Written by: Sophia Roman
Article source: JOY! Magazine
I had the incredible privilege of being invited to attend the historic Lausanne Congress in Seoul, Korea, in September 2024. Serving as a journalist, I joined the congress’ writing team as the only South African. I felt deeply humbled and blessed by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The vision behind Lausanne
It was in 1974 that Billy Graham and his friend John Stott birthed the vision for Lausanne, gathering hundreds of world leaders in Lausanne, Switzerland. The primary aim was to discuss how to respond to the Great Commission and ensure that the true Gospel is faithfully proclaimed. Out of this first congress, the Lausanne Covenant was created – a powerful document still used globally for its timeless relevance. I encourage you to read it. Furthermore, a movement was birthed from that initial gathering. Since then, three subsequent congresses have taken place – in Manila, Cape Town, and now Seoul – the fourth in September 2024.
Tribes and nations
On the very first day, as participants disembarked from airport shuttles, we – the writing team – joined the Korean welcoming team. Great excitement and warmth filled the air as we shouted, “Welcome to Lausanne, welcome!”
My eyes fell on a group of leaders from the Maasai people of Kenya. They entered with their walking sticks, traditional attire, and an air of royal confidence. I nearly missed the Native Americans with feathers in their headpieces and long sarongs, followed by Aboriginal people from Australia, Asians from across the continent, and Africans from diverse nations. At that moment, I broke down in tears, overwhelmed by what I saw. People around me tried to console me, asking what had happened. All I could think of was one of my favourite Bible verses coming to life before my eyes (Rev 7:9).
It was awe-inspiring to find myself in a gathering where the world was truly present. 5200 believers – representing more than 220 nations – worshipped the true and living God together, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Hearing hundreds of languages united in singing “How Great Thou Art” was deeply moving. The rich diversity of cultures reminded me of a home I have yet to encounter: the new heaven and the new earth, where every tribe and nation will lay their cultural tributes at the feet of King Jesus.
The Great Commission
The congress highlighted the rising influence of younger leaders and marketplace Christians, many of whom will play defining roles in the next chapter of global mission. Key takeaways from the Lausanne 2024 “State of the Great Commission Report” include:
• 40 themes summarising global data and insights from key strategic thinkers
• Findings revealing 25 major gaps in fulfilling the Great Commission
• A focus on discipleship among young people, particularly in teaching them to become disciple-makers
Polycentric mission
One of the most evident takeaways from the congress is the reality of polycentric mission – a truly global endeavour where people are sent from everywhere to everywhere. The era of missions being led predominantly by North America and Europe has passed. Today, the global Church has taken up the mantle, sending and supporting mission work across every continent.
The Korean Church stands as a testament to this paradigm shift, being one of the largest senders of missionaries outside North America. This shift has profound implications for the Church’s approach to mission. Missions are no longer a Western export; they are a shared calling of the whole Church to bring the whole Gospel to the whole world.
A global call to action
Sarah Breuel’s message to the delegates stood out as a highlight for me. She described the ways God is at work across the globe and urged each continent to engage wholeheartedly in proclaiming and embodying God’s grace.
Testimonies from imprisoned Iranian believers, calls for repentance, and acts of reconciliation pointed to the profound truth that our mission is built on the love and light of Christ, even in suffering. This congress reminded us that the Church, with all its diversity, stands together as a witness of hope in a world that desperately needs it.
Conclusion
The Church must send, or it will end. The early Church’s mandate was clear: go, send, or disobey. Lausanne 2024 stands as a powerful reminder of this mission and of the unity we have in Christ.
This article is featured in the January issue of JOY! Magazine, which is now on sale nationwide! Pick up your copy from any leading supermarket, or read a digital version of this issue here: https://joygifts.co.za/product/joy-magazine-january-issue-2025/
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Date published: 11/01/2025
Feature image: Worship at the Lausanne Congress in Seoul, Korea.
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