Is evangelism still a priority in our churches? According to church leaders, the answer is yes—and it’s a shared mission. Learn how leaders are equipping their people and what gives them confidence for the future.
According to the 2021 NCLS survey, 76% of senior church leaders say evangelism is highly important in their church. That includes leaders from Catholic, Protestant, and Pentecostal backgrounds, with Pentecostal leaders the most likely to emphasise evangelism (87%).
But how it happens varies. While some churches have particular leaders who specialise in evangelism (22%), others report that most leaders are involved (28%), or that gifted attenders carry most of the load (18%). Encouragingly, a majority of leaders (56%) believe that all or most attenders evangelise as part of their everyday lives.
Many leaders feel prepared for this work:
There’s also a growing sense of optimism. Most leaders believe their church is well positioned for growth—whether that’s in new relationships, new disciples, or broader impact in the community.
Evangelism isn’t just the work of a few—it’s a shared calling. With confident, equipped leaders and engaged attenders, local churches can offer hope to the world around them.
Results show that four in 10 say yes
Starting points for churchgoers to connect with others
Being invited by friends or relatives is a very common way in which people join religious groups.
Reaching out to local communities in a variety of ways, in order to share love, hope and faith.