The global church has much to teach North American evangelicals. For example, Christians in the Global South often have a clearer passion for addressing poverty and social brokenness. They have not lost sight of how the gospel calls us to care for the marginalized and to work toward justice in our communities. At the same time, many in the global church have maintained a strong commitment to biblical teaching on sexuality and gender. Such examples can help Christians in the West uphold biblical teachings in a rapidly changing world.
3. Clarity on Issues of Sexuality and Gender
Third, I hope L4 will specifically address questions of sexuality and gender. While previous Lausanne documents did not specifically answer such questions, we can no longer ignore them. As parts of evangelicalism—particularly in the West—begin to move away from historic biblical teachings on these issues, we must clearly say what we believe and what the Bible teaches.
Clarity is kindness. People need to hear where the church stands on sexuality and gender, and they need to hear that message with both conviction and compassion. The Lausanne Movement has never shied away from difficult topics, and I believe that L4 will provide us with an opportunity to clearly articulate what we believe about these important issues.
Many within the movement, myself included, hope that L4 will produce a statement that includes an affirmation of the the historic biblical view of sexuality and gender. Such a statement would provide needed clarity in a world brimming with confusion. It would also mark our commitment to biblical truth and the authority of Scripture.
4. Recommitting to Evangelism and Mission
Fourth, I hope that L4 will specifically recommit to evangelism and mission. Historically, Christian organizations have tended to drift away from an evangelistic focus over time. While the Lausanne Movement has remained committed to evangelism, we must not take evangelistic commitment for granted. We need to put a marker in the ground at L4, reaffirming our commitment to evangelism and church planting as central to our mission.
Evangelism is at the heart of the Great Commission. We are called to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything Christ has commanded. This commitment includes sharing the gospel with clarity and urgency, inviting people to respond in repentance faith to the good news of Jesus Christ. At L4, I hope we renew our emphasis on evangelism and reaching those who have not yet heard the gospel.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead With Hope
Looking ahead to L4, I hope that the congress will provide the global church with the clarity and conviction it needs to navigate the challenges of our time. While the world around us may be shifting, the gospel remains unchanging. Christ has called us to proclaim that gospel with boldness and to live out its implications in every area of life.
Pray that L4 will produce a clear and theologically robust statement that will guide the church in the years to come. Pray that the global church will unite in our commitment to God’s mission. Pray that the church will remain faithful to its calling, standing firm in the truth of the gospel while showing and sharing the love of Jesus in a broken and hurting world.