The “average” Christian in the world is not male but female, not white but black, third world, not first world, far more Pentecostal than Presbyterian.
The “average” Christian in the world today is a 22-year old black female. She has not been to our events or conferences, she has not read C.S. Lewis or John Scott; she has not read our Facebook posts or blogs and does not go to Starbucks or care one bit about alternative endings to Game of Thrones or if the latest lyrics from Bethel or Hillsong agrees with our confessional standards.
She is also the likely the vessel God will use to prophesy to the next generation. She’s not afraid of suffering either: Over 215 million Christians are persecuted with intimidation, prison, and even death for their faith in Jesus Christ across the world.
What can she teach us today? Nothing.
Absolutely nothing. Why? because we would not listen! Some would have issues with a female teaching, others her youthfulness and others still her accent or cultural dress etc. Maybe for some it would even be skin colour.
So today she will lean into the power of prayer, the presence of God's Holy Spirit and the joy of the Gospel. She will endure hardship, embrace suffering, read the scriptures in small groups, sing in tongues and speak faith over fear. All of this while working long hours, no furlough, no political support, she will raise a young family and faithfully attending her church / small groups.
I have so much to learn!
Forgive me Lord when my form of Christianity is pathetically narrow and doesn’t not accommodate the global voices of these women and many others who are not like me. Forgive me when my view of the church is so self orientated. Help me to see beyond my borders.
Join me today in praying for such women and open our eyes and ears to the global church.
* 42% of the world’s population is under 25, half in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
* The median age of the global population is 28.
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