THE STATE OF WORLD EVANGELIZATION

On the other hand, there is some weariness with the “triumphalism” that seemingly does not recognize the woeful state of the Church in many parts of the world. They point to increasing reports of sexual immorality, financial scandals, involvement in internet pornography, and preoccupation with materialism. And, with surveys showing little difference between the lifestyles of Believers and non-Believers, there are questions of how much the Church has to share with the world when its own house is not in order.

So, this is where we are as we near the completion of the first decade of the 21st Century. We have great problems and great challenges—and we have wonderful things to be eternally grateful for. We recognize that there is sin in the world—and sometimes there is sin in the Church.

But there is Hope! It is the Good News that came 2000 years ago that there is a Savior who loves, forgives, cleanses, and welcomes. And, through His Holy Spirit can come the empowerment to minister and to reflect in a tiny way, a little of who Jesus really is.

II. THE NEED OF LEADERS—A CLEAR DIRECTION

For pastors and Christian organizational leaders, for lay leaders and Kingdom investors, for anyone who cares passionately about the fulfillment of the Great Commission, there is a need for a directional focus. We need some ideas based on Scripture that take us back to the simplicity of Christ’s commands and puts them into a 21st Century framework where we can each find our own contribution to the plan that God is working on this earth.

It would, of course, be arrogant for anyone to think that he or she had the whole mind of God in any directional challenge. But, our Heavenly Father has not left us adrift. He has left us examples of evangelization in the Scripture and expects us to use our God-given gifts to help us all serve the Body of Christ until the “glory of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea.” How can we do that? Where should the Church be going? What should our priorities be?

III. THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

The Scripture says that God has given us “everything we need for life and godliness.” (II Peter 1:3-4) Therefore, as we seek God’s will for influencing the direction of the Church in the coming decade, we believe that the mega themes of the Bible must be our guide. The Strategy Working Group of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization is commissioned to serve the Body of Christ in providing focus on the priority of world evangelization. This focus must be based on a biblical foundation and adapted continually by today’s men and women of Issachar who know the times and the seasons.

What has become clear in many strategic discussions is that world evangelization is not so much about materials, tools, and techniques. It is about love, compassion, prayer, holiness, and obedience.

World evangelization does not begin as a task (though it may result in myriads of tasks). Rather, it begins as a passion – a passion that any lover has towards his/her beloved – a passion to make those dreams and aspirations a reality. We care about world evangelization because God – our Beloved – cares about it. It does not begin with us, but it begins with Him. Because it is important to Him, it must become important to us. Because it is a priority to Him, we must – if we love Him – make it a priority for our lives and organizations.

What does the Scripture say about God’s dream? It says that He longs for all persons to be saved (I Timothy 2:4). He does not want anyone to perish but all to proceed to repentance (II Peter 3:9). He wants every family in every nation to be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3) until all the earth is filled with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).