COVID-19 has radically changed the way international missions work is happening this year. The worldwide fight against the pandemic has caused summer trip cancellations, visa difficulties and social and financial hurdles for both short-term and full-time missionaries.

Many churches and organizations are now reimagining the practical aspects of global ministry—but, even before the pandemic, other cultural shifts have demanded a new vision for missions. This is especially apparent when we focus our research on Millennials and Gen Z, who are not totally convinced of missions’ urgency and efficacy. The Future of Missions, a brand new Barna report conducted in partnership with International Mission Board, takes a closer look at what’s keeping young Christians from wholeheartedly engaging with global ministry. Centered on 10 conversations all church leaders and parents should be having with the next generation, the report analyzes Christian generations’ past and present perspectives of missionary work.

In this article, let’s take a look at current perspectives of international missions across the age groups.

Generations Agree That Missions Is Valuable, But Views Diverge by Ethnicity Most engaged Christians’ views of missions work are influenced by at least some exposure to real-life missionaries; in fact, young adults aged 18 to 34 are more likely than teens and older adults to say they personally know at least one missionary “well” (58% vs. 47% adults 35 and older, 36% teens 13 to 17). This fact accompanies a belief that overseas missions is important. A strong majority of engaged Christians in every generation says missionary work is “very valuable.” Statistically speaking, the three age cohorts are indistinguishable on this point.