By Gigi Kotze
6/02/2025
The United States, with a population of about 340 million, is the fourth-largest country in the world by area, yet its population density remains relatively low compared to many other nations. Despite this, the United States is home to an incredibly diverse population, shaped largely by sustained global immigration. Tens of millions of people have migrated to the country over the years, drawn by hopes for greater social, political, and economic opportunities. This diversity has made the United States one of the most racially, ethnically, and culturally varied nations in the world. Among its 523 people groups, 98 remain unreached, representing 18.7% of the total. These groups present an opportunity to share the Gospel in a country where 76.61% of people identify as Christian, and 26.51% as Evangelical.
Christianity has deeply influenced the United States, perhaps more than any other country. The Pilgrim Fathers, who sought the freedom to practise their faith, laid a foundation for a nation that would become home to one of the largest Christian movements in history. Today, 17.6% of the world’s Protestants and 16.8% of the world’s Evangelicals reside in the United States. Evangelicals can be found across all major ethnic groups and levels of society, reflecting the breadth of the Gospel’s influence.
The United States also plays a significant role in global missions. Each year, it sends an estimated 127,000 missionaries abroad, the highest of any nation, while also receiving around 32,400 missionaries from other countries. With more than 2,000 recognised institutions offering theological degrees in the United States and Canada, between 30,000 and 50,000 students graduate annually, many eager to impact the world for Christ. These efforts are supported by the nation’s status as the world’s largest economic power, with a GDP that reflects its natural resources, agricultural output, and advanced industries. This wealth enables the United States to support and send missionaries, amplifying its global impact for the Gospel.
The United States’ unique position as a leading world power and a nation with an incredibly diverse population offers immense opportunities to spread the Gospel, both at home and abroad. With its global influence, the United States is often seen as the face of Christianity by the rest of the world. The trends, belief systems, and ideologies that emerge from the United States frequently shape how people perceive Christianity, influencing global culture, faith practices, and even political views.
As the world’s largest economy, the United States holds significant power in global affairs. This extends to conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Israel, where the United States plays a key role through financial aid, sanctions, or the provision of weapons. These actions further reinforce its influence on international policies and ideologies, which, in turn, can impact how Christianity is viewed in politically sensitive regions.
The United States has a rich history rooted in Christianity, and the Church continues to play an active and vital role in society today. However, its beliefs and biblical principles are increasingly challenged by the rise of atheism and secularism. Critics often target the Church, particularly on issues like same-sex marriage and the LGBTQ movement. Despite these challenges, Scripture remains timeless, and its principles do not change with cultural trends. As the Bible teaches us in Genesis 1:27 (NIV), “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”
On 20 January 2025, President Donald Trump returned to office, and on his first day, he signed an executive order redefining the concept of sex at a federal level. The order stated that there are only two sexes—male and female—and rejected the idea that people can transition between genders or identify as nonbinary or intersex. These actions are grounded in Christian values and address the cultural shifts taking place within the United States. They also provide a clearer view of Christianity to people from other faiths, particularly those from Muslim backgrounds, who may have a distorted view of the faith shaped by Hollywood rather than biblical principles. Such policies and statements help correct misconceptions about Christianity, especially in cultures where Christian teachings are often misunderstood or misrepresented. The United States’ global platform gives it both the opportunity and responsibility to represent the Gospel faithfully, while navigating the complex relationship between faith, politics, and culture.
President Donald Trump has also introduced a series of executive orders focused on immigration, aiming to tighten the rules around undocumented migrants in the United States. These actions include changes to how migrants are processed and deported. Though President Trump faces heavy criticism for this, under President Joe Biden, 271,000 immigrants were deported in 2024, bringing the total to 1.5 million deportations over his four years in office. This figure is similar to the number of deportations during Trump’s first term, but fewer than the 2.9 million deportations under President Barack Obama’s first term. The Bible clearly calls us to love the foreigner and care for those in need. In Leviticus 19:34 (NIV), it says, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” This verse illustrates the importance of showing compassion and kindness to people from other nations. However, the Bible also teaches that governments have a role in maintaining order. Romans 13:1-2 (NIV) says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted.” This reminds us that respecting the laws of the land is important for maintaining peace and order. While we are called to care for the foreigner, the Bible also encourages wisdom in how we approach these challenges. Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) says, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” This verse teaches us that careful planning and organisation are essential when handling large numbers of asylum seekers. For the United States to help these individuals and ensure they live well, the right systems and structures need to be in place. While it is important to love and care for the foreigner, it is equally necessary to respect the laws of the land and manage things responsibly, ensuring that asylum seekers receive the care and support they need.
