7 ways you can advance global mission

Peace Ashenafi left Lausanne’s Global Congress in South Korea with renewed vision for how the Church can better reach its communities. 

In September, I was selected to participate in the fourth Lausanne Global Congress in South Korea. More than 5,000 people from over 200 nations spanning multiple generations came together to collaborate on advancing global mission. Over the last two months, I have been reflecting on the content shared at the Global Congress. There is so much I could share, but here are a few reflections I took away: 

1. Intergenerational leadership is key to reaching the next generation 

Right now, only 3.9 per cent of 21-25-year-olds in the UK identify as Christians. Less people identify as Christians, while more identify as non-religious and spiritual. If the decline in Christianity continues, we will see the reversal of the First, Second, and Third Great Awakenings by 2050. Reaching the next generation takes the efforts of all generations, not just one. Younger people should be afforded space to lead considering they know how to reach and engage with their generation. At the same time, leaders from the older generations need to step into coaching, mentoring and spiritual parenting roles to encourage and support younger leaders. This creates spaces for mutual learning, understanding, growth and collaboration.

2. We Need To