With Guest Preacher the Rev. Dr. Chris Royer, Executive Director of the Anglican Frontier Mission

What is “frontier mission”? An honest question! And one that is often overlooked by the Body of Christ. Frontier mission is, in Chris Royer’s own words, “taking the gospel where the church is not.” How does Anglican Frontier Mission (AFM) reach these very difficult-to-reach areas? They send cross-cultural workers either among these peoples or in close proximity to them.

Another term in frontier mission is “unreached people groups.” These are people groups who live where there are not only no churches, but also no Christians, no TV, no radio ... absolutely zero access or even the slightest ability to hear the gospel.

There are 8.2 billion people in this world. Three billion (36%) people, 7,000 unreached people groups, are still waiting to hear the gospel. Three billion people.

Another way to see this is to show what is called in mission circles “the 10/40 window.” Illustrated in the map below, this is where 62% of the population are without access to the gospel. These encompass Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and animist groups. Many countries here are considered “closed” countries, where no Christian missionaries or ministries are allowed. Hence those called to go essentially have to be undercover in these areas.

Although 36% of the world’s population are living where the church is not, only a very tiny percentage of Christian resources across the world go to efforts to reach these people groups. Those of us in the Christian world have a responsibility to do all we can to support frontier missions. AFM is a mission partner of our World Mission efforts here at St. Philip’s; yet we need to do more. All of us should be informed and involved in praying, giving, and sending on behalf of Christ to the 3 billion who have no ability to hear the gospel.

Come hear Chris preach on February 23 and speak at that day’s Rector’s Forum and hear the call to bring the unreached to Christ. Chris has a strong presence and compelling message. Chris and his wife, Grace, will also be coming to the parish oyster roast the day before.