Lausanne Congress Calls for Unity in Global Evangelization
INCHEON, South Korea — In a powerful opening address at the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization, Michael Oh, the global executive director of the Lausanne Movement, urged Christians worldwide to embrace humility and collaboration in their mission to spread the Gospel. Speaking to an audience of 5,000 attendees from over 200 nations, along with thousands participating virtually, Oh emphasized the pressing need for unity among believers.
The event, held at the Songdo Convensia international convention center, served as a platform for discussions on overcoming the obstacles that hinder effective evangelism. Oh, who previously served as a missionary in Japan, highlighted the detrimental effects of pride, isolation, and arrogance within the Church, calling for a collective repentance from these attitudes.
"We must repent of the mindset that says, ‘I don’t need you,’" Oh stated, referencing the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:21-27. He warned that such sentiments create barriers not only between believers but also between the Church and God. "Apart from me, you can do nothing," he reminded the audience, echoing the words of Jesus in John 15:5.
Oh’s message resonated deeply as he pointed out that the Church’s competitive spirit has led to a fragmentation of efforts, resulting in a struggle for resources rather than collaboration. "The greatest reason for the ineffectiveness of the Body is the failure to incorporate the whole Body into God’s mission," he explained, urging attendees to recognize the power of working together.
The Lausanne Movement has a rich history of promoting global evangelism, dating back to its inception in 1974. Oh noted that the initial Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland, laid the groundwork for outreach to unreached people groups, resulting in the Gospel being shared with 9,000 such groups over the past five decades. This collaborative effort has significantly contributed to the growth of churches across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Oh shared a poignant story about how the first missionaries who arrived in Incheon over a century ago played a crucial role in his mother’s conversion to Christianity. "Without the work of those men and women, I might not be here today," he said, highlighting South Korea’s position as the second-largest missionary-sending nation in the world today.
Despite advancements in evangelistic tools and strategies, Oh pointed out a troubling trend: the number of people who have never heard the Gospel continues to grow each year. He lamented the Church’s flawed witness, exacerbated by scandals involving church leaders that have tarnished the reputation of the Christian community. "Rather than people stumbling over the message of the Gospel, too many are stumbling over the messengers," he remarked.
As the Congress unfolds, Oh stressed the importance of embracing the theme: "Let the Church declare and display Christ together." He encouraged delegates to approach their mission with faith and humility, rather than fear and competition. "We must be beautifully vocal with the message of the Gospel," he urged, reminding attendees of the unity described in 1 Corinthians 12:12, which speaks of the Church as one body with many members.
The Fourth Lausanne Congress is not just a gathering; it is a call to action for Christians everywhere to come together in their shared mission. As Oh concluded, "It only takes a few people to change the world," inviting all believers to join in this collective effort to share the love of Christ across the globe.
For more information on the Lausanne Movement and its initiatives, visit Lausanne.org.