Want to be part of the next generation of global missions? Discover how indigenous missionaries with Reaching Souls International are transforming communities through the Gospel—inspiring over 1 million decisions for Christ each month.

For centuries, global missions has been a driving force in the spread of Christianity. Countless men and women have dedicated their lives to taking the gospel to the far reaches of the earth, often at great personal sacrifice. But as we survey the current missions landscape, it’s clear that the ground has shifted.

New research from Barna paints a stark picture: only 17% of churchgoers have heard of “the Great Commission” and know what it means. Nearly one-quarter of people say missions is a calling for some but “not a mandate for all.” Younger generations are increasingly drawn to humanitarian causes over explicit evangelism as terms like “missions” and “missionary” become increasingly equated with colonialism and racism. 

It’s tempting to either pine for the golden age of missions—forgetting that it, too, had challenges—or resign ourselves to missions’ diminished role in the modern church. But there is a third option: we can reimagine global missions for a new generation—pioneering fresh strategies that resonate with the passions and priorities of younger believers while remaining unwaveringly true to Scripture.

Bridging the Gap

Missions has always been about taking the gospel to the nations. While that mandate is clear, Christians have adapted their approach based on cultural shifts or the needs of the moment for millennia. Think of the early Christians rushing toward the sick when everyone else avoided them or 20th-century biblical translations that contextualized language to specific people groups. These evangelistic efforts did not set the good news aside. Rather, they considered how people in need of Jesus may be best introduced to the gospel message.

Today, globally-aware Christians are motivated by locally-led, grassroots initiatives that empower communities holistically. They want to see the gospel lived out through tangible expressions of compassion and justice. Their concerns include both the personal salvation of people around the world and how the good news of Jesus can empower whole communities to flourish.

Indigenous missionary movements are ideally positioned to bridge this gap. By elevating local leaders to reach their own people, they marry evangelistic urgency with cultural sensitivity. Supporting homegrown missionaries honors younger generations’ commitment to authentic, contextualized ministry while staying true to the biblical call to proclaim Christ.

Consider the story of Mark, an indigenous missionary in Mozambique. When confronted with a crowd of villagers violently attacking Salim, a notorious thief, Mark and his team intervened in 

the name of Jesus Christ. They transformed a scene of aggression into an impromptu outdoor meeting, complete with gospel songs and dancing. As a result, 89 lost souls, including Salim, were brought to Christ, and a new church was started under the shade of a mango tree. This hyperlocal approach—the gospel embodied through courageous compassion and transformative justice—exemplifies the type of missions that resonates with many young Christians.

Reaching Souls International has been at the forefront of indigenous missions since 1986. By equipping local leaders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, they’ve seen the gospel spread rapidly and sustainably. Each month, their 2,600+ missionaries inspire over 1 million decisions for Christ—a testament to the power of contextual evangelism.

As we enter a new era of global missions, ministries like Reaching Souls offer a compelling template. By championing indigenous missionaries, empowering local leadership, and integrating compassion and evangelism, they’re modeling missions for the next generation. It’s an approach that doesn’t pit social concern against gospel proclamation but recognizes them as indispensable partners in God’s redemptive mission.

The world, and the church, may look different than it did a century ago, but the gospel mandate hasn’t changed. The need for redemption is as acute as ever. As we reimagine global missions, may we have courage and confidence in the truth that missions isn’t about perpetuating a particular model or method. It’s about faithfully taking the hope of Christ to every nation, tribe, and tongue by any means necessary.

If you’re interested in participating in God’s global mission by empowering indigenous missionaries, consider partnering with Reaching Souls International. Learn more about their transformative programs and how you can support their work in spreading the gospel effectively and sustainably.