A new study has suggested that Christian leaders around the world are hopeful about the Church’s future but warn it’s “moving too slowly” to adapt to a fast-changing world.

The Global Voices Report, published by the Lausanne Movement drew on feedback from 1,030 leaders in 119 countries across churches, mission agencies and theological colleges.

While younger respondents such as Gen Z and Millennials expected Christianity’s influence to grow, many said the global Church remained unprepared for rapid cultural and technological shifts.

According to the new report, one respondent said: “Young people are discipled by YouTube more than by pastors. The Church must step into that gap.” Another added: “If we fail to disciple Gen Z, we lose the future of the Church”.

The report identified five key catalysts for future mission including collaboration, deeper discipleship, digital innovation, marketplace ministry, and youth engagement.

A South Asian leader commented that “collaboration is no longer optional - it is obedience”.

Ninety-five percent of leaders affirmed digital spaces as legitimate fields for mission, though many doubted the Church’s current authenticity online.

“Digital space is the new village square - where people gather, argue, laugh, and learn”, said an African respondent.

The study concluded that many leaders were uncertain about the Church’s ability to engage with issues such as artificial intelligence, gender, and mental health.

However, it said there was “new hope in the future of the Church across the globe”.