We met at the Fourth Lausanne Congress in September 2024 in South Korea. There were over five thousand Christians from all over the world; it was like heaven on earth. There were believers from every tribe, nation, and tongue worshipping together and united in Christ. The primary purpose of these meetings was for Christians from every sphere of society to collaborate for the evangelization of the whole world.
The Lausanne Congress was a powerful global gathering for Christian leaders to recommit to their shared mission of declaring and displaying Christ together. It emphasized standing with the persecuted church, a call that echoes in Scripture and resonates with contemporary challenges that millions of Christians worldwide face.
Before the meeting in South Korea, we had established contact through the Lausanne pre-congress WhatsApp group, a platform designed for participants to connect based on their shared interest in global missions. However, we had not yet had the chance to meet face-to-face or discuss potential participation in the same group during the Lausanne gathering. It is worth noting that dozens of groups and Lausanne networks were simultaneously convened at the Congress. Providentially, we sat next to each other on the same table while attending Gap 23 on Christianity, Radical Politics, and Religious Freedom. I (Clément) saw Yousaf’s nametag and immediately realized we had communicated through the Lausanne App.
It was undoubtedly a divine connection and provision. We exchanged contact information and shared insights into our respective contexts. It surfaced that some non-Christian religious leaders from our countries were working together. We asked ourselves about the possibility of church leaders from both our countries collaborating and learning from each other on how to survive the religious pressures. Subsequently, we discussed the possibility of an initiative to support believers in the context of persecution.
The Global Reality of Persecution
Notably, on the third day of the gathering, the Congress dedicated its attention to Global Mission and Persecution, with special reference to the suffering church in Asia and Africa. A few testimonies shared by brothers and sisters came from some of the hardest places on earth. Yousaf had the opportunity to present at a collaborative group session on the state of the globally persecuted church, which thirty individuals from different countries attended.
The emphasis on persecution of Christians prompted us to recognize the pressing need for a Lausanne network to support brothers and sisters who endure suffering for their faith in Christ. Yousaf shared this with Dr Philip Ryken, one of the Congress speakers, who encouraged us to explore this further. Next, we prayed and began connecting with global leaders serving the persecuted church to explore it collaboratively. The response was overwhelmingly supportive.
Recognizing the Need for a Lausanne Initiative
A critical gap exists in persecuted environments characterized by the scarcity of contextual resources, specifically designed for and created by Christians experiencing hostility in their respective contexts. Focusing on this gap amplifies local voices in navigating persecution. It emboldens testimony, fosters radical discipleship, contributes to evangelism, and enables the faithful to carry out the Great Commission.
To serve the persecuted is to share in their suffering, to uphold the global witness of Christ, and to fulfill the call to be one church standing together for the glory of God
To serve the persecuted is to share in their suffering, to uphold the global witness of Christ, and to fulfill the call to be one church standing together for the glory of God (1 Cor 12:12-27). Rather than being distant observers, we are invited into a mutual partnership, to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who suffer for the name of Christ (Heb 13:3).
As the persecuted brothers and sisters remain steadfast in witnessing for Christ amidst adversity, may their stories of resilience and faith continue to serve as an inspiration to the global body of Christ.
it is not the presence of suffering that threatens the church, but the loss of gospel conviction.
Coming alongside the persecuted church aligns with the global mission in several ways. It keeps the church globally aware and spiritually unified. It also shapes the church’s witness; when Christians stand with those in chains, they model the love of Christ and the power of the gospel in action. Furthermore, the testimonies of persecuted believers strengthen and purify the global church, often igniting revival and recommitment to the gospel among those who hear them. As Dr Patrick Fung emphasized at the Lausanne Congress, it is not the presence of suffering that threatens the church, but the loss of gospel conviction.
The Aim of the Lausanne Persecuted Church Initiative
The Lausanne Persecuted Church Initiative aims to serve the persecuted church in hostile contexts for the proclamation of the gospel. The relationship between the persecuted church and global mission is both profoundly spiritual and strategically significant. Believers under pressure exhibit a passionate, uncompromising commitment to Christ, which fuels bold evangelism even at significant personal risk. The global mission of the church—to make disciples of all nations and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ—is intimately connected to how it responds to the suffering of its members (Acts 8:1-4; Phil 1:12-14).
Tanya Van Horne, Global Director for Issue Networks for the Lausanne Movement, mentioned that according to a key Lausanne leader, ‘this is the fruit of prayer and conversations that have been ongoing for almost a decade’. We are both grateful for the honor to come alongside the persecuted church worldwide. We are humbled to serve brothers and sisters suffering for Christ, through the Lausanne Persecuted Church Initiative (developing to become a fully functional Lausanne Issue Network) and collaborate for the gospel.
An Invitation to Partnership and Prayer
Your partnership in this initiative to support the persecuted church worldwide is vital. By working together in collaboration, you directly contribute to the resilience and growth of believers facing daily challenges because of their faith. Together, we can proclaim the gospel and bring hope where it is most needed.
Our prayer is that the global church would be strengthened and inspired through the resilience of the suffering church
Our prayer is that the global church would be strengthened and inspired through the resilience of the suffering church, and believers would remain faithful in praying for their persecuted brothers and sisters, who bear witness for Christ amidst adversity (Amen).
Let us stand with those who stand for Christ!
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. (Tertullian)