Yet this decline is not inevitable. History shows that when the church loses its missional nerve, God rekindles it through prayerful renewal and young leaders who refuse to be domesticated by comfort.
Learning From the Great Century of Missions
Mission historians call the period from the late 1700s to the early 1900s “the great century of missions.” During that time, Christians like William Carey, Hudson Taylor, and Amy Carmichael risked everything for the gospel. They left home with no return ticket—sometimes packing their belongings in their own coffins.
We have more tools today than they ever dreamed of. We can FaceTime from the field, raise support online, and collaborate across continents. Our challenge is not the lack of opportunity—it’s the lack of urgency.
While many are talking about revival in our moment, I believe the next great renewal in North American Christianity will be connected to a rediscovery of mission. When churches turn outward again—loving neighbors across the street and nations across the sea—we will know the Spirit is moving.
Even if it sounds foolish, I would love nothing more than for a new century of missions to dawn in our world. Truth be told, that’s my deepest hope for our work at the pastors’ and church leaders’ track at Urbana 25. I hope you’ll be there with me.
Because the question is: In a world that calls obedience foolish, will we still be fools for Christ? I hope and pray we will be. Because “he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” May that spirit rise again—in our students, our churches, and our time.
