A Shift in Mission Strategy

For generations, Western churches have embraced the Great Commission as a call to send missionaries overseas. But while the traditional model of missions has done incredible work, the reality today is clear: 3 billion people remain unreached—and the way we engage in missions must evolve.

Breaking Tradition: A More Effective Approach

For centuries, the primary strategy for reaching the unreached was sending Western missionaries into foreign countries. However, a new model has emerged—one that prioritizes empowering local believers who already live among these unreached people groups.

Doug Cobb, founder of The Finishing Fund, has seen firsthand how this shift is accelerating the gospel’s reach. “We’ve been able to help get the gospel to over 500 unengaged people groups,” Cobb says, emphasizing that 99% of those leading this work are local believers.

Why does this matter? Because the gospel spreads faster and more effectively when it is carried by those who already understand the language, culture, and unique challenges of their own people. Western missionaries often spend years learning a language, adapting to a culture, and building trust—while local believers are already positioned to lead.

Supporting Locals: The Most Impactful Strategy

Organizations like HeartCry and The Finishing Fund recognize that supporting national leaders is not just an alternative approach—it’s the most effective way to fulfill the Great Commission.

• Cultural Barriers Are Removed – In many regions, Western missionaries struggle to gain trust. Locals, on the other hand, already belong to these communities.

• Sustainability is Stronger – Indigenous missionaries don’t face the same “transition crisis” that occurs when a Western missionary eventually leaves. Their churches are rooted in local leadership from the beginning.

• Costs Are Dramatically Lower – Supporting a national church planter is 50 times more cost-effective than sending a Western missionary. The impact per dollar is exponentially greater.

The New Wave: There and Now

We are in a new era of missions. It’s time to refocus resources on empowering national believers who can reach their own people faster, more effectively, and with lasting impact.

Cobb describes this shift as a natural evolution in global discipleship. “Maybe Westerners were at the forefront of missions for a time, and now we can release some of that responsibility.”

This is not about choosing between two models—it’s about strategically aligning our resources with the most effective way to spread the gospel. The role of the Western church is evolving: instead of going, we can focus on sending resources to those who can lead the mission more effectively.

The Role of the Western Church Moving Forward

So where does that leave the Western church? Our mission is not over—it is changing.

• Equip and fund local believers to reach their own communities.

• Train and empower near-culture missionaries who share similar languages and customs with unreached people groups.

• Develop cross-cultural partnerships that support, rather than replace, national church leadership.

As Cobb puts it, “It’s exciting to see the National Church stepping up. Our job should be to welcome them into it … and help each side find what they can best contribute.”

The Time to Act is Now

The urgency remains. 3 billion people are still waiting to hear the gospel. But by shifting our approach, we can reach them faster, more efficiently, and with greater impact.

This is the new wave of missions—THERE and NOW.

Let’s be part of it.