The Lausanne Movement has released a new global report revealing eight significant findings about the global church — including a broad consensus that the digital space is becoming a new mission field, and that the wealthy remain among the “unreached.”

The report, titled Global Voices, was released on October 23 and gathers feedback from 1,030 mission leaders representing 119 countries. It is the first publication produced by the newly established Lausanne Insights on Global Horizons and Trends (LIGHT). LIGHT serves as the research department of the Lausanne Movement, dedicated to providing the church with data-driven, biblically grounded, and forward-looking insights on global mission.

According to Lausanne, Global Voices seeks to “listen to those closest to the frontlines of mission” in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Matthew Niermann, Lausanne’s Global Research Director, said the goal is to understand how Christian leaders perceive the opportunities and challenges facing the church amid globalization, digital transformation, and cultural shifts.

“This report is not a blueprint, but a compass,” Niermann wrote in the preface. “We must understand the world so that the world may know Christ.”

Below are the eight key findings presented in the report about the global church.

1, HOPE REKINDLED 

Even though leaders report that the church’s outlook has declinedcompared to five years ago, there is growing hope for the future. Across all regions, and especially among younger leaders, manyexpect the church to flourish, Christianity's influence in society to rise,and new opportunities to advance the Great Commission in the next five years. While challenges remain, the tone is not one of despair but of renewed hope and anticipation for God’s ongoing mission in the world. 

2, DIGITAL SPACE AS A MISSION FIELD 

There is near-universal agreement among global leaders that digital spaces are now a vital part of the mission field, with 95% identifying digital space as part of the church’s mission field and 95% calling for increased investment in digital great commission efforts. Yet despite this conviction, many remain unsure how well the church is currently representing Jesus in digital spaces, or if digital platforms are effective in making disciples. The opportunity is clear, but the path forward, how to be present online in a way that is both real and relevant, remains a growing edge for the global church. 

3, FACTORS FOR GREAT COMMISSION ADVANCEMENT

 When asked what trends will have the greatest positive impact on the Great Commission in the next decade, leaders consistently pointed to five key drivers: collaboration and partnership, increased focus on discipleship, use of digital technology, marketplace ministry, and youth engagement. These responses reflect a shared desire for deeper unity, more holistic witness, and greater adaptability in an era of rapid change. Together, they signal a vision for the church that is younger, more connected, and equipped to serve across every sphere of life. 

4, BARRIERS TO THE GREAT COMMISSION

Global leaders identified a set of major forces they believe are actively hindering the advance of the Great Commission. Topping the list were the growing influence of secularism, increasing political polarization, declining societal trust, and ethical failures among Christian leaders. These challenges are not merely external pressures, they reflect deep cultural and institutional shifts that require both spiritual discernment and strategic response. 

5, LOW CONFIDENCE IN PREPARATION FOR THE EMERGING WORLD

While leaders recognize the importance of responding to emerging global challenges, many do not feel equipped to do so. Issues such as artificial intelligence, radical politics, and declining societal trust were named as significant threats to the Great Commission —yet across all regions and sectors, respondents expressed low levels of confidence in the church’s readiness to address them. This gap between awareness and preparedness highlights an urgent need for future-oriented leadership, theological engagement, and innovative strategies. 

6, TRUSTED VOICES: CREATIVES IN THE WEST, PASTORS IN THE SOUTH

When asked who holds the most trust and impact in sharing the gospel today, global responses varied by region. In North America and parts of Europe, respondents highlighted the rising influence of Christian creatives—artists, storytellers, and digital communicators who connect with culture in compelling ways. In contrast, African and Asian leaders overwhelmingly pointed to pastors as the most trusted and impactful voices in their context. These differences reflect how cultural dynamics shape gospel witness, and they underscore the need for regionally rooted strategies that affirm both innovation and tradition. 

7, THE WEALTHY REMAIN UNREACHED

Across every global region, respondents consistently identified the wealthy as the income group least effectively reached by the church. While efforts among the poor and middle-income populations are more visible and active, ministry to the affluent often lags behind. This highlights a critical blind spot in current mission strategies — one that will require renewed theological reflection, relational approaches, and intentional engagement to reach those in positions of cultural and economic influence. 

8, GLOBAL COHERENCE AMID LOCAL VARIATION

Despite differences in context, there is remarkable consistency in the insights of leaders across regions, generations, and sectors. From the digital frontier to the top barriers to mission, the survey reveals widespread agreement on the key challenges and opportunities facing the global church. While expressions vary, the underlying convictions point toward a shared missional horizon, a church increasingly aligned in its vision, even as it navigates diverse realities.