Daily updates were made throughout the 2004 Forum in Pattaya, Thailand. These updates were made available online as well as in print to the forum participants. They have been made available on the Lausanne website to convey the progression of thought and events at the 2004 Forum. In addition, a Daily Blog was posted online, providing one individual’s personal reflections throughout the Forum. A number of Photos from the Forum have been made available online as well.
Three New Regional Deputy Directors Announced
Appointments by Rev. Doug Birdsall
Rev. Doug Birdsall, International Chair-Elect for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization (LCWE), has announced the appointment of three additional Regional Deputy Directors. Dr. Birdsall believes the Regional Deputy Directors “will bring great vitality and wisdom to the Lausanne movement by bringing perspectives from every region of the globe to the concerns and opportunities of world evangelism.”Mrs. Elke Werner from Marburg, Germany will serve as the Regional Deputy Director for Western Europe. Mrs. Werner is an author and speaker who has been used effectively in ministries across Germany and Europe.
Serving as Regional Deputy Director for Northern Asia will be Dr. Agnes Liu from Hong Kong. Dr. Liu is the Director of the Chinese Coordination Center on World Evangelization. She has been active on the Lausanne Theology Working Group.
Dr. Sameh Maurice from Cairo, Egypt has accepted the position of Regional Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa. Dr. Maurice served as the Bible expositor the first three days of the 2004 Forum. He is a physician, pastor and visionary leader who has ministered widely throughout the Middle East.
These three join the following Regional Deputy Directors whose appointments were announced on October 3:
East Asia: Dr. Hyung Keun (Paul) Choi (Korea), Seoul Theological University.
South Asia: Rev. Adrian de Visser (Sri Lanka), Kethusevana National Church Planting.
Eastern Europe: Dr. Fiodor MoKan (Russia), St. Petersburg Theological Seminary.
Latin America: Dr. Norberto Saracco (Argentina), Pastor and Seminary President.
Francopone Africa: Mr. Kadebe Daniel Bourdanne (Ivory Coast), International Fellowship of International Students.
English-speaking Africa: Dr. John Azumah (Ghana), Presbyterian Minister
With the appointment of these three leaders, Birdsall says the team of nine LCWE Regional Deputy Directors is now complete.
Issue Group #2 – The Uniqueness of Christ in a Post-Modern WorldWhy is it important?
The modern and post-modern world-view is
challenging our message that Jesus is the unique, supreme and universal Savior of the world.Action Plan
- We must clarify in our gospel presentations what Jesus means when He says, “I am the way, truth and life.”
- Rely on the Holy Spirit to help others to understand the gospel as we share our faith.
- The uniqueness of Christ (like loving your neighbor) should be seen in the Churches.
Issue Group #7 – Non-Traditional FamiliesWhy is it important?
There are a variety of family forms many of which are being overlooked by the church because they do not fit perceived traditional norms.Action Plan
- Churches need to study the variety of family forms and the complexities of family dynamics and then become aware of their own biases.
- Develop evangelistic strategies to embrace all forms of families, using principles of good practice.
Issue Group #9
Why is it important?
It is only by working together that the Church realizes the benefits of credibility, release of the Holy Spirit’s power and refreshment for our people. Our divisions present the Church’s single greatest barrier to explosive breakthroughs in world evangelization.Action Plan
- Dozens of case studies demonstrate that God’s people can work together with extraordinary spiritual results. Resources now exist to empower others to have this same experience.
- Globalization heightens the need for authentic partnership in the growing, global Church. The established and emerging church must forge new partnership paradigms rooted in true Kingdom values.
- An International Partnership Network is being developed to encourage and empower those in the Kingdom partnership/network movement—and to resource and empower the wider Church for more effective cooperation. Information can be found at www.powerofconnecting.net.
Issue Group #11 – Marketplace MinistriesWhy is it important?
Marketplace Ministry is the witness that takes place through friendships at home and at work. If believers are to be salt and light, we must overcome the gap between what happens in church activities and the rest of believers’ lives.Action Plan
- Redeem the biblical understanding of Work, Calling, Ministry and Church.
- Provide models of active, spirituality empowered Christians to embrace God’s presence and the Lordship of Christ in the world of work.
- Help churches equip and support members for ministry in the world of work.
- Witness at work—engaging the world’s diversity and plurality through God’s people.
Issue Group #14 – Changing Expressions of the ChurchWhy is it important?
It is important that the evangelical movement recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in raising up churches in new forms and transforming churches on all Continents.Action Plan
- Recognize that because culture is dynamic, the task of contextualization of the Church is never finished.
- Realize that the diverse cultural contexts require appropriate contextual forms and patterns of ecclesiastical life.
- Link the renewal of older churches with church planting and the development of new churches.
Issue Group #27 – Funding for Evangelism and MissionWhy is it important?
God uses the resources of this world to accomplish His work. Without these resources it would be very difficult for the Church to fulfill the task that the Lord has entrusted to her.Action Plan
- Develop and communicate to the whole Church a sound, comprehensive theology of giving and receiving.
- Help the Church to become self-sustainable without sacrificing interdependence.
- Develop models of individual and corporate stewardship to enhance relationships and accountability.
Issue Group #29 – Bioethics: Obstacle or Opportunity for the Gospel?Why is it important?
Bioethics examines ethical issues relating to the provision of healthcare and to emerging biotechnologies. It can be an obstacle for the Gospel when Christians are seen as:
Negative about medical advances
Harsh, rigid and judgmental
Uncaring about people’s needs
It can be an opportunity for the Gospel because it raises basic questions about:
– What it means to be human
– Life, death and suffering
– Justice in healthcare.Action Plan
- Bioethics affects everyone!
- Christian bioethics is good news!
- Use the resources that exist to encourage and equip.
2004 Forum Registration Statistics
Total Number of Registered Participants: 1,517 Total Number of Countries Represented: 115
(+ 191 participants listed as No Response)Region:
Two-Thirds World (Majority World): 58.2%
All Others: 41.8%
Age
Up to Age 35: 16.3%
Age 36-49: 45.8%
Age 50 or above: 31.2%
No Response: 6.7%
Gender
Women: 24.3%
Men: 72.2%
No Response: 3.5%