By creating a safe space for vulnerability and dialogue, BDC nurtures authentic relationships and a deeper understanding of faith. Through intentional discipleship, the strategy empowers individuals to live out their beliefs, strengthen community bonds, and positively impact the broader society through their transformed lives.
Third, the XP Series on evangelism focuses on practical, innovative strategies for sharing faith. It emphasizes personal storytelling, community engagement, and leveraging digital tools. The series provides actionable insights to overcome barriers in evangelism, equipping individuals to effectively communicate their beliefs and foster meaningful spiritual conversations. They’re seeing real traction among younger people.
Fourth, immigration has brought diaspora missionaries into our society. Despite the rise of secularism, the arrival of religious immigrants means the majority of “Aussies and Kiwis” still believe there is a god. Today, more people are hearing and responding to the gospel in Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Punjabi than in English. The three largest groupings in Australia and New Zealand are nominal Christians, post-Christian atheists, and eastern religions. We have become our own mission field.
Conclusion
For three months in 1959, Billy Graham held evangelistic events in Australia, highlighted by 130,000 people hearing the gospel at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The highest church attendance in Australia’s history followed this campaign, with more than half of the nation’s children enrolled in a Sunday School in 1960. Although evangelical Christianity in Australia and New Zealand has declined steadily ever since, we have renewed reasons for hope.
While I appreciate the church growth and church planting movements of the previous decades, I’m excited by renewed vision and possibilities for discipleship in our culture. It will certainly look different than the years after Billy Graham’s Australian evangelistic campaigns, but I’m hopeful it could yet be as fruitful.
