The Fourth Lausanne Congress in Incheon, South Korea, was a transformative gathering for the global evangelical church. Drawing over 5,000 participants from 202 nations, this monumental event embodied a shared commitment to the Great Commission and inspired fresh vision for global mission. From the vibrant hospitality of the Korean hosts to the dynamic conversations among leaders, Lausanne 4 was a celebration of unity, collaboration, and the power of the gospel.
Polycentric Mission: From Everywhere to Everywhere
One of the most striking aspects of Lausanne 4 was the emphasis on polycentric mission—a global effort where leadership and mission flow “from everywhere to everywhere.” This shift reflects the evolving landscape of global Christianity, where the Global South and East are increasingly leading in mission initiatives.
The congress brought this vision to life with leaders from São Paulo, Nairobi, Seoul, and Chennai sharing their unique insights and contributions to spreading the gospel. Seeing the active participation of leaders from diverse regions, including the notable presence of Chinese Christians, underscored the growing interconnectedness of the global church.
The rise of polycentric leadership calls for intentional collaboration across cultures, denominations, and regions. This congress served as a vivid reminder that the mission field belongs to the whole body of Christ, united in purpose and action.
Collaboration at the Heart of Mission
At the core of Lausanne 4 was a call to deeper collaboration. This spirit was epitomized in the signing of the Collaborative Action Commitment (CAC), a document urging the global church to tear down silos and work together to address pressing issues. The CAC highlighted areas such as engaging younger generations, navigating the challenges of artificial intelligence, and stewarding creation responsibly—critical concerns that demand collective effort.
The congress also underscored the beauty of unity in diversity. One of the most moving moments was a closing communion led by Rev. Jaehoon Lee from S. Korea and Dr. Manasori Kurosawa from Japan, symbolizing reconciliation between two nations with a complex history. This act of humility and interdependence embodied the essence of true partnership in mission.
Highlights and Defining Shifts
Lausanne 4 marked several defining shifts that will shape the future of mission:
- The Passing of the Baton to the Global South - Voices from regions like Cameroon, Costa Rica, and Ghana took center stage, signifying a new era of shared leadership in global mission.
- A New Era of Collaboration - Delegates tackled 25 critical issues during “Closing the Gap” sessions, fostering connections and partnerships that will extend beyond the congress.
- Younger Leaders and Marketplace Christians - The congress showcased the rising influence of younger leaders and marketplace Christians, recognizing their vital role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
- Leveraging Technology - Lausanne ventured into the digital age with the Digital Discovery Center, exploring the intersection of AI, digital evangelism, and cultural shifts.
- A Call to Unity and Humility - Under the theme "Let the church declare and display Christ together," Lausanne 4 emphasized the need for humility and unity in mission.
Inspiring Moments: Revival, Reconciliation, and Shared Suffering
Throughout the congress, moments of inspiration pointed to the transformative power of the gospel. Sarah Breuel’s call to boldness in sharing faith and repentance resonated deeply, igniting a longing for revival. The evening dedicated to the persecuted church reminded participants of the resilience and hope found in suffering.
Missiological insights, like Eun Ah Cho’s analogy of the Asian church as the "ligaments" of the body of Christ, emphasized the critical role of interconnectedness and mutual support in global mission. These reflections highlighted the profound strength of the church’s unity in diversity.
Hope for the Future
Lausanne 4 wasn’t just a moment in time; it was a catalyst for the future. With a renewed focus on collaboration, the rising leadership of younger generations, and the integration of new technologies, the global church is poised to hi embrace the complexities of the 21st century.
As Lausanne looks ahead to the Younger Leaders’ Gathering in São Paulo in 2026, there is a palpable sense of hope and anticipation. The congress has laid the groundwork for the next chapter of global mission, one defined by unity, innovation, and Spirit-led action.
An Enduring Legacy
The Fourth Lausanne Congress will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of the evangelical movement. It confirmed key shifts and inspired a bold vision for the future, centered on the enduring power of the gospel and the unity of the global church. As Lausanne 4 reminds us, the mission is not about individual efforts but a communal calling to glorify God and advance His kingdom—together, from everywhere to everywhere.
Let us carry this vision forward, building on the foundation laid in Incheon to pioneer a fresh chapter in global mission.
