A survey commissioned by the International Mission Board from the Barna Group asked young American Christians what they think about cross-cultural missions. The picture is one of tension, not apathy.
Among engaged Christians ages 18 to 34, 52% see themselves as “potential missionaries.” At the same time, 42% agree that “Christian mission is tainted by its association with colonialism.” And one in four is what Barna calls a “supportive skeptic”: financially supports a missionary or has been to the field, but questions the methods. (Barna Group, The Future of Missions, 2020; sample of engaged American Christians)
The new generation is not less missional. It is missional with different questions.
Mobilization without formation becomes activism; formation without mobilization becomes theory. The church needs both: discipling the questioning instead of dismissing it.
How is your church discipling the young people who already want to go?
