The Rise of the Global South in Mission Sending

Introduction

For much of modern history, Christian missions were dominated by sending churches and agencies from the Global North like Europe and North America. However, in recent decades, a remarkable shift has occurred: the Global South (Africa, Asia, and Latin America) has emerged as a vibrant force in mission sending. This transformation not only reflects demographic realities but also embodies the fulfilment of the biblical vision of a global, multigenerational, Spirit-empowered Church participating in God’s mission to the nations (Revelation 7:9). This article traces the rise of the Global South in mission sending and explores its implications for the contemporary Church worldwide.

Biblical Foundations for Global Mission

The vision of mission sending is rooted in Scripture. Jesus commanded His disciples to be witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This mandate was never limited to one region or culture; it was a global call. Paul’s missionary journeys demonstrate the principle of churches in one region sending workers to others (Acts 13:1–3). The rise of the Global South in mission sending reflects this biblical pattern, as new centers of Christianity take responsibility for global witness.

Historical Background: The Global North as Mission Sender

From the 18th to the 20th centuries, mission sending was largely driven by Europe and North America. The Moravian movement, William Carey’s pioneering work in India, and the expansion of Protestant missions through organizations like the London Missionary Society and the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions illustrate this era. These efforts brought the gospel to many parts of the world, laying foundations for churches in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

However, this era was also marked by challenges, including cultural paternalism and colonial entanglements. While the gospel spread, mission sending often reflected Western dominance. The contemporary rise of the Global South represents a significant rebalancing of mission responsibility.

The Demographic Shift in Global Christianity

One of the key drivers of the Global South’s rise in mission sending is the demographic shift in Christianity. In 1900, the majority of Christians lived in Europe and North America. Today, the majority live in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Africa alone is projected to have over 40% of the world’s Christians by 2050.

This demographic shift means that the vitality, resources, and leadership of the global church are increasingly located in the Global South. As Ephesians 4:16 reminds us, “From Him the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love.” The body of Christ is now being built up through mission initiatives from regions once considered “receiving fields.”

Case Study: Africa’s Mission Sending

African churches have become dynamic mission senders. Movements such as the Nigerian-led Redeemed Christian Church of God have planted congregations across Europe, North America, and beyond. African missionaries are serving in Asia, the Middle East, and even back in Europe, reversing historical mission flows.

This reflects the biblical principle of reciprocity in mission. Just as Paul received support from churches he planted (Philippians 4:15–16), African churches now send missionaries to regions that once sent missionaries to them.

Case Study: Latin America’s Mission Sending

Latin American churches have also embraced mission sending. Brazil, in particular, has become a hub for missionary training and sending, with agencies mobilizing workers globally. Latin American missionaries often bring a passion for evangelism and a contextual understanding of poverty and social justice, making them effective in diverse settings.

This reflects Jesus’ mission in Luke 4:18–19, proclaiming good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed. Latin American missionaries embody this holistic vision of mission.

Case Study: Asia’s Mission Sending

Asia, home to some of the fastest-growing churches, has also become a mission-sending region. South Korea is a leading example, with thousands of missionaries serving worldwide. India and China, despite challenges, are also raising up missionaries to reach unreached peoples. Asian missionaries often serve in contexts where Western missionaries face restrictions, making their role crucial in advancing the gospel.

Paul’s words in Romans 10:14 “How shall they hear without a preacher?” resonate deeply in Asia, where vast populations remain unreached. Asian churches are stepping into this gap with boldness.

Insights from the Rise of the Global South

Several insights emerge from studying the rise of the Global South in mission sending:

• Mission is polycentric: No longer centered in the West, mission now flows from multiple regions.
• Contextual strength: Missionaries from the Global South often share cultural similarities with the regions they serve, enhancing effectiveness.
• Resilience and faith: Many Global South missionaries serve sacrificially, often with limited resources, embodying dependence on God.
• Partnerships: The rise of the Global South calls for new models of partnership between North and South, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).

Challenges Facing Global South Mission Sending

While the rise of the Global South is encouraging, challenges remain:

• Resource limitations: Many sending churches lack financial resources, requiring creative strategies.
• Training needs: Missionaries need theological and cross-cultural training to avoid repeating past mistakes.
• Global collaboration: Partnerships with churches in the North must be based on equality, avoiding paternalism.

Addressing these challenges ensures that mission sending from the Global South remains healthy and sustainable.

The Joy of Global Mission Collaboration

The rise of the Global South does not diminish the role of the Global North but enriches it. Together, churches from every region can collaborate in mission, embodying the vision of Revelation 7:9 where people from every nation, tribe, and tongue worship before the throne. The joy of seeing mission sending become truly global reflects God’s kingdom advancing in unity and diversity.

APC actively cultivates a “missions-minded” identity among its congregation, teaching that every believer can play a part in global outreach, and embedding the call to send within the life and vision of the church. It organizes and sends out short-term mission teams across India (and beyond), through structured initiatives such as Weekend Schools, conferences, workshops, youth-missions training, and outreach at its growing list of outreach churches. Through its training arms (via APC Bible College and its missions-equipping infrastructure), APC equips believers with biblical teaching, cross-cultural sensitivity, practical ministry skills, and a missional worldview enabling local believers from the Global South to step into evangelism, church-planting, and missions themselves. Moreover, by supporting outreach churches, investing in equipping centers, and distributing resources (sermons, books, media) across many Indian states and making resources available globally via digital media, APC helps widen the reach of Global-South-originated mission sending.

Conclusion: A Global Mission for a Global Church

The rise of the Global South in mission sending marks a historic and Spirit-guided transformation in the global landscape of Christianity. What was once seen predominantly as a Western responsibility has now become a shared global calling. The Church across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific is taking its rightful place in the mission of God, proclaiming Christ to the nations, discipling unreached peoples, and contributing significantly to global theological and missional thought.

As the worldwide Church embraces its diversity and unity, the Great Commission becomes not just a task for a few regions, but a movement of God’s people across all nations. The future of missions is global, collaborative, and Spirit-empowered just as Scripture envisioned from the beginning.