Cristina's Reflections from the 4th Lausanne Congress

Reflections on the Fourth Lausanne Congress: Declaring and Displaying Christ Together

In September, I had the privilege of attending the Fourth Lausanne Congress of World Evangelization in Incheon, South Korea. Sitting among more than 5,000 participants from 200 countries, I was humbled by the diversity of voices united in worship and mission. My assigned table group included friends from the Philippines, the USA, Pakistan, and South Africa. We shared stories of faith and ministry, processed the challenges presented in the sessions, and dreamed together about what God might do through His people across the globe.

Throughout the week, I attended plenary sessions, morning devotions on the book of Acts, and collaborative Gap and Interest Group discussions. My focus was the Islam Gap sessions and the Workplace Track, each offering unique insights into how the global church can declare and display Christ in our generation.

Reflection 1: The Power of Collaboration

The Congress was a vivid reminder that the Great Commission cannot be fulfilled in isolation. The Church must come together—across denominations, cultures, and contexts—to address the gaps in global mission. This theme echoed throughout the plenary sessions and Gap discussions, particularly in the Islam Gap sessions, where we explored how Christians might collaborate to reach and disciple Muslims globally.

In these sessions, I heard stories of boldness and faith from believers working in Muslim-majority contexts. The challenges they face are immense, but their testimonies revealed God’s power and the fruit of unity. One recurring theme was the need for mutual trust and resource-sharing between churches in the East and West. This kind of collaboration can lead to a greater collective impact in regions where the gospel has not yet taken root.

What can we do in response?

• Pray: Regularly intercede for unity in the global church and for partnerships that advance the gospel.
• Connect locally: Seek opportunities to collaborate with diaspora churches or organizations in your community.
• Support mission initiatives: Encourage your church to invest in cross-cultural mission training and collaborative efforts.

Recommended Resource:

• State of the Great Commission Report – Islam Section

Reflection 2: The Sacredness of Work

The Workplace Track offered a profound reminder that the workplace is one of the largest mission fields in the world. With 99% of Christians engaging society through their professions, the potential for gospel impact is immense.

Julia Garschagen, a plenary speaker, reminded us that there are no second-class citizens in the kingdom of God. Whether someone is an office worker, teacher, entrepreneur, or homemaker, their work is a sacred calling. The sessions highlighted the importance of viewing work as worship and living out faith authentically in professional settings.

Practical examples of integrating faith and work included:

• Approaching work with excellence, integrity, and humility as a reflection of Christ.
• Building relationships with colleagues that reflect God’s love.
• Advocating for ethical practices and justice in the workplace.

This track inspired me to see the workplace not as separate from ministry but as a space where God’s mission unfolds daily.

What can we do in response?

• Affirm work as ministry: Encourage believers to view their professions as opportunities to serve God and others.
• Equip workplace believers: Offer training and resources on how to integrate faith into work effectively.
• Be intentional: Build relationships with colleagues and live out your faith in action.

Recommended Resource:

• Lausanne Workplace Track Resources

Reflection 3: Perseverance Amid Persecution

Perhaps the most sobering moments of the Congress were hearing stories from persecuted Christians around the world. Patrick Fung’s reflections on the book of Acts reminded us that persecution has historically advanced the gospel. Testimonies from believers in Iran, India, and other regions illustrated this truth powerfully.

Farshid Fathi shared about the growth of the church in Iran despite severe oppression, while Brother Babu Varghese recounted the courage of Indian Christians facing increasing persecution. Their faithfulness, in the midst of suffering, was a poignant reminder of the cost of following Christ and the joy of His presence in trials.

What can we do in response?

• Pray for the persecuted church: Commit to regular intercession for believers facing hardship.
• Advocate for their needs: Partner with organizations that support persecuted Christians.
• Learn from their example: Let their courage and perseverance inspire boldness in your own faith.

Recommended Resource:

• Open Doors World Watch List

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Attending the Fourth Lausanne Congress was a profound experience—one that left me both humbled and inspired. The stories, teachings, and worship reminded me that the global church is vibrant, resilient, and united in its mission to declare and display Christ.

As I reflect on what I’ve learned, I am compelled to ask: How will we, in our own contexts, live out this call? Whether through collaboration, workplace ministry, or standing with the persecuted church, every believer has a role to play in fulfilling the Great Commission.

I encourage you to explore the resources from the Congress and consider how you might join in this global movement. Together, let us declare and display Christ in every corner of the world.

Recommended Resource:

• Accelerate: Fourth Lausanne Congress Resources

In Christ's love and grace,

Cristina