Learn more about
The Great Opportunity

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The largest
gospel
opportunity
in the history
of America.

Commissioned by a private foundation, “The Great Opportunity” is an independent report estimating that over 40 million young people who were raised in Christian homes could walk away from a life with Jesus by 2050.

But, if the church can help them engage with Christ at rates from just two decades ago, over 20 million can know a life with Him.

“Written with great thoughtfulness, The Great Opportunity paints a picture of the trajectory of the church in America and the hopeful interventions we might consider. Grounded in solid research, it’s a must-read for those preparing for and concerned about the next generation!”
— Tom LinCEO of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
“This project has some of the most significant information that will thoughtfully direct our Kingdom work. These pages live at the intersection of culture, truth and grace…every leader needs to read this.”
— Nancy OrtbergCEO Transforming Bay for Christ
“I am so thankful for the vision and research in the Great Opportunity to give us an analysis of the state of the American church, and a helpful and hopeful picture of the way forward. I believe this will both inspire and catalyze great kingdom fruit as a result.”
— Jon TysonChurch of the City New York
The Great Opportunity is an indispensible guide for funders and leaders to think about their investments in the church and the kingdom in America— I encourage every person who is serious about stewarding their Christian giving to read it.
— David WillsPresident Emeritus National Christian Foundation
“The Great Opportunity has as its mission to serve the American church, and the insights here challenge the current trajectory of the American church. I hope your church strategy is informed and fueled by this work.”
— Brett FullerPresident of Every Nation North America Pastor, Grace Covenant Church Chaplain, Washington Redskins
“Before the church can navigate a course forward, we have to understand where we’ve come from and where we stand now. The Great Opportunity is the compass the church needs to thoughtfully and practically move forward with concrete recommendations that have potential to change our world.”
— Kara PowellPhD Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute and co-author of Growing Young
42million

Based on the current rates of retention and evangelism, it's estimated that 42 million young people could leave the church by 2050.

-20million

If, however, we can revert to Gen X rates of retention and evangelism, that number can be reduced to only 20 million.

=22million

Young people who would know Jesus who otherwise wouldn’t: This is our Great Opportunity.

Swipe Right to Reveal Full Equation

42-20=22

Based on the current rates of retention and evangelism, it's estimated that 42 million young people could leave the church by 2050.

If, however, we can revert to Gen X rates of retention and evangelism, that number can be reduced to only 20 million.

Young people who would know Jesus who otherwise wouldn’t: This is our Great Opportunity.

22 Million.

That’s more than every major revival in American history—combined.

Learn More

There is incredible urgency to the moment—every year over one million young people will walk away from the Christian faith. Statistically, most people decide on their faith by 35—and the oldest millennial is now 39; the oldest Gen Z is 19.

We are at peak opportunity.

Every Christian in America—particularly our church leaders—needs to ask how they should engage.

Pray. Fast. Seek God. Take Action.

Explore five ways to make a difference:

1

Starting More
Churches

We must triple the rate of church planting in America.

Learn more
2

Mission
for Youth

We must innovate and transform the way we disciple the next generation.

Learn more
3

Reaching
New Audiences

We must leverage new media to engage online with the Gospel.

Learn more
4

Caring
for the Poor

We must radically care for the poor and in doing so point to Jesus’ radical love.

Learn more
5

Building
Long-Term Witness

We must invest long-term in the mind of the church to engage the questions of our day.

Learn more

Swipe Right to Explore Additional Actions

  1. 1

    Starting More
    Churches

    We must triple the rate of church planting in America.
     

    Learn more
  2. 2

    Mission
    for Youth

    We must innovate and transform the way we disciple the next generation.

    Learn more
  3. 3

    Reaching
    New Audiences

    We must leverage new media to engage online with the Gospel.

    Learn more

  4. 4

    Caring
    for the Poor

    We must radically care for the poor and in doing so point to Jesus’ radical love.

    Learn more
  5. 5

    Building
    Long-Term Witness

    We must invest long-term in the mind of the church to engage the questions of our day.

    Learn more