Lausanne Covenant - World Evangelical Alliance - AD2000

Team Up In Transforming the World

Port Dickson, Malaysia: May 2001--"Connecting Christ's People to fulfill His Great Commission in the 21st Century" was the theme of the recent global gathering of mission network leaders occurring here during April 28 to May 1. Coming from every region of the globe, over 260 men and women -each representing a significant ministry network or mission initiative in their part of the world- spent three days together grappling with the key issues involved in reaching the world for Christ in the years ahead.

This event was the fourth and largest gathering of what has come to be known as the Great Commission Roundtable (GCR). Formed in 1999, the GCR was the result of desire for a new collaborative effort in world evangelization by the Lausanne Movement, the World Evangelical Fellowship and the AD2000 & Beyond Movement. Its intent is to become a "network of networks" open to all segments of the Body of Christ, promoting global partnership towards the discipling of all peoples in response to Christ's Great Commission.

The GCR meeting in Malaysia fulfilled these intentions through numerous presentations and breakout workshops that focused on how to foster greater unity and connection between the various ministry networks represented by the participants. Examples of current successful network models were given, such as Bihar Out-Reach Network from northern India, the COMIBAM mission association of Latin America, and Viva Network, a UK initiative focusing on children at risk...

. A shared conviction emerged that the Great Commission involves more than just proclamation of the Gospel or planting of churches, but must also include discipleship, spiritual nurture, and an emphasis on social transformation. The continued priority of ministry to the world's unreached people groups was also affirmed with significant re-commitment to keep this particular network strong and active. Another theme that pervaded our discussions was the importance of being more holistic in ministry efforts in order to respond to such social dilemmas as the AIDS crisis or child prostitution.

Some of the action plans decided on by ministry interest and regional groups during the consultation included:

The Unreached Peoples ministry interest group decided to bring people together in 2002 to form a new international network focusing specially on our unfinished task in reaching all peoples with the Gospel.
The Church Planting group plans to establish an effective communication system among those interested in this type of ministry and to form an ongoing network for fellowship, sharing models, resources and experience. The Theology/Missiology group decided to establish communication between international missiology networks.

The Worship and the Arts group determined to conduct ethnic or regional music/worship events to empower a new generation of worship musicians and artists.

The Business and Economic Development group agreed on the need for a network to partner with business leaders and politicians to address justice and economic stimulus issues.

The South Asian regional group intends to bring the GCR spirit back home and bring local leaders in their region together in a similar roundtable to consult with the Lord and each other.

Many who participated realize that as a global forum of networks, GCR is still in its infancy and, therefore, lacks the full definition desired. Continued effort will need to be given to clarifying GCR's purpose and mission and communicating this to participating mission networks. However, there was a resounding consensus regarding the increased need for a global partnership like this in the work of the Great Commission. Paul Cedar of Mission America and the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization summarized this thought: "As we move into the years of the 21st century, the time is ripe for an initiative such as the GCR. The dynamics of globalization, rapid change, unexpected crises and other major world trends demand that mission ministries work together in closer cooperation than ever before." By facilitating the formation of a "network of networks," GCR is well on its way to providing the framework necessary for this to happen. [ For more information on GCR or the recent consultation, including the presentations and reports from it, please visit the GCR Website at www.gcroundtable.net or contact the Great Commission Roundtable, 800 W. Chestnut, Monrovia, CA 91016 USA ]

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) is a voluntary association of individuals, denominations, churches, schools and organizations comprised of approximately 43,000 congregations nationwide from 50 member denominations and individual congregations from an additional 27 denominations, as well as several hundred independent churches. The membership of the association includes 250 parachurch ministries and educational institutions. Through the cooperative ministry of these members, NAE directly and indirectly benefits over 27 million people. The association maintains its national offices in Los Angeles, California, and an office for governmental affairs in the nation's capital. [See Charter Schools Character Education for confirmation that evangelicals, government and corporations are co-operating to change the world for economic purposes.]

19. COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
As we cross into the new millennium, we bear witness to the work of the Holy Spirit. In cities throughout the world spiritual breakthroughs are occurring. His presence and power are touching and transforming every sphere of human life-spiritual, political, economic and social - with visible, measurable change and multitudes coming to salvation in Christ. Focused, fervent, future-oriented, faith-filled, persevering prayer led by humble, likeminded persevering leaders who dare to believe God for the "immeasurably more" He has for the city are key for community transformation. Beginning with His church, God is shaking old structures and shaping new patterns of ministry to meet the challenges of a fast-changing world. Diagnostic research enables the Church to profile communities and discern needs. Spiritual action plans include bonding among the spiritual gatekeepers of the city through annual prayer summits, catalytic corporate prayer events; ongoing grassroots prayer involvement; servant evangelism through acts of kindness and social reconciliation. An infrastructure of prayer evangelism cells or small groups in homes, workplaces, schools, or campuses "pastor" the community. Public power encounters and citywide harvest events involve every willing individual and institution. Therefore, we covenant together to see our cities through the eyes of Christ and to serve our cities with the heart and humility of Christ. We will work together to repair our communities, restore the dignity of persons, to renew hope, revive spirits, and redeem lives in the power of Christ's love! (Ps 110:3; Isa 59:16; Eze 3:17; Dan. 10:12-14; 2 Co 4:4; Eph 3:20-21; Eph 6:12; Jas 5:16)

20. GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
We affirm that partnerships are an important part of world evangelization. We build relationships of trust so we can work together in partnership, to see fellowships of believers in Christ among all peoples that will worship Him. A fundamental question in mission must change from `What can I do?' to `How do we fit in, in relationship to what others are doing?' Partnerships can help us answer this question and provide a forum for practical collaboration. In the past two decades we have seen a new day dawn among God's people everywhere to worship and work together with God's people from everywhere. We rejoice in the many dozens of international partnerships emerging and operating among and for the good of the unreached peoples. We believe this effort is pleasing to God, true to His character and to the mission of the church. However, a major challenge is still before us. These partnerships will not emerge or operate without people who have the vision, skills and commitment to both the partnership purpose and process. We, therefore, covenant together to encourage the global Church to identify, recruit, train and support partnership facilitators. (Ex 17:12; Jdg 20:1;1 Sa14:6-7; 1 Ch 12:22-38; Ne 3:1-32; Mt 18:19-20; Lk 5:17-20; 1 Co 12:12, 20 - 27; Lk. 5:17-20; 3 Jn 8) [ Source: http://www.ad2000.org/celebrate/manifesto.htm ]

"Church for Every People" Summary:
By December 31, 2000, nearly 99% of the world's population will live in a people group that has an actual or planned on-site church planting team.

Key Observation: By December 31, 2000, there will have been over 4.1 billion viewers of the Jesus Film and it will be available in languages known by 99% of the world's population

"Gospel for Every Person" Summary: By December 31, 2000, between 75-85% of the population of the world would have heard the Gospel. [ For charts check out the source: http://www.ad2000.org/status.htm ]