By Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries, June 18, 2025

The world is changing, and with it, our mission field. According to the Gordon-Conwell Center for the Study of Global Christianity (2015), Islam is the fastest-growing religion globally, with a 1.86% annual growth rate from 2000 to 2010, outpacing Christianity’s 1.31% and the global population’s 1.20%. By 2016, Islam had 1.6 billion adherents (23% of the world’s population), while Christianity holds 2.2 billion (32%). With 51 Muslim-majority nations, including Indonesia and Pakistan with over 100 million Muslims each, and projections of 2.9 billion Muslims by 2050 (Pew Research Center, 2015), the task of sharing the gospel is immense—especially as Europe may soon see more Muslims than Christians due to birth rates and immigration.

This reality underscores the urgency of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20): “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Yet, many churches fall silent. Muslims represent the largest unreached mission field, yet how many congregations offer training on Islam’s diverse forms or workshops led by ministry practitioners to equip believers? If not, why?

A Biblical Mandate Ignored

Scripture calls us to be “skillful by reason of use” (Hebrews 5:14, KJV), growing in discernment through practice. The early church thrived by training disciples, as seen in Acts 19:9-10, where Paul taught daily, turning Ephesus toward Christ. Today, church leadership often fails this mandate. If your church isn’t equipping congregants to evangelize Muslims or penetrate secular society, it’s a sign they may not be listening to God. Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) warns against burying our gifts—inaction invites judgment.

The Leadership Crisis

The statistics are clear: by 2050, the challenge will double. Yet, many pastors avoid this mission, leaving congregants unprepared. Does your church offer practical training? If not, the leadership is failing to fulfill God’s command. As Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without vision to reach Muslims and the lost, churches stagnate. It’s time for leadership that embraces the Great Commission with workshops, real-world application, and disciple-making. At En-Joy Ministries, I urge church leaders to rise—or be replaced.

A Call to Action

Church leaders must repent and act. Offer overviews of Islam, train in evangelism, and foster skill through practice. As believers, demand this—or join us at En-Joy Ministries where we obey. The harvest is plentiful (Luke 10:2), but the workers are few. Will you rise?