The rapid and universal growth of the church has impacted the way cross-cultural mission work happens. The western church is but a small minority, with the greatest concentration of Christianity residing in the world’s southern hemisphere.
Knowing this, ServLife works to empower what we refer to as indigenous leadership. Indigenous leaders are simply those who lead in their local communities. Rather than repeat behaviors practiced during colonialism and the era of western domination, we’re of the conviction that a mutually submissive partnership between the body of Christ around the world is what will best offer future hope and build God’s kingdom. This means our workers serve alongside and support indigenous leaders aiming to share God’s love in their own churches and communities.
A Few Examples of the Church’s Growth
| South Korea | China | Nepal |
| 45 million People | 1.2 billion people | 24 million people |
| 1900 – 0% Christian | 1950 – 1 million Christians | 1956 – 100 Christians |
| 1986 – 20% Christian | 1980 – 40 million Christians | 1989 – 50,000 Christians |
| 1992 – 30% Christian | 1990 – 60 million Christians | 1993 – 150,000 Christians |
| 2006 – 40% Christian | 2003 – 150 million Christians | 2006 – 500,000 Christians |
Some Quick Global Church Stats:
- The Church has grown more in the twentieth century more than in all centuries combined since the time of Christ.
- More people have been martyred for their faith in the twentieth century than in all centuries combined since the time of Christ.
