Mission | Christianity Daily

SBC Motion to Prohibit Women from Pastoral Roles Fails to Pass

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) was defeated in a motion to explicitly prohibit member churches from employing women in any pastor role. Last year, a similar measure to the Law Amendment was narrowly defeated. During the SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, messengers voted on a motion proposed by Juan Sanchez of High Pointe Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.

Pastors Usually Lead Smaller Churches, While Congregants Favor Larger Ones
The most recent Faith Communities Today (FACT) study, as reported by Baptist Press, revealed that 7 in 10 U.S. congregations have 100 or fewer weekly service attendees, with the average U.S. congregation having 65 people gather each week. The National Congregations Study (NCS) also found that the median congregation in the U.S. consists of 70 regular participants, including adults and children, and has an annual budget of $100,000.
Rick Warren Calls on African Evangelical Leaders to Lead Global Church Mission
Pastor Rick Warren addressed the General Assembly of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) on Wednesday, urging African Evangelical leaders to assume a leading role in fulfilling the global mission of the Church. Speaking from California to representatives from African nations, Warren highlighted Africa’s vital importance to the future of Christianity and called on its churches to step forward in global leadership.

God Loves You Tour Led by Franklin Graham Returns to London in June

A major Christian outreach event led by Rev. Franklin Graham is scheduled to return to London next month. The “God Loves You Tour,” hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), will take place on 21 June at ExCeL London. This marks the eighth stop of the tour across the UK since its launch in 2022, following previous visits to Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Sheffield.

PCA Reports Growth in Membership, Giving and Professions of Faith in 2024
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) experienced significant growth in 2024, marking a positive trend after years of fluctuation. According to the denomination’s latest five-year statistical summary published by the Administrative Committee, the church saw increases in several key areas, including membership, baptisms, professions of faith, and giving.
COMIBAM 2025 Concludes, Urging 10,000 New Workers and 20,000 Churches
The Ibero-American Missionary Congress COMIBAM 2025 concluded on Friday night in Panama City after four days of activities wrapped up with a renewed commitment to missions. Cristian Castro, executive director of COMIBAM, opened the evening by thanking former directors and presidents of the movement, acknowledging their contributions over nearly four decades of Ibero-American missionary cooperation.
Latin American and Global South Leaders Gather in Panama to Plan Mission’s Future
COMIBAM is holding its first continental conference since 2017 in Panama City, Panama, from April 22 to 25. Having developed into a robust network of networks, COMIBAM is active in 25 countries, coordinating training centers, mission agencies, and local churches. This event will be immediately followed by COALA3.0 — the third consultation of the Christ Over Africa, Latin America, and Asia initiative.

More News

China Enacts Strict Restrictions on Foreign Missionaries
China has announced a ban on foreign missionaries from preaching and establishing religious organizations within its borders. The newly revised restrictions, slated to take effect on May 1, signify an escalated crackdown on Christianity across the country. Under the updated guidelines, non-Chinese citizens residing in China are explicitly prohibited from preaching without proper authorization, founding religious schools, producing or distributing religious literature.
Miraculous Rescue: US Missionary Josh Sullivan Returns Home Safely
Five days after being kidnapped by armed men from his church in Motherwell, South Africa, Tennessee missionary Josh Sullivan was rescued unharmed. The South African Police Service reported that the confrontation took place at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, where the pastor was rescued following a dramatic shootout that resulted in the fatalities of three suspects.
Gunmen Kidnap American Pastor at Church Gathering in South Africa
American church-planting missionary Pastor Josh Sullivan was abducted by an assailant at gunpoint during a prayer meeting at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, South Africa, last Thursday. Police stated, “It is alleged that while a sermon was conducted at the church, four armed and masked male suspects entered the church.” They reportedly stole two cell phones before taking the pastor with them and fleeing the scene.
Research Shows Rising Bible Engagement Among American Men of All Ages
Following years of declining Bible engagement in the U.S., nearly 10 million more Americans have engaged with the Bible this year compared to 2024. According to the first installment of the 2025 “State of the Bible” report from the American Bible Society (ABS), every generation has seen increased engagement, with men significantly narrowing the engagement gap with women.
U.S. Pastor Declares He Will Sacrifice His Life to Save Nigerian Christian
An American pastor, William Devlin, is offering his life in exchange for a Nigerian Christian, Sunday Jackson, who has been sentenced to death by hanging for killing a Fulani herdsman in self-defense during an attack on his farm. Devlin, the missions pastor of Infinity Bible Church in the South Bronx, New York, voiced his support for Jackson after the Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld the farmer's death sentence on March 7.
200,000 Indian Christians Oppose Revival of Anti-Conversion Law
Around 200,000 Christians gathered in Borum village, Arunachal Pradesh, a northeastern Indian state, to protest the impending enforcement of an anti-conversion law, which many view as a means to target the Christian community.
Collegiate Day of Prayer: Hundreds of Ministries Join Forces to Pray for 250 Million Students
Hundreds of churches, ministries, and individuals have committed to pray for 250 million students worldwide for the Collegiate Day of Prayer on February 27. This annual event, held on the last Thursday of February, is expected to see participation from over 700 congregations and individuals praying for students across more than 1,100 campuses.
Ohio State Campus Revival Sees Over 2,000 Students Turn to Jesus
Nearly 2,000 Ohio State University students have committed to following Jesus Christ during a recent campus revival event. The gathering held at The Schott sports arena attracted over 6,500 attendees on February 19. Despite the chilling temperatures, students were baptized in the back of U-Haul trucks parked at the venue, as reported by CBN News.