Global Missions
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”
PSALM 96:3
World evangelism has been the mission of Park Street Church since it was a part of sending out the first American missionaries, who sailed to India in 1812. In 1819, Park Street sent out its first team of missionaries to plant a church in the Sandwich Islands. Over 200 years later, we remain committed to sending missionaries all over the world to plant churches, equip the local church, translate the Bible into heart languages, and to meet physical and emotional needs in under-served areas.
We currently have 28 full-time missionaries in 11 countries doing:
- Bible translation
- Business & family ministry
- Church planting
- Evangelism & discipleship
- Media ministry
- Missionary training & admin
- Prison ministry
- Theological education
Our Global Missions Priorities
In view of the Lord’s faithfulness to Park Street Church in the past and of the resources that he has given us, we have identified five global missions priorities. These priorities serve as guideposts in missions for the entire church to embrace, to pray for, to give generously towards, and to live into as together we are guided by the Holy Spirit. These priorities are:
Unreached People Groups
Of 17,017 ethnic groups in the world, 7,087 remain unreached with the gospel (under 2% evangelical). 86% of all Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists do not know a Christian personally.
In 1997, after a period of prayer and discernment, the Missions Committee felt called toward a primary focus on the least-reached areas of the world. This conviction has since deepened, leading us to send the vast majority of our missionaries to countries in the 10/40 window, an
area of the world with the majority of the world’s Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.
Christian Movements in the Muslim World
A “movement” is defined as 100 new churches or 1,000 baptized believers in 20 years. While there were only 13 movements from AD 800-2000, between 2000–2013 there were 69.
Remaining focused on unreached countries and seeking to join God where He is working, Park Street has a particular goal of deepening relationships in Muslim-majority nations.
Bible Translation
Of the 6,909 distinct languages in the world, 2,184 are left with no Scripture.
Park Street has a long history of sending missionaries to do Bible translation. In the past few years we have celebrated the publication of Bibles in Uzbek and Lomwe, and New Testaments in Yemba and Northern Thai. As a church centered in an academic hub, not to mention nearby Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Bible translation is a natural area in which to encourage participation.
Growth of the Majority World Church
The “majority world” refers to the developing countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The majority of all Christians now live in this part of the world. The world’s largest protestant/ independent denomination is now (2015) the 82.4 million believers in Chinese (Han) house churches.
We praise God for the way he has moved through the world! As cultures change and the epicenter of the Church moves away from North America and Europe, our relationship will shift from being primarily a sending community to becoming more of a partner in the evangelistic work of God.
International Students in Boston
There are approximately 55,000 international students in Massachusetts, of which 86% attend schools in greater Boston.
The world comes to us in the form of international students every year, including those from unreached countries. We have an amazing opportunity to befriend those who live right in our own neighborhood.
Woman’s Benevolent Society
Wednesdays, 10:00 am–1:30 pm | September – May | Meets at Park Street Church in the Granary Room
The Woman’s Benevolent Society has been a special presence and ministry since the church’s founding in 1809—more than 200 years ago. Along with practical projects, Woman’s Benevolent members are committed to missionary care and fervent prayer. Questions? Email Judi Manola or Mayumi Rideout.
Watch this video to learn more.
Mission Conference 2024
November 1-10
This year’s theme is “Proclaiming Jesus.” Throughout the week we will explore ways that we can proclaim Him through our words and our deeds, both locally and globally. More details coming by October 15. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Monthly Missions News
Learn about the exciting ways God is moving throughout the world, as well as how you can serve through prayer, giving, and service!