Where Are We in the Mission? Reflections from the State of the Great Commission Report

As the global Church stands at a critical crossroads, a landmark study—The State of the Great Commission Report by the Lausanne Movement—offers both a sobering audit and a powerful call to action. The report is a sweeping global snapshot of how the Church is doing in the task Jesus left us with: to go and make disciples of all nations.

It’s not just a matter of numbers—it’s about spiritual formation, cross-cultural engagement, missional innovation, and trust in the gospel message itself.

Here are some key takeaways:

1. Discipleship Is the Central Gap
Across every continent, Christian leaders agree: the greatest shortfall is not attendance or giving, but the lack of deep, Christ-centered discipleship. Especially among youth and the 61+ generation, there is a desperate need for intentional, relational formation.

2. The Global Church Is Shifting
Christianity is no longer centered in the West. The future of global missions lies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America—regions bursting with spiritual vitality, youthful populations, and indigenous leadership that’s rising to the challenge. The question is not whether they’re ready, but whether the rest of the global Church will follow their lead.

3. Mission Must Be Holistic
Making disciples includes caring for people and creation. The gospel, as the report affirms, touches every part of life—justice, environment, mental health, technology, and more. If Christ is Lord over all, our missions must reflect that comprehensive reality.

4. We Must Speak Today’s Languages
In a digital age, where AI, Web3, and mental health crises reshape how people connect and believe, the Church must become conversant in new “languages.” This includes digital evangelism, art, online communities, and redemptive storytelling across platforms.

5. Unity and Collaboration Are Non-Negotiable
A fragmented Church is a weak witness. The report underscores the urgent need for cooperation—across denominations, cultures, and continents. The work ahead is too big for any one ministry or movement.

At There and Now, we believe this report amplifies the call for a shift in mission's strategy. We encourage Christian to participate in reaching the unreached faster, there and now. Let's get strategic, let's find new ways to fulfill this great commission and let's see how many people we can reach in our lifetime. What if our generation is the one to reach every tribe and tongue?

The harvest is ripe, and one of the most effective ways forward is through local, national believers leading the way. They are already there. They know the language. They carry the gospel. Our job is to equip, send, and multiply them—now. Check out the organizations we support and see how you have partner with them and this work.

You can download the full report here: lausanne.org/report