The Closing Window of Population Growth

For decades the world has focused on POPULATION GROWTH. In 2015, our thinking will need to shift from POPULATION GROWTH to the AGING OF THE WORLD POPULATION, as birth rates peak and begin declining. 2015 POPULATION GROWTH POPULATION 2015 AGING The median age has been around 24 years old for the past half-century. By 2050, the median age in the world will approach 44 years. 23 24) 25 26 27 28 29 30 ... 41 42 43 44) 45 Birth peak in 2015 600 500 400 300 Less developed countries 200 More developed countries 100 1950 1975 2000 2025 2050 |0-4 years 25-29 years The birth rates in Asia, Africa and Latin America will follow the pattern of the developed countries and flatten out. In 2100, India will be the most populous country, with 1458 million inhabitants, followed by China with 1182 million and USA with 437 million. India China USA Population growth will be highest in Muslim countries in Africa and Asia. THE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY IS CLOSING. The United Nations projects that the birth rate will peak in 2015 and there is limited time to reach the young, those most open to the gospel. People are most likely to make a decision for Christ between the ages of 4 and 14. 71% of Christians commit their lives to Christ before the age of 15. Therefore, reaching today's children with the gospel is reaching the majority of tomorrow's world. The message cannot wait. An older world will be a less responsive world. Sources: The Future of the Global Church by Patrick Johnstone www.thefutureoftheglobalchurch.org, 4/14 Movement www.4to14window.com, and UN Population Estimates 2006 Brought to you by our sponsor. One Challenge www.onechallenge.org To find more infographics from GMI visit gmi www.missiographics.com OC INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES Reaching the world together Population size