At L4, Christians from a wide range of theological traditions will gather together. Presbyterians, Baptists, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Pentecostals will each bring their unique perspectives and practices to the table. Christians from other traditions, including Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christians, will gather as observers as well.
This diversity strengthens the movement, but it also requires careful intentionality as we define our theological center. With candor about where we differ, we must clearly define the core beliefs that unite us as evangelical Christians. We should not aim at uniformity, but we should foster unity—a unity grounded in the essentials of the faith.
Maintaining the Balance: Proclamation and Demonstration
A key challenge for L4 will be keeping a balance between gospel proclamation and demonstration, while finding a way to prioritize evangelism so it does not get lost. The Lausanne Movement has always emphasized both, convinced that Jesus has called the church to proclaim the gospel and to demonstrate the power of the gospel through acts of mercy and justice. The mission of the church is both word and deed, proclamation and demonstration, sharing and showing the love of Jesus.
But in the constant tension between these two aspects of the mission, we can lose sight of one in favor of the other. In an upcoming book, I discuss the concept of “integral prioritization.” This vision balances the “prioritism” of gospel proclamation and the “integralism” of gospel demonstration. We must keep evangelism at the forefront of our mission while also engaging in acts of mercy and justice. While we care for the needs of the poor and work for justice in society, we must also proclaim the gospel with clarity and urgency, calling people to repent and believe.
At L4, I hope we renew our commitment to such an approach. I hope and I have been praying that we will embody the full scope of the Great Commission, making disciples and teaching them all he commanded. We must maintain a foundation of theological clarity and mission urgency, as we work together across theological and cultural differences.
Conclusion: Praying for L4
L4 has the potential to be a transformative moment for the global church. Pray that we will remain faithful to the theological principles that have guided the Lausanne Movement since its inception. Pray that we will be able to work together in candid cooperation, even as we acknowledge our differences. And pray that we will maintain a balance between gospel proclamation and demonstration, ensuring that we remain committed to both sharing and showing the love of Jesus to a world that desperately needs it.
I pray that we gather with a deep sense of purpose, a commitment to prayer, and a determination to proclaim the gospel with clarity and conviction.
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