Analysis and Insights from the Fourth Lausanne Congress in Netherlands
From October 22 to October 28, 2024, the fourth Lausanne Congress took place in Incheon, a suburb of Seoul, South Korea. Around 5,400 delegates from over 200 countries gathered in-person – with approximately 2,000 participating remotely – to discuss, reflect, and brainstorm on the role and mission of the church in our rapidly changing world.
As a member of the Dutch delegation, I was thrilled to attend and be inspired by testimonies, perspectives, and insights from various corners of the globe, tailored to our unique context in the Netherlands.
Since its inception in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1974, these congresses have played a significant role in shaping the global evangelical mission movement. Unlike the World Evangelical Alliance, the Lausanne Movement doesn't represent a specific segment of world Christianity; rather, it welcomes a diverse range of believers eager to work together toward global evangelization.
The missionary zeal was first ignited at the first World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh in 1910, with the desire to "reach the whole world with the whole Gospel with the whole church." After Lausanne (1974), Manila (1989), and Cape Town (2010), the fourth Congress took place in Incheon, a bustling city where most residents live in high-rise buildings.
The congress was supported by local churches, with over 1,600 Korean volunteers tirelessly working to ensure all ran smoothly. The Korean praise band graced the stage, alternating with the Irish-style Getty band, providing a strong local presence.
Michael Oh, the CEO of the Lausanne Movement, spoke about the increasing multicultural leadership and multinational character of the movement, with its evolving business model.
We were reminded of the rich history of Christianity in Korea, a young church that experienced persecution under Japanese colonial rule and growth after the revival in 1906. Today, South Korea is an important sending country in the international missionary movement.
However, some challenges face the Korean church, such as difficulties with transmitting the faith to younger generations, declining church attendance, and negative perceptions within society. Speakers stressed the need for humility in acknowledging and addressing these issues.
As Christians in the Netherlands, we might reflect on our own history and context, considering whether there are areas where we, too, need to confess guilt and repent.
The Fourth Lausanne Congress examined current trends affecting the global church and mission, with particular focus on:
- Workplace ministry –Valuing secular work as an opportunity for service and witness.
- Digitization – Embracing the digital world as a platform for reaching new audiences and building connections.
The congress also addressed key gaps in global mission through collaborative discussions. Examples of these gaps include the aging population, the new middle class, Islam, Artificial Intelligence, and transhumanism. A special focus was placed on secularization, a topic that generated lively debate.
The event further emphasized the need for character-driven leaders to champion authentic discipleship and holistic mission. With high hopes and renewed determination, the global Christian community left Incheon, ready to carry out the Great Commission in ways that are relevant and effective for today's world.
In light of the discussions during the Fourth Lausanne Congress, it's essential for Christians in the Netherlands to consider integrating digital platforms into their self-development and education strategies, as well as exploring opportunities for service and witness in general news, sports, and other secular work realms.
As the global Christian community continues to evolve, it's crucial for us to be aware of emerging trends such as the new middle class, Islam, Artificial Intelligence, and transhumanism, not only in South Korea but also in our own context, demonstrating a humble spirit of repentance and openness to adaptation.
