Churches Spend Under 5% on Evangelism, Says Canon J.John — 'A Slight Imbalance'
The evangelist told church leaders that over 95% of time, money and people go to worship and wellbeing. His fix: equip every member, every year
The short answer
According to Christian Today, reported by The Christian Post, evangelist Canon J.John, founder of the Philo Trust, told the Church Resources Exhibition that "we spend over 95% of all of our time, energy, money, resources and manpower on worship and wellbeing. We spend less than 5% on witness." He cited Philo Trust research among 1,000 evangelical churches that found only 36 had provided evangelism training in the previous decade, and urged churches to run evangelism training every year.
Canon J.John has spent decades sharing the gospel in the UK. This week he turned the spotlight on churches themselves.
The Claim
Speaking at the Church Resources Exhibition, the evangelist and founder of the Philo Trust said, according to Christian Today:
"Canon J.John says churches spend over 95% of their resources on worship and wellbeing and under 5% on witness, and that only 36 of 1,000 evangelical churches ran evangelism training in a decade. His fix: equip every member, every year."
Click to copy and share"Research indicates that we spend over 95% of all of our time, energy, money, resources and manpower on worship and wellbeing. We spend less than 5% on witness. Do you not agree there's a slight imbalance there?"
He also cited Philo Trust research among 1,000 evangelical churches: only 36 said they had provided evangelism training in the previous decade.
His Prescription
J.John suggested churches spread their energy more evenly across worship, wellbeing and witness — but warned that telling people to share their faith isn't enough.
"We've got to equip people. We've got to help people," he said. He urged churches to run an evangelism training course every year, and challenged leaders: "I want you to lead the church as if you were an evangelist… you're not just thinking about the flock, but you're thinking about the fringe and you're thinking about beyond the fringe."
Multiplying, Not Just Growing
At the same event, Phil Stokes of REACH described a micro-church for millennials built to multiply: one couple moved to Manchester and started their own. "So we haven't grown much, but we have multiplied," he said — adding that younger generations are hungry: "The next generation wants something of what we've got."
Why It Matters
It's the same theme behind much of what we report: the movements growing fastest — UniteUS on campuses, Love on The World's weekly outreach groups — are the ones that train ordinary believers and send them out. It's the math of multiplication Paul gave Timothy.
If your church is in the 95%, a simple place to start is our practical guide to sharing your faith — use it as a small-group course this term.
Canon J.John says churches spend over 95% of their resources on worship and wellbeing and under 5% on witness, and that only 36 of 1,000 evangelical churches ran evangelism training in a decade. His fix: equip every member, every year.
Biblical Perspective
Christ gave leaders to the church "to equip his people for works of service" (Ephesians 4:11–12), and Paul told Timothy to "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5). Peter calls every believer to be ready "to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
— 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Pray With Us
Lord, forgive us where we have kept the good news to ourselves. Give our churches a heart for the fringe and beyond the fringe. Raise up leaders who equip every believer to share their faith with gentleness and respect, and send us out. In Jesus' name, amen.
Declarations to Speak
- ›Every believer can be equipped to share the gospel!
- ›We will think about the fringe and beyond the fringe!
- ›Our churches will multiply, not just grow!
Take Action
- 1Ask your church whether it runs evangelism training — and offer to help start one.
- 2Use our guide to sharing your faith as a four-week small-group course.
- 3Pray for three people by name who don't yet know Jesus.
"Churches spend over 95% on worship and wellbeing, under 5% on witness, says Canon J.John. 'A slight imbalance'?"
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Your Prayers & Words Have Power
Every time you pray over a story and speak life, you are partnering with Heaven to see God's Kingdom come on earth. When believers around the world agree in prayer, mountains move. Keep praying over these matters — your consistency in intercession is changing the world.
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16
Prayer Is Powerful — So Is Action.
You've prayed. Now take it further. Join or start an outreach group in your area and take the love of Jesus to the streets. Every act of love, every meal shared, every prayer prayed in person is the Kingdom advancing in your community.
"Faith without works is dead." — James 2:26
Questions people are asking
What did J.John say about evangelism in churches?
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Speaking at the Church Resources Exhibition in October 2026, Canon J.John said churches spend over 95% of their time, energy, money and people on worship and wellbeing and less than 5% on witness, and urged churches to run evangelism training every year.
How many churches provide evangelism training?
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Canon J.John cited Philo Trust research among 1,000 evangelical churches that found only 36 had provided evangelism training during the previous decade.
Sources & further reading
- 1.UK churches spend over 95% of resources on worship and wellbeing, under 5% on evangelism, Canon J John saysThe Christian Post (via Christian Today)
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
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