A New Way of Doing Global Missions? 

Global Christian Studies (GCS) is transforming the future of theological education and ministry leadership across the globe. Established in 2018, GCS addresses a significant disparity within Churches of Christ: while the majority of church members reside outside the United States, advanced theological training remains largely concentrated within the U.S. With over 80% of Christians globally living in Europe or North America in 1900, that number dropped to just 38% by 2010. The torch of Christian leadership has shifted to Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania, yet access to ministry education has not followed suit.

 

GCS aims to empower church leaders in Botswana, Brazil, and Bolivia by providing a pathway to earn accredited master’s degrees in Bible or ministry from U.S.-based institutions affiliated with Churches of Christ. Leaders remain in their home countries, balancing family responsibilities, jobs, and local church leadership while pursuing their degrees part-time online. This innovative model allows leaders to complete their Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) in six to eight years, equipping them to better serve their communities with advanced theological training.

 

This approach represents a fresh vision for global mission work. Rather than focusing solely on sending U.S. missionaries overseas, GCS enables donors— individuals, families, and congregations—to invest in developing local leaders who already possess cultural knowledge and linguistic fluency. These leaders, grounded in their native contexts, are positioned to make long-term influences within their communities. By complementing the work of traditional missionaries, GCS equips local leaders to assume greater responsibility for the growth and sustainability of Churches of Christ worldwide.

 

Through prayer, funding, and academic support, GCS is bridging the gap in theological education, ensuring the torch of Christ continues to shine brightly in every corner of the world.