The Lausanne Movement is thrilled to announce that nominations for the fourth Younger Leaders Gathering (YLG 4) are now open! Taking place in Brazil from 16-22 March 2027, this special gathering will bring together 1,200 emerging leaders from around the world for a transformational journey of engagement, growth, mobilisation, and mentoring.
The Younger Leaders Gathering (YLG) is a ‘once-in-a-decade gathering’ that will bring together 1,200 emerging leaders from around the world to equip and empower them to engage in global mission with conviction, character, and community.
At YLG 4, participants will:
- Deepen Conviction—Engage with biblical teaching on God’s mission and be equipped to make lasting gospel impact.
- Cultivate Christlike Character—Grow through mentorship, accountability, and learning from experienced leaders and peers.
- Build Gospel Community—Form meaningful peer and mentor relationships within the Lausanne Movement.
- Be Commissioned—Receive tools, encouragement, and support to serve faithfully and sustain a long-term ministry calling.
Following in the legacy of the previous YLG, YLG 4 will not be just a one-time event, but the beginning of a 10-year journey as part of the Younger Leaders Generation (YLGen)—a global network providing mentorship, training, and collaboration opportunities. Because of the significance of this gathering, the nomination and selection process is rigorous and participants are prayerfully considered to ensure that the right leaders are identified and engaged.
Step 1: Understanding the Purpose of Nominations
Invitation to YLG 4 is by selection only, meaning potential participants must first be nominated by someone who recognises their leadership and commitment to mission before they can apply. After submitting their application, including a reference, the application will be reviewed carefully by a selection committee, and if successful, they will be invited to attend. The nomination process serves as the first step in ensuring that those who attend are actively engaged in mission and leadership and will benefit from and contribute to the vision of this unique gathering.
Who can be nominated?
YLG 4 is designed for emerging leaders between ages 25 and 35 who are already making a significant impact in:
- Church leadership (pastors, ministry leaders, theologians)
- Mission and evangelism (missionaries, church planters, mobilisers)
- Marketplace influence (entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals integrating faith and work)
- Culture and society (media, arts, technology, education, justice, