Numbers vs. Influence: My Take on the Philippine Evangelical Church Today

by Dan Andrew Cura

I have been stationed in Banaue, Ifugao, in the Philippines for the past year or so, and have observed the proliferation of many evangelical churches of various denominations. I believe that the Church Planting Efforts of the 1950s to the 1960s by foreign missionaries have been largely successful yet lacking in real-life transformation and biblical impact or influence.  I am surely not saying “all” but a good number have fallen short.

Just to be clear, I am using the term “evangelical” not in the adulterated way this has become politicized in the US today but rather, in its pure definition as a distinctive of people whose lives are Christ-Centered, Bible-based, exhibiting true transformation, and propelled by a desire to proclaim, in word and action, the good news of the Kingdom of God to all peoples who are helpless and lost. 

It is often mentioned that the Philippine Church is growing, and by many metrics, it is. The Evangelical Church in the Philippines has experienced significant growth, often described as a "surge," with proponents moving from roughly 4% of the population to over 8–14% in recent decades. Roughly 50,000 churches exist today.

Evangelical denominations report rising attendance. Christian conferences pack out different venues, from churches to arenas. Social media is filled with pastors and influencers broadcasting spiritual messages.

Yet despite this growth, the nation remains plagued by corruption, poverty, injustice, and moral confusion. With all the controversies and issues we hear in the news today, some churches refuse to be bothered.  How do we reconcile a growing church with a deteriorating sense of morality and justice in society? I believe the answer lies in the distinction between numbers and influence. While the church grows in attendance, it struggles to shape the nation's conscience. 

It has become numerically larger, but not morally louder or spiritually deeper. It speaks often, but its words rarely carry prophetic weight. Philippine politics remain dominated by dynasties and corruption, with many Christian leaders openly endorsing questionable candidates, and much less calling them to account.

Theological discourse in the public square is rare, and when it exists, it is often simplistic or partisan. Only a few spirited voices continue to struggle to lend their hearts and thoughts, only to be challenged again by co-believers who just want to keep the status quo.   Evangelicals, instead of confronting sin in power structures, often baptize it for convenience or favor. Meanwhile, in a number of churches, discipleship is weak. They have boiled down discipleship to a set of lessons and conferences lacking in true mentorship of “walking alongside” as the Master has done with His disciples. To eat with them, speak with them, argue even, cry with them, and yes, laugh with them, and finally teach them by word and deed.

Encouraging them personally when times are dark. Jesus never endorsed them to anyone just to get some “me time”. A life spilled over to another. That’s true discipleship. The conferences and Programs surely help, I guess, to some degree. I have been there too. But there is no exchange for a mentor to be in the trenches with his disciples. That’s influence.

Believers may attend Sunday services, but many lack biblical understanding and integration, ethical conviction, or transformative lifestyles. This has led to a Christianity of convenience, a religion of emotional highs and shallow roots. Consider the contrast.

Our country holds prayer rallies, but remains one of the most corrupt in Asia. We have declared ourselves, time and time again, that we are a Christian nation, yet we normalize dishonesty, injustice, and exploitation. If revival were truly present, we would see societal transformation, not just spiritual noise.

What's more, a good number of churches have become enclaves of consumerism. Church growth is often measured by building size, social media following, or income, not by holiness, justice, or compassion. Programs multiply, but the fruit of the Spirit is scarce.

Evangelism becomes marketing. Worship becomes performance, and the pulpit becomes a platform. The education system, media, business, and even national policy are still largely shaped by secular or traditional religious influences.

Many evangelicals have failed to permeate the spaces of education, politics, and family with thoughtful, redemptive presence. When we do enter these spheres, we often lack theological grounding and compromise our convictions for acceptance. 

The reality is this. Many of us have exchanged depth for width, but shallow waters evaporate quickly. Unless we move from surface-level growth to genuine spiritual renewal, the numbers will eventually collapse under their own weight, until the Philippine Evangelical Church reclaims its calling to be salt and light, not just in pews but in politics, education, business, and culture. Its numbers will continue to rise, but its influence will fade.

Real growth is not just about quantity, but about impact. I am hopeful that there are pastors and churches out there who understand my struggle and will take up the mantle one life, one family, and one church at a time, as I have. 

The Church must recover its prophetic voice, prioritize deep discipleship, and cultivate lives that reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ, empowered by His Spirit. Anything less is an illusion.

About the Author

Dan Andrew Cura was president of the Far East Broadcasting Company, and director of the board of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas. He is currently Administrative Consultant for Good News Clinic and Hospital in Banaue, Ifugao.