There are many compelling reasons for us to pursue ministry in Ireland, some of which are listed below. (The statistics are compelling. At the same time, they don’t completely capture our call. Our call to Ireland rests with how God has formed us, equipped us, and led us over the last few years. Read more about this by clicking on “The Mission” tab.)
Ireland has the lowest percentage of evangelical Christians in all English-speaking countries in the world. With a population of more than four million people, only 30,000 (that’s less than 1 percent) are evangelical Christians. For every believer, there are 133 unbelievers!
Ireland is young, growing and global. Forty percent of the population is under the age of twenty-five, and sixty percent is under age forty. Due to the economic boom known as the “Celtic Tiger” and resulting immigration, Ireland has become a cosmopolitan nation and has influence beyond its own country.
Though evangelical pastors were persecuted and imprisoned 40 years ago, revival is beginning to happen. Many evangelical churches today in Ireland consist of just 20 people, and most of these churches meet in homes. There’s a growing openness to the Gospel, particularly among the younger generations who aren’t steeped in empty religious tradition, so it’s an exciting time to come alongside Irish church planters.
Believers in Ireland need workers who will join them in the battle for the hearts and souls of Ireland. There’s little spiritual community for church leaders in Ireland; they need encouragement, help, support, mentoring, etc. Believers are very much in the minority, and many areas of Ireland have yet to see a witness to the gospel in their area. The call comes again: “Come over… and help us…” (Acts 16:9)
Ireland’s economy has taken a turn for the worse, which makes its people needier and more open to the hope of the Gospel.
Why go to Ireland? There’s so much to do here!
According to recent Barna research, there are an unbelievable 21,000,000 unchurched people in the Southern U.S. But there are also 7,000,000 evangelical Christians to do the work –a ratio of 3:1. In contrast, the Republic of Ireland boasts a population of approximately 4,000,000 people, with only 30,000 evangelical Christians — a ratio of 133:1. There is much to do, but few to do it.
