Today’s focus is on Faith in the Workplace. We watched an inspiring video and sermon by Julia Garschagen, which explored this theme throughout the Book of Acts. It reminded me that historically, ‘ordinary’ people living out their faith in their daily lives, especially those in migration, have played a more significant role in spreading the faith than the missionary movement. One interesting point Julia mentioned is that first-century Rabbis were required to have jobs!
The worship music has been fantastic and my table discussions enriching. This truly is a wonderful picture and experience of the global Church.
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I have heard some criticism about The Seoul Statement and what it includes and doesn’t include. For instance, Ted Esler says:
What surprised me was not what it said, but what it did not say. There is no significant emphasis on evangelism.
Similarly, Ed Stetzer says this:
I’m appealing (and have appealed) to the leadership of Lausanne that we state emphatically that evangelism is “central,” “a priority,” and “indispensable” to our mission. History has shown over and over that a mission that doesn’t prioritize evangelism will quickly lose evangelism.
And another one, Tim Tennent:
I do have a few serious questions about Lausanne 4. First, has it become so “issues” driven that the central emphasis on world evangelization has been buried down to just one emphasis among many? Is the driving purpose of Lausanne still the driving purpose?
After a long dinner with one of the authors of the statement, I think I have some clarity. The Cape Town Commitment from L3 was an incredible document, used all around the globe for training, but not so much in the English-speaking world since we already have so many quality resources. What makes L4 unique is the State of the Great Commission Report, a 500+ page document that:
shares insights from more than 150 global mission experts and sheds light on how we as a global church can be obedient to Jesus’ Great Commission today.
So I do think it is clear that Lausanne is keeping the main thing the main thing. But since The State of the GC Report discusses so many aspects of mission, the Seoul Statement is really less missional in focus and intended more as a theological document for important issues of the day.
Therefore, I’m a bit less concerned than the three missiologists quoted above – actually, what I would prefer to hear more of is a focus on disciple-making.
For instance, when we look at the mission of Christ, our paradigmatic example, where can we discern a difference between discipleship and evangelism? That is my point. The world needs more disciples and not simply converts, and L4’s focus on the Great Commission thoroughly covers holistic disciple-making.
To that end, I don’t see a need to protest the Seoul Statement, especially since it should be read alongside the State of the Great Commission Report.
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Honestly, most everyone I spoke with today was tired (many sore throats), and there are two more days to go! I attempted to take a walk but bumped into too many wonderful colleagues, so I didn’t get a rest. Eventually though, I found my way to the prayer room and spent some time meditating and praying.
I found myself grappling with my own sin and shortcomings. It is so easy for me to be cynical and judgmental, especially after yesterday’s controversy. I repented for any part I have played in the mess. It’s really no wonder that the New Testament letters address so many ugly complexities of our relationships within the body of Christ. It is also too easy to give up.
The Church is indeed messy, and we all need Jesus to wash our dirty feet. This is my soul searching in Seoul - I am committed to seeking reconciliation and striving to be more Christlike in my actions and attitudes.
While it is important to acknowledge the historical and cultural complexities that shape our global evangelical events, I also believe that these gatherings can be opportunities for genuine fellowship and mutual edification. It is crucial to listen to diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring that we do not perpetuate any form of dominance or exclusion.
Ultimately, our focus should be engaging in ways that reflect Christ’s love and humility. Let us strive to build bridges of understanding and unity, rather than walls of division, cynicism, and judgment. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn. 13:35). The world is watching.
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