Misson trends in Asia

Asia in Missions (20th–21st c.)

Region marked by rapid change diversity and uneven Christian growth across countries

Missionary Dimension in Asia

Focus on evangelism indigenous leadership and global mission contribution

Restricted Christianity in Asia

Many nations (China North Korea and Islamic regions) limit or outlaw Christian activity

Global Significance of Asia

Despite low percentages countries like China and India have large numbers of Christians

China India and South Korea

Primary countries studied due to major influence on global Christianity

Christian Growth Pattern

Uneven—rapid in some areas (Korea and China) and slow in others (Japan)

Thomas the Apostle

Traditionally believed to have brought Christianity to India (52 CE)

Thomas Christians

Early indigenous Christian community in India tracing roots to Apostle Thomas

Malabar Christians

Indigenous Christians in southwest India claiming apostolic origin

India Political Context (20th c.)

Independence (1947)

Mahatma Gandhi

Led Indian independence movement beginning in 1919

Mass Movements (India)

Large-scale conversions among Dalits and tribal groups (1870s–1930s)

Anti-Missionary Movements

Government and cultural resistance to Christian missions

Hindu Fundamentalism

Rise in 1980s leading to increased persecution of Christians

Indigenous Missions (India)

Locally led mission movements replacing foreign missionaries

Indian Missions Association

Network of 200+ mission organizations with ~30

Korean Historical Context

Japanese colonization (1910–45) division after WWII and Korean War (1950–53)

North Korea

Communist and highly restricted religious activity

South Korea

Democratic nation with strong Christian presence

Church Growth in Korea

Rapid expansion (1905–1990) later plateau but strong missionary output

Three Factors of Korean Church Growth

Western Christianity seen as liberating Nevius method and strong indigenous leadership

Nevius Method

Every believer is an evangelist; self-supporting local churches

Korean Mission Movement

One of the largest missionary-sending nations globally

Ecumenical Approach

Focus on social justice

Evangelical Approach

Focus on evangelism

Liberation Mission

Addressing injustice

Dialogical Mission

Respectful engagement with other religions

Japan Singapore Malaysia Philippines and Indonesia

Emerging missionary-sending countries in Asia

Japan Christianity Rate

Approximately 1.5% of population

Religious Context (Japan)

Majority Buddhist and Shinto; low Christian influence

Challenge in Japan

Christianity remains a minority despite long presence

Chinese Christianity (1949–1970s)

Period of intense persecution especially during Cultural Revolution

Cultural Revolution

Government campaign suppressing religion and destroying churches

Chinese Christianity Revival (1970s–80s)

Growth despite persecution due to resilience and grassroots evangelism

Reasons for Revival (China)

Desire for peace and love in church miracles lay evangelism and external support

Chinese Christianity Today

Rapid growth with tens of millions of believers

Three-Self Church

Government-controlled Protestant church system in China

House Churches

Independent and often underground Christian groups

Christianity Sinicization

Government effort to reshape Christianity to align with Chinese socialism

Church-State Tension (China)

Ongoing struggle between government control and religious freedom

Indigenous Leadership

Shift from foreign missionaries to local leaders

Persecution & Growth

Christianity often grows despite opposition

Mission from Everywhere

Asia now sends missionaries globally

Cultural Resistance

Strong ties to traditional religions challenge Christianity

Mass Conversion Movements

Large group conversions (India)

Missionary Restriction

Limits on foreign missionaries in many Asian countries

Global South Christianity

Growth of Christianity outside the West

Asia’s Role in Christianity

Transitioning from mission field → major missionary force

Growth Pattern

Fastest growth often occurs under hardship

Mission Strategy

Increasing emphasis on local leadership and contextualization

Future of Missions

Asia is central to global Christian expansion