepherd their flock through formal and informal training, resource partner theological schools written for the local context, and sponsor indigenous Christian leaders to do their PhD who go on to train Christian leaders for the global church, to enable the global church to flourish and multiply.
Beyond helping under-served parts of Asia-Pacific financially, we send volunteer ESOL teachers from New Zealand to partner schools to help seminary students build up their academic English skills (as most post graduate theological study is taught in English). Consultants with in-demand skills that our partner schools lack have also lent their much needed talents and knowledge to make recommendations and train staff.
Now is the time for New Zealand Christians and churches to support the development of Christian leaders in Asia-Pacific. A strategic investment that which will multiply and bless future generations.
