VENTURA, Calif. (WordNews.org) July 16, 2020 — A new survey suggests that COVID-19 has radically changed the way international missions work is happening this year, Barna reports.

Short-term and long-term mission trips globally have been impacted significantly by the pandemic, resulting in summer trip cancellations, visa difficulties and social and financial challenges.

Barna said that even before the pandemic churches and organizations are now “reimagining” the practical aspects of global ministry as a result of cultural shifts that have demanded a new vision for missions.

According to Barna, Millennials and Gen Z 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.

Most engaged Christians’ views of missions work are influenced by at least some exposure to real-life missionaries. Adults between 18 and 34 years old are more likely than teens and older adults to say they personally know at least one missionary “well” (58 percent vs. 47 percent adults 35 and older, 36 percent of 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.