Leading boldly in a shifting culture: part one
In a world marked by division, loneliness and growing despair, the Church has a unique opportunity to become a powerful witness to the hope and goodness of God. After years spent alongside pastors across more than 30 countries, Allison Alley believes this cultural moment may be a turning point for spiritual renewal and lasting transformation.
Written by Karen Marroquin
on July 15, 2026
In a world torn apart by overwhelming tensions, World Vision Canada CEO and President Allison Alley sees a powerful opportunity for the church to be a turning point in spiritual revival and, in turn, to bring life-changing transformation to communities in need worldwide.
Over the past 14 years, she has walked alongside pastors in more than 30 countries, listening to their experiences and seeking to understand the challenges they face. Through this, she has remained committed to exploring how partners like World Vision can support and strengthen the local church.
Today’s global tensions reveal a widening gap between society and the church, but also a clear opportunity. As pastors, it can be difficult to find a path to lead the church forward while navigating the tensions of the Canadian cultural landscape.
Tensions
1. Connected and fragmented
We are the most digitally connected generation in history but remain deeply fragmented. Western society is experiencing a loneliness and isolation epidemic. Social cohesion is eroding in Canada and around the world, as distrust and polarization divide communities. In this division, children and families, the most vulnerable, suffer the most. Fractured communities expose them to violence, exploitation and poverty.
2. Seeking and skepticism
Spiritual hunger is on the rise – curiosity about spiritual practices is growing, despite many having no religious affiliations. Eroded trust in institutions like the church will take time to rebuild. There is a clear draw toward the person of Jesus and the ethics of the Kingdom, calling the church back to what it was always meant to be, a place of hope in Christ.
3. Knowing and numbness
Today’s access to facts and data provides us with a deep awareness of the state of our world, yet often fails to translate that awareness into sustained, meaningful action.
Today, we are facing one of the worst hunger crises in history: 330 million people are experiencing life-threatening food shortages, and 45 million children are at risk of starvation.
At the same time, volunteerism and donations are declining. A sense of compassion fatigue and numbness grows. The problems feel too big to fix “out there,” while many are also overwhelmed by challenges closer to home.
4. Longing and despair
People are increasingly pessimistic about the future. Concerns around climate, politics, conflict and global instability are contributing to rising mental health challenges, with depression as the leading cause of disability globally.
But alongside this, there is a deep longing for something else. Scripture reminds us that all of creation is yearning for restoration through Christ, and we see echoes of that desire in people’s search for goodness and rootedness.
Many are turning to nature and quiet spaces to restore a sense of stability and peace. These tensions we feel in this in-between space may mark a hinge moment for the church to step forward with hope, clarity and purpose.
"We have the opportunity to bear witness to and give testimony to the goodness of God. " – Allison Alley
There is hope. Opportunity sits in the tensions for Church leaders ready for God to steer the way forward, bringing renewal, rebuilding and faithful restoration.
This is a three-part series, you can read part two here.