Many people, including Christians, are quick to judge and criticise others, as we have seen with President Trump. However, instead of rushing to conclusions, we should first take the time to be informed, making sure we understand the full story. As James 1:19-20 reminds us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” We should pray earnestly for those involved and ask God to reveal to us what He is doing and the plans that He has. God is sovereign over all the powers of the world and holds the hearts of every migrant in His hands, so we need to trust Him, for He knows what He is doing.
Another hot topic is President Trump’s decision to stop US foreign aid for 90 days while it is being reviewed, as part of his “America First” plan. This has caused significant problems for charities and aid groups, especially in places like Sudan, where help is urgently needed. The United States is also planning to shut down its main aid agency, USAID, with Elon Musk leading the changes. Many people are worried that this will put lives at risk and hurt the country’s reputation. Trump has also said he will stop all future aid to South Africa because of concerns about land reforms. Many people around the world are suffering because of this cut in aid, but it also illustrates the remarkable role America has played in supporting so many nations over the years. The impact of this decision demonstrates just how far-reaching America’s assistance has been. While aid can be restored, as the Global Body of Christ, this is an opportunity for us to rise up and help fill the gap, both physically and spiritually, by pointing hearts to Jesus as the only true provider.
Suffering is a part of life; it can help people reflect on their values, change the way they think, and find new purpose—which may lead many to turn to Jesus. As children of God, we are called to be compassionate and generous, but we must be careful not to create an unhealthy dependency. Instead, we should walk alongside people, helping them find lasting solutions and encouraging them to rely on Jesus for all their needs. There must be a balance. As the beautiful Psalm states, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV). These verses are a powerful reminder that God is our ultimate source of help, and we should be pointing people to Him as such.
On a global level, the Church in the United States continues to have a significant influence on theology, reaching areas like Africa and other parts of the world. However, this influence is not without its challenges. On the one hand, the spread of the prosperity gospel—which promotes wealth and success as signs of God’s favour—has caused harm in many regions. This message, which focuses on material gain, distorts the true teachings of the Bible and has led to disillusionment and exploitation in some communities. As the Bible warns in 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV), “For the love of money is the root of all evil,” highlighting the danger of placing material wealth above spiritual truths.
On the other hand, when missionaries are sent with a solid, biblically grounded understanding of the Gospel, they can make a profound and positive impact. True missionaries, who bring the message of salvation, love, and grace found in Scripture, can help people understand the full scope of the Gospel. They can challenge harmful ideologies and offer a deeper, more lasting hope than the empty promises of the prosperity gospel. This presents a great opportunity and responsibility for the Church in the US as it trains and sends missionaries to the ends of the earth. As Romans 10:15 (NIV) reminds us, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news,” encouraging the faithful to spread the true message of Christ wherever they go.
The US has a major role to play in the bigger picture of God’s plan, not only through its position as a global leader but also through its vast missionary efforts, diverse population, and Christian heritage. As a nation with immense influence, the US can shape global attitudes toward Christianity, contribute to international missions, and demonstrate the love of Christ to those in need. However, it is crucial that we, as believers, shift our perspective on global events, looking beyond political, cultural, or personal viewpoints. Instead, we should filter everything through the lens of Scripture, allowing God’s Word to guide our responses and actions. By doing so, we can better align ourselves with God’s purpose for the world, becoming instruments of His peace and truth in a complex and ever-changing global landscape. Changing the world begins with changing our hearts and minds, and this transformation starts when we commit to seeing the world as God sees it and living according to His will.
Please join us in prayer:
- Pray for President Trump, that he would be guided with wisdom and compassion, understanding the far-reaching impact of his choices on the world.
- Pray that the Church in the US remains faithful in sharing the true Gospel, standing firm on biblical truths, and spreading God’s love to all people, both at home and abroad.
- Pray that God gives wisdom and understanding to political leaders as they navigate the challenges of immigration, ensuring that the needs of migrants are met with compassion and responsibility.
- Pray for those suffering due to the cut in US foreign aid, that they will find hope, provision, and turn to Jesus as their true provider.
- Pray that God protects missionaries who are spreading the Gospel in countries where they face opposition, and that they may continue to share the message of Christ with boldness and love.
- Pray that the Church in the US and across the world resists the false teachings of the prosperity gospel and instead proclaims the true message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Resources:
https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States/The-Appalachian-Mountain-system
https://operationworld.org/locations/united-states-of-america/
https://www.joshuaproject.net/countries/US
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyn2p8x2eyo
https://apnews.com/article/trump-south-africa-cut-funding-aid-musk-92529403c0902bacd9d5cc5985d429cb
https://apnews.com/article/us-aid-syria-camp-islamic-state-blumont-0bba1169162033977c4ede5d2f31468d
