Is Europe Digging its Own Grave?

Accoring to the latest Ambassador's Briefing report from Greater Europe Misssion, Europe is the only continent in which the percentage of Evangelical Christians is shrinking. The report also communicates some of the issues at hand regarding the growing tension between Europe and the Muslim world, via immigration influx. Quoting Bruce Bawer's latest book, While Europe Slept,

"[…] when Christian faith had departed, it had taken with it a sense of ultimate meaning and purpose – and left the Continent vulnerable to conquest by people with deeper faith and stronger convictions. What’s more, no longer able to take religion seriously themselves, many Europeans were unable to believe that other people might take religion very seriously indeed."

It seems that the unbridled philosophy of tolerance in the European zeigeist is dramatically colliding with an influx of predominantly intolerant Muslim culture. Unfortunately, I've had an alarming number of conversations with American Christ-followers, usually steeped in unbalanced American nationalism, who question any ministry involvement of North American Christians in Europe. "It's their own fault" comes the reasoning behind the doubt. It may seem as if the kind of news that we hear from this issue of the Ambassador’s Briefing would only prove to bolster this kind of condescension.

However, in my own estimation, there is no better time than now for the church in the U.S. to come alongside its European counterparts and offer its resources and support, though not from a position of superiority or expertise. Whereas at one time, the American church could claim its superiority in cultural influence and strength, it is now being surpassed by Africa and parts of Asia in terms of its growth and missionary sending.

As James Engel and William Dyrness claim in their groundbreaking book on missions, “Many are shocked to learn that a majority of missionaries in the world now come from the Two-Thirds World. . . . In the very best sense, this is cause for celebration because the baby has now become a vigorous, maturing and responsible adult in many parts of Africa, Asia and South America.” (p. 20)

While the regrettable days of imperialistic missionary activity are gladly coming to an end, opportunity is ripe for churches around the world to link arms in the sharing of resources, experience, perspective, and wisdom. We have much to learn from each other and the future multi-ethnic party in heaven that scripture gives us glimpses of need not wait until our entrance into eternity.

Categories: Europe, mission