5/27/2025 Southeast Asia (International Christian Concern) — Although Christians throughout Asia are increasingly facing severe persecution, the gospel is spreading, and more people are putting their trust in Christ in many East Asian and Southeast Asian nations.  

Christian researchers, missiologists, and missions organizations have reported the increase, which is similar to International Christian Concern (ICC)’s own figures. ICC reported that in 2024, there were roughly 415 million Christians in Asia, comprising 8% of the total Asian population. In 2010, Christians made up only 3% of the population in Asia.  

Missiologists and commentators believe this steady increase in Asia is due to a combination of spiritual hunger amid modernization, strong community support, active missionary work, and the faith’s ability to adapt to local cultures. Growth has been even more rapid in recent years, with Christianity growing by about 1.6% per year from 2020 to 2025, according to The Economist. 

This growth is occurring within a challenging environment and in the face of relentless opposition to Christian teachings. Murder, violence, political and social isolation, unjust laws against conversion to Christianity, opposition to church buildings and services, increased surveillance against believers, restrictions on Bibles and Christian materials, and regular harassment, arrests, and imprisonments are just some of the things Asian Christians face daily. 

Despite these barriers, Christianity continues to grow in traditionally non-Christian Asia. For example, many mission organizations estimate that 6% to 9% of China’s population are now Christians. Some believe the number is anywhere from 10% to 15%.  

Even the conservative estimates would equal more than 85 million to about 130 million Christians in China alone, a country with intense, systemic persecution and opposition to the gospel.  

In South Korea, Christianity has experienced significant growth since the 1960s, making the country second only to the United States in the number of Christian missionaries it sends overseas. In Mongolia, Christianity was almost non-existent in the 1990s and 2000s. Now, there are hundreds of Christian fellowships and churches. Christianity is also continuing to grow steadily across the region in Communist, Buddhist, and Islam-dominated nations like Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. 

“Praise the Lord for this growth despite the huge obstacles,” an ICC staffer said. “ICC is working in these nations with our own indigenous missionaries and fantastic local partners. We need to celebrate this and give thanks for all the labor happening. The harvest is definitely plentiful. 

“The church in Asia is growing and is strong, but they need more prayers, partnerships, and encouragement amid the huge adversity they face. Thanks to all who continue to pray for and contribute financially to ICC’s work in standing with and supporting Asia’s Christians. Please continue to pray for the continued growth of Christianity in Asia, for strong discipleship and Bible teaching for new Christians and churches, and for strength and courage for the many persecuted and pressured believers in this region.” 

To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email press@persecution.org.