Addendum: A3’s Fingerprints in Lausanne
[A SUMMARY OF A3 BOARD MEMBER DR. DAVID BENNETT'S REFLECTIONS DURING THE CONGRESS FOR THE A3 COMMUNITY]
As Lausanne embraces polycentric mission, collaboration, and Spirit-led leadership, A3’s contributions to this vision are unmistakable. From leadership development to fostering global partnerships, A3’s influence on Lausanne 4 and the broader movement is a testimony to its enduring mission of equipping leaders for gospel-centered transformation.
Values and Vision
The shared values of A3 and Lausanne make their partnership natural and mutually enriching. Both movements are:
- Christ-Centered: Grounded in a passion for the gospel and a commitment to advancing the kingdom of God.
- Highly Relational: Prioritizing authentic connections that foster trust and collaboration.
- Creative and Generative: Serving as seedbeds for innovation and transformative mission strategies.
- Focused on Holistic Impact: Striving for gospel proclamation, disciple-making, and societal transformation, even in contexts of great pressure.
These shared values were on full display at Lausanne 4, where A3 leaders not only contributed to the congress’s success but also embodied its vision for a global mission marked by unity and humility. More than 150 alumni, faculty and leaders from A3 participated in Seoul 2024!
Polycentric Mission
A defining feature of Lausanne 4 was its focus on polycentric mission—a model where leadership flows "from everywhere to everywhere." This approach mirrors A3’s decades-long emphasis on decentralized leadership. Under the leadership of Joe Handley, A3 has been at the forefront of practicing and refining polycentric leadership, a concept that has now become integral to Lausanne’s strategic direction.
Joe’s doctoral research on polycentric mission leadership was rooted in the recent history of Lausanne, and his insights have deeply influenced the congress’s emphasis on shared leadership. Leaders from A3 networks, such as Jeyakaran Emmanuel (VP for Global Ministry, pictured here) and Kärin Primuth (A3 board member), exemplify the synergy between the two movements, bridging gaps between regions, sectors, and cultures. These leaders not only contributed to Lausanne’s vision but also enriched its implementation with lessons from A3’s practice of fostering kingdom impact across diverse spheres of society.
New Book on Leadership
Leadership development has been a cornerstone of both A3 and Lausanne. The recently released book, Leading Well in Times of Disruption, co-authored by Joe and the Lausanne Leadership Development Catalysts, exemplifies how A3’s expertise has shaped Lausanne’s focus on equipping leaders for complex, dynamic challenges.
The fingerprints of A3 are evident not only in the congress’s success but also in the ongoing collaboration it fosters. From leadership development to global partnerships, A3 has played a vital role in Lausanne’s journey, and this partnership will undoubtedly bear fruit in the years to come.
[Several from the A3 community are also integrally involved in Lausanne including former executive chairman Doug Birdsall who led a panel during Seoul and David Bennett who directed the program. Board member Francis Tsui was involved with several elements of the congress: the leadership development track, the Chinese contingent, and BAM network. Overall, more than 150 of our alumni and leaders participated in some way during the gathering.]
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D. 
is the President of A3. He was the founding director for Azusa Pacific University’s Office of World Mission and lead mission pastor at Rolling Hills Covenant Church. Joe serves on the advisory boards for the Nozomi Project and DualReach, as well as on the boards of BiblicalTraining.org and ReIgnite Hope. Joe holds a PhD from Fuller Theological Seminary in Intercultural Studies and is the author of Polycentric Mission Leadership.
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ABOUT THE BOOK
Book
Leading Well in Times of Disruption
A comprehensive resource aimed at equipping leaders to fulfill their calling with resilience, wisdom, and Christlike character
Read a book review: Charting the Future of Global Leadership Development
ABOUT LAUSANNE MOVEMENT
The Lausanne Movement is a global movement that seeks to accelerate global mission. Birthed from the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization held in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1974, Lausanne exists to bring together Christian leaders from across the world to collaborate on addressing the most pressing issues in global mission.
The Movement is built around a fourfold vision: the gospel for every person, disciple-making churches for every people, Christlike leaders for every church and sector, and kingdom impact in every sphere of society. With leaders, events, and networks spanning nearly every country and territory of the world, Lausanne serves as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation, seeking to inspire and equip the global church to engage in God’s global mission. The Fourth Lausanne Congress was held in Incheon, South Korea, from 22–28 September 2024.
