The Urgency of the Evangelistic Task (Part 1)

Today’s reading is Section 9 of the Lausanne Covenant - The Urgency of the Evangelistic Task. Read the full Section 9 here.

More than 2,700 million people, which is more than two-thirds of all humanity, have yet to be evangelized.1 We are ashamed that so many have been neglected; it is a standing rebuke to us and to the whole Church. There is now, however, in many parts of the world, an unprecedented receptivity to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are convinced that this is the time for churches and para-church agencies to pray earnestly for the salvation of the unreached and to launch new efforts to achieve world evangelization.

1. Note: This statistic was correct at the time of publication in July 1974 and is deliberately preserved here for historic faithfulness. As of July 2024, researchers believe that more than 3.4 billion people remain unreached.

Unevangelised People

At the 1974 Lausanne Congress, a ‘population clock’ ticked away from the opening session to the closing prayer. In those ten days, the world’s population grew by roughly 1,5 million people. Behind the numbers lies a sobering reality: the vast majority of the world remains unreached with the gospel. This is more than a statistic—it is a call to repentance for our failure to reach them.

Strong words and stirring appeals are not enough. The Church will act only when we allow the unevangelised millions to weigh heavily on our conscience, stir our hearts with compassion, and shape our prayers with deep, persistent longing.

Yet our moment in history is marked not only by great need but also by unprecedented opportunity. In many places, there is a fresh openness to the gospel—an eagerness to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.. There are now more believers in more nations than ever before.

We live in a season of extraordinary possibility for world evangelisation. The opportunity is before us. What is needed are Christians with vision to see the harvest, courage to face the challenge, and commitment to labour until Christ is known among all peoples.

Reflection:

Do you feel the weight of the unreached enough to pray, give, and act with urgency?

Prayer:

Lord, give me your heart for the unreached and the courage to act without delay.