He wants to abandon the popular church model.
Bishop Efraim Tendero, leader of the Galilean Movement and former secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance, recently convened a meeting of church and ministry leaders at Regent University in Virginia Beach. Co-hosted by Regent University and the Christian Broadcasting Network, the event focused on the widening gap between church expansion and true disciple-making. Tendero underscored the importance of refocusing on discipleship in response to shifting global demographics and spiritual challenges.
In his keynote address, Tendero expressed concern over the stagnation of committed Christian believers despite significant population growth worldwide. Referencing statistical data, he noted that only a small fraction of the global population actively follows Christ, while many remain unreached. He questioned why, nearly two millennia after the Great Commission, the Church has not been able to effectively reach more people. As a solution, he proposed mobilizing a large-scale disciple-making initiative by 2033, aligning with key biblical anniversaries such as the resurrection of Christ.
Tendero also addressed the decline in church attendance across Western nations and the increasing influence of other faith groups. He attributed these shifts to an excessive dependence on clergy, division among ministries, and a focus on institutional success rather than fostering discipleship. He urged churches to move beyond prioritizing attendance, infrastructure, and financial growth, and instead place greater emphasis on mentorship and spiritual development.
The Galilean Movement seeks to bring together churches, educational institutions, and missionary groups to enhance disciple-making efforts. Tendero introduced a three-phase strategy: first, recruiting churches that are dedicated to discipleship; second, providing leadership training; and third, evaluating progress through measurable outcomes. He emphasized the necessity of unity within the global Church, warning that competition and division hinder its mission. Additionally, he stressed the need for integrity among church leaders to ensure accountability.
Closing his address, Tendero encouraged attendees to view the coming decade as a pivotal period for transformation. Rather than establishing a new organization, he sees the Galilean Movement as a driving force for collaboration, integrating discipleship into every aspect of society. He reminded those present that making disciples was Christ’s central mission and urged them to actively participate in fulfilling this calling.