Seoul, September 22, 2024 |
| Michael Oh, Global Executive Director of the Lausanne Movement. PHOTO: Lausanne Movement |
On September 21, after flying over 23 hours and a layover in Istanbul, I arrived in Seoul, Korea, to attend the IV Congress of the Lausanne Movement. I am representing World Vision. Together with about 5,200 Christian leaders from all around the world we are celebrating 50 years since the first congress held in Lausanne in 1974, followed by Manila in 1989 and Cape Town in 2010. This is an important moment to reflect on the past and look toward the future of global evangelical mission.
Yesterday, someone asked me about my expectations of this event. Today, I woke up wondering if we still can expect something significant from the global evangelical movement. I have no doubts of the power of the Gospel or the faith of God’s people, but, political alliances, ambitions for power, and the obsession with numerical growth of our churches, have worn down the integrity of the gospel witness. Sometimes, mission has been reduced to a mere proselytizing campaign, losing its prophetic and transformative essence.
Despite this, hope remains, because hope is stubborn. It is this hope that keeps me here, thinking that the church, although imperfect, can and must be an agent of transformation. This time, the subject is
“Let the church declare and display Christ together” is a sentence that deeply echoes in the heart of the gathering. We are here not only to proclaim Christ with our words but also to show Him with our actions, in our community life, in unity.
Upon entering the convention center in Incheon, the warmth of Korean hospitality is tangible. A “committee of smiles” welcomes us at the door, making us feel at home despite being so far from it. The organization and logistics of the event are impeccable, reflecting the attention to detail that characterize Korean culture.
At 6:00 PM Korean time, in a packed auditorium, we began the congress with worship led by local musicians. The mayor of Incheon welcomed us, presenting his city as the cradle of Christianity in South Korea and a symbol of freedom. Following this, a majestic choir of more than 50 voices, accompanied by a symphony orchestra, moved us deeply with a execution of the classic hymn “How Great Thou Art.”
Rev. Jason Lee, Chairman of the Lausanne Board of Directors, took the floor with a brief but powerful message. He emphasized that this conference is taking place in an unprecedented context. First, it is the first hyperconnected congress, in an era dominated by the fourth technological revolution. Second, the global missionary axis has shifted dramatically from the South to the North, with churches from Asia, Africa, and Latin America playing an increasingly prominent role. Finally, he highlighted that we are in an era where multiple digital generations—baby boomers, millennials, and others—must come together to proclaim the truth of the Gospel. Unity in mission is more necessary than ever.
The keynote message of the night was delivered by Michael Oh, Executive Director of the Lausanne Movement. He called us to be a humble church, a church that not only proclaims Christ with words but displays Him in its life, as a living testimony of His love. In times of growing secularization, Oh challenged us to be an effective church, willing to adapt to new challenges without losing its essence and commitment to the Gospel.
We ended the day around 8:30 PM, knowing that the coming week will be one of intense reflection and discernment. This congress will serve as a catalyst to advance the fourfold vision of the Movement: to bring the Gospel to every person, to form discipling churches in every people and place, to develop Christ-like leaders in every sector, and to influence every sphere of society with Kingdom principles.
Fourteen years after Cape Town, I still have hope. For as Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This congress in Seoul is undoubtedly a space to listen, pause, and reflect. The church is called not only to proclaim Christ but to display Him in every action, in every word, in every gesture. The journey has just begun.
About the author:
Pastor and theologian Harold Segura is Colombian, currently residing in Costa Rica. He is the Director of Faith and Development for World Vision in Latin America and the Caribbean and the author of several books. Previously, he served as Rector of
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