Accelerate joint efforts for the continued success: Call from Lausanne 4 summit
The Fourth Lausanne Movement Congress concluded in Incheon-Seoul, South Korea, with a shared celebration of bread and wine, led by two distinguished leaders - a Korean and a Japanese. The gathering, which brought together over 5,200 people from 202 nationalities, was a testament to the global unity of the evangelical community.
Throughout the Congress, plenaries, work in 25 'gaps', and various meetings took place, addressing a wide range of topics related to mission and evangelism. One of the keynote speakers, Pastor Rick Warren, presented a template with ten practical elements for "finishing the task" of mission.
The congressionals sessions were covered extensively by Evangelical Focus, providing insightful reports and articles for those who could not attend. However, the event was not without controversy. Remarks made by Ruth Padilla DeBorst during her speech caused a stir, with the event's director, David Bennett, deeming them inappropriate. Padilla later clarified that her comments were not a blanket dismissal of dispensationalist theology or those who subscribe to it.
The Lausanne organization set up a template for participants to send their suggestions for the Declaration, emphasising the importance of collaboration in the future of mission in the global church. A document proposing revisions and additions to the Seoul Declaration began to circulate among participants, reflecting the ongoing dialogue and participation in the decision-making process.
However, the process of participation and listening in the Seoul Declaration was different from that of previous Congresses, causing frustration among some participants. This shift in approach was intended to foster a more inclusive and collaborative environment, but it did not always meet the expectations of all attendees.
Notable evangelical theologians, such as John Stott, J.I. Packer, and Timothy Keller, were among the 33 members of the Theology Commission of the Lausanne Movement at the Fourth Congress in Seoul. Their presence underscored the intellectual and spiritual depth of the gathering.
Ronaldo Lidório, a Brazilian speaker, urged attendees to "preach with courage and without hindrance" the message that "all of humanity" needs. Meanwhile, Ruth Padilla expressed the necessity for Christians to explicitly name the suffering of Palestinians in the face of an "a-critically 'stand with Israel'" position.
The Korean church, as the host, was praised for their service, maturity, and love. The Congress ended with a call to joint action and an invitation to sign the 'Collaborative Action Commitment'. The future of this collaboration will be further explored at the next global meeting of the Lausanne Movement - the Younger Leaders gathering, which will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The movement also faces its own sustainability challenge, with Evangelical Focus seeking support for their mission. Allan Matamoros shared the mission experience of the collaborative COMIBAM platform, highlighting the potential for successful collaboration in the global evangelical community.
As the dust settles on the Fourth Lausanne Movement Congress in Seoul, the focus shifts to the future - a future of collaboration, unity, and mission in the global church.
