The Lausanne Global Analysis is a story of potential. Potential like this fictional tale:
Steve and his staff team had spent the better part of a day trying to decide how best to use an unexpected major donation from the estate of a longstanding supporter of their mission. As the mission CEO, Steve knew that the benefactor’s wishes were paramount and they had specified that it was for work among migrants in Europe. Steve’s team wanted to maximise the impact of the donation but didn’t want to overspend on commissioning a consultant to offer expert advice about migration patterns and mission opportunities in Europe. At the end of an inconclusive first day’s discussion, Steve commissioned his team to do some Internet research overnight and come back with further suggestions the next morning, at which point a decision simply had to be made about deploying programmes and mission personnel.
After staff prayers the next day, Kris could barely conceal her delight.
“I think I’ve found what we need,” she told the rest of the team. It was some in-depth regional analysis detailing European migration patterns which contained likely scenarios for the next 18-24 months. She showed Steve the executive summary and Steve knew immediately that this was gold!
“Kris! Where did you get this?” Steve asked.
“Well, it’s from The Lausanne Movement; it’s called Lausanne Global Analysis. It seems to be a new thing they’ve just started in the last year.”
Steve flipped through the six page article, noted the graphics and full colour illustrations, glanced at the footnotes, and immediately sensed that this was a well-designed, carefully researched piece of quality regional analysis.
“Kris,” said Steve, “those guys at Lausanne have invested massively in this! Before we decide how and where to deploy that major donation, make a note that we have to support this initiative of Lausanne’s so that others can benefit in the way we have.”
“I’m on it!” said Kris.
Doesn’t this sound like a needed resource – something your church or ministry could use?
The small team that is currently developing the Lausanne Global Analysis is excited by the potential that a monthly global and regional analysis service will have for resourcing the global mission community. A constant stream of information demands the attention of mission leaders and decision makers. Yet, little is available that offers deep analysis of this information and the implications of global and regional events for church and the task of worldwide evangelisation.
The multi-lingual Analysis will offer analysis from a global network of mission leaders, researchers, analysts, and centres around the world. Monthly publication is tentatively scheduled from mid 2012 onwards. The Analysis will further The Cape Town Commitment through reinforcing strategic thinking and action.
Following the release of a successful pilot version at the Lausanne Biennial Leaders’ Meeting in Boston (June 2011), the mission community is being consulted regarding the initial concept for the Analysis, especially the scope and nature of Lausanne Global Analysis articles. In addition, the crucial task of raising the financial and prayer support for this project is now under way. Further information and expressions of interest in contributing, or offering financial support, to the Analysis can be directed to Lausanne Communications.
