Gordon-Conwell Report Finds Christianity Growing Globally but Losing Ground in West
A new report from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary's Center for the Study of Global Christianity shows the faith is expanding worldwide at a 0.95% annual rate, but shrinking in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The report also found that more than 27% of the world's population remains unreached by the gospel.
The Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary released its annual Status of Global Christianity report in April 2026, painting a mixed picture for the faith worldwide.
Christianity is growing globally, but at a slower pace than Islam. The report puts Christianity's annual growth rate at 0.95%, compared to 1.57% for Islam. Researchers noted that Christian populations in Europe, North America, and the Middle East continue to decline, while growth is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, and Latin America.
The report identified several major challenges facing the global church. Rapid urbanization is reshaping the religious landscape, with more than 60% of key cities now classified as minority-Christian. Researchers also cited the global refugee crisis, ongoing persecution of Christians, and rising financial losses through ecclesiastical crime as significant concerns.
On persecution, the report estimated that approximately 900,000 Christians died for their faith over the past decade. That figure, while contested by some scholars, reflects the severity of anti-Christian violence in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.
The report also highlighted the missionary challenge ahead. More than 27% of the world's population, roughly 2.2 billion people, remains unreached by the gospel, meaning they have little or no access to Christian witness in their communities.
Despite the challenges, researchers pointed to signs of vitality. Church planting movements in parts of Africa and Asia are producing rapid growth, and digital tools are expanding access to Scripture and Christian teaching in previously isolated regions.
The Status of Global Christianity report is published annually and draws on data from hundreds of denominations and research partners worldwide. It is widely used by mission agencies, seminaries, and church leaders for strategic planning.
