They want to create 300 new churches.
New data from the Statista Research Department shows a continuing decline in Australians identifying as Christian, though churches remain committed to spreading the Gospel across the nation. According to the 2021 Australian Census, less than half of Australians—44%—identified as Christian, marking an 8% drop compared to five years prior.
Simultaneously, the number of Australians with no religious affiliation has risen, with about 10 million people now identifying as non-religious—an increase of 2 million from the previous census, equating to 40% of respondents. Statista noted that younger Australians, in particular, tend to hold secular or alternative beliefs, and there is also an increase in civil ceremonies over traditional religious ones. Australia, with over 120 faiths represented, is seen as a “secular country with a diverse migrant population,” where the traditional Christian label may be losing relevance.
While Christianity has seen a gradual decline, other faiths such as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism have gained followers, particularly among younger age groups. The report suggests Australians generally hold neutral views on religious groups but notes slightly more negative attitudes toward both Christians and Muslims. However, many Australians still find satisfaction in their spiritual or religious lives, showing that some form of spiritual belief remains significant for personal identity and daily life.
In response to the decline, some churches are increasing their efforts to share the Gospel. Reach Australia, a network of over 260 churches, is proactively working toward this mission, aiming to plant 300 new churches by 2030. Derek Hanna, the network’s director of Plant, highlighted this ambitious goal at a national conference in May, calling for the support of an additional 800 leaders to meet this vision. He acknowledged the scale of the challenge but encouraged church leaders to remain optimistic and committed to the goal.
Reflecting on the network’s steady growth over the past two decades, Hanna shared that their annual growth rate of 4% supports the feasibility of their plan. He called on attendees to have faith in what he sees as God’s work, reminding them of their shared mission and expressing confidence in reaching their goal. Hanna concluded by emphasizing that their efforts are not about boastfulness but rather a recognition of God’s work at this unique moment in Australia’s history.