By Lauren Sedemeester
03/04/2025
Brazil is renowned for its Christ the Redeemer statue, Carnival, the Amazon Rainforest, and its stunning beaches. As a major agricultural and industrial power, Brazil is the world’s leading producer of coffee. It is also a football-loving nation with a vibrant culture. Brazilians are often perceived as warm, hospitable, and full of energy. With a population exceeding 200 million, Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world and the largest and most populous nation in South America.
Religious Landscape
Brazil’s religious history has been shaped by the Catholic Church, which has been dominant since Portuguese colonisation in the 1500s. Over time, this religious monopoly has given way to a more diverse landscape that now includes significant Protestant, Afro-Brazilian, and syncretic religious traditions.
The Jesuits played a crucial role in early missionary work and education, especially among Indigenous communities, leaving a lasting religious and cultural impact. A 2022 survey estimated Brazil’s religious composition as 49% Roman Catholic, 26% Evangelical Christian, 14% with no religious affiliation, and 11% who did not specify a religion.
Despite having the world’s largest Catholic population, Brazil has seen a steady decline in Catholic affiliation—from 93% in 1950 to a 1% annual decrease since 1991. In contrast, evangelical movements have grown significantly, with the number of evangelical churches rising to approximately 550,000 since the first was established in 1922. Projections suggest that by 2030, evangelicals could become the majority religious group in Brazil.
The Rise as a Global Missionary Force
Brazil’s emergence as a global missionary force is a relatively recent phenomenon. According to Marley, a Brazilian missionary in Thailand, it once seemed impossible for Brazil to become a missionary-sending nation. However, things began to change when missionary organisations such as Youth With A Mission (YWAM) launched their training programmes, encouraging churches to send young people into missions. The rapid evangelical expansion has influenced Brazil’s media, culture, and politics, reshaping its national identity and driving a growing missionary movement.
According to the 2024 Lausanne Movement Report, Brazil ranks second only to the United States in the number of missionaries sent abroad, with over 40,000 Brazilian missionaries serving internationally—a number that continues to rise.
Many of these missions are led by local churches or national missionary organisations such as the Association of Brazilian Transcultural Missions (AMTB) and YWAM. While exact figures are unknown, Brazil hosts a vast network of organisations dedicated to missionary training and global outreach. YWAM alone operates 57 bases across nearly every state, with around 2,000 full-time missionaries contributing to a global network of 16,000 missionaries in 150 countries.
Generally, churches provide only basic training, whereas specialised missionary organisations offer more comprehensive preparation.
The Role of Youth in Expanding Missions
Young people are at the heart of Brazil’s evangelical expansion, with about 12.4 million Evangelicals aged 16 to 24. The fastest growth occurs among those under 40, with evangelical youth increasing at a rate of 6% per year. This youthful demographic is highly engaged in community transformation and faith-based initiatives. If this trend continues, evangelicals could make up half of Brazil’s population within 40 years, with an estimated 4,408 new believers joining the faith each day.
A significant milestone in this movement was The Send Brazil, a large-scale evangelical event first held in 2022. It aimed to mobilise and activate a generation for missionary and evangelistic work, drawing over 140,000 young people and filling three stadiums.
The importance of youth in missions is evident in the lives of the Brazilian missionaries we interviewed. Almost all shared that they felt called to missions at a young age, even if they did not fully understand what it involved. Many have now served in the field for over 10 years.
Cultural Strengths That Fuel Missions
Brazil’s growing missionary movement is driven by several key factors. The rapid evangelical growth provides a strong foundation, while youth involvement brings energy and commitment to spreading the faith. Theological education plays a crucial role, with institutions such as the Baptist Theological University in São Paulo equipping thousands of students for mission work. Additionally, national leadership ensures culturally relevant and sustainable approaches to missions.
Opinions on what fuels Brazil’s missionary movement vary. Elizeu, a Brazilian missionary based in South Africa, believes that the Holy Spirit is the primary driving force. Another key factor is the enthusiasm of young people, who begin their journey full of passion for the Great Commission. He describes Brazilian culture as a rich blend of nations, where deep theological knowledge combines with an emotionally vibrant response to biblical teachings and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This allows Brazilian missionaries to contribute both intellectually and with heartfelt passion. Their adaptability helps them connect with diverse cultures, making their ministry both effective and fulfilling.
Junio, a Brazilian missionary with YWAM South Africa, highlighted leadership as a key strength. Many Brazilians have a pioneering spirit and embrace the challenges of missionary work. He also noted their ability to encourage and uplift teams, making them effective across different cultures. Lorena, his wife, added that people are drawn to Brazilians’ warmth, hospitality, and joy, making them more open to receiving ministry. Additionally, Brazilian passports facilitate global missionary efforts, easing international travel.
Our Brazilian partner, serving in Jordan since 2013, shared that Brazilians’ empathy helped them develop fruitful relationships quickly. “We quickly connected with people. It was not hard for us to develop new relationships because Brazilians are flexible and creative.” When asked how his Brazilian background has uniquely shaped his ministry, he highlighted the advantage of Brazil’s cultural diversity. This heritage makes it easier for Brazilians to connect with and build relationships across different backgrounds. As a result, Brazilian missionaries can minister effectively in diverse communities, using their natural warmth and relational approach to open doors.
Their love for football has also served as a bridge and an open door for ministry. Marley shared that while serving in a nation considered “closed” to missionaries, “There was a local football team, and when they found out we were Brazilian, they immediately offered my husband a position as their coach—without ever having seen him play!”
Challenges Facing Brazilian Missionaries
Despite Brazil’s expanding missionary movement, significant challenges remain. A major issue is insufficient financial and logistical support. Due to Brazil’s economy, most missionaries rely on small church contributions or multiple individual donors, making long-term mission work difficult. Lorena pointed out that although the Brazilian Church has the financial means to support missions, there is often a lack of vision. While support has improved, economic challenges persist.
Our partner in Jordan shared that while churches send missionaries, they often fail to adequately support them. Many missionaries return to Brazil due to a lack of financial support and proper training. He says sadly: “Churches rush to send missionaries, but many have no theological or missiological studies—some even lack a deep knowledge of Scripture.”
Elizeu pointed out that many Brazilian churches are focused on internal affairs, leading to “mis-supporting” missionaries—sending them without adequate preparation, training or resources. To ensure long-term success, churches must prioritise missionary training and ongoing support. Junio further highlighted the challenges of training—many churches in Brazil do not offer formal missionary training—and language barriers. Portuguese is the only national language, and many missionaries must raise additional funds to study English before entering the field.
Almost all the missionaries interviewed agree that one of the challenges they face is the tendency for Brazilians to remain within their own cultural circles, which can hinder integration. Marley shares: “I believe we often stay within our own cultural comfort zones. Our language, food, and ways of relating to one another can sometimes create barriers to engaging with other cultures. Learning to appreciate and celebrate different cultures can be a challenge.” Lorena further adds that adapting to cultural differences in the mission field is essential, as Brazilian missionaries must learn to navigate unfamiliar customs and perspectives while remembering that different is not wrong—just different.
Preparing the Next Generation for Missions
For those in Brazil considering a future in missions, experienced missionaries offer valuable advice. Our partner in Jordan encourages them to view this calling as a blessing and prepare well—strengthening their Biblical foundation, serving in their local churches, and learning English to open doors globally.
Elizeu urges aspiring missionaries to engage deeply in their local churches and actively participate in mission work. He draws from Galatians 6:7: “A man reaps what he sows,” encouraging them to prepare diligently and trust in God’s timing.
Junio advises them not to be discouraged by a lack of support, recognition, or language barriers, reminding them that if God has called them, He will provide for His calling. He further adds that despite challenges, conviction in one’s calling gives the strength to persevere.
Marley offers this encouragement: “To those in Brazil considering missions, I encourage you to step out in faith. You don’t need to have all the answers or feel fully prepared—God equips those He calls. Be open, be willing, and trust in His provision.”
Equipped to Share the Good News
Brazilian’s warmth, adaptability, and relational approach make them effective in connecting with diverse cultures. This reflects Paul’s approach in 1 Corinthians 9:22b (NLT): “Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.”
Despite the various challenges that Brazilians in the missionary field face, they continue to persevere. Their resilience testifies to God’s provision and strength. We see a nation who has answered the call, by saying, as in Isaiah 6:8, “Here am I. Send me,” actively fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)—a people using the cultural background and advantages to share the Good News.
Romans 10:14-15 reminds us that we each have a vital role to play in spreading the Good News—both in sending and supporting missionaries: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
God is using Brazilians in missions as part of His sovereign plan to reach the nations, and through Brazil’s growing role in global missions, He is raising up workers for His harvest, equipping them through the Holy Spirit, and using their unique strengths to spread the Gospel worldwide.
Please join us in prayer:
- Pray for the continued expansion of Brazil’s missionary movement, that more believers will answer the call to share the Gospel both locally and internationally.
- Ask God to provide financial, logistical, and spiritual support for Brazilian missionaries, ensuring they have the resources needed to sustain long-term ministry.
- Pray for churches and mission organisations in Brazil to equip missionaries with strong Biblical foundations, cross-cultural training, and language skills to serve effectively.
- Intercede for Brazilian missionaries to adapt well to different cultures, embrace diversity, and build meaningful relationships that open doors for the Gospel.
- Pray for the next generation of Brazilian believers to be passionate about the Great Commission, stepping out in faith to make disciples of all nations.
Resources:
https://www.britannica.com/place/Brazil/The-economy
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/01/brazil-megachurch-church-planter-orlando-portugal/
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church_in_Brazil
https://www.eternitynews.com.au/world/packed-stadiums-hint-at-revival-in-brazil/
https://www.healingeverynation.org/why-a-mission-center-in-brazil
https://www.jocumrecife.org.br/en/our-history
https://joshuaproject.net/countries/BR
http://lausanne.org/download-report
https://www.ncronline.org/news/evangelicals-gain-catholics-verge-losing-majority-brazil
https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/brazil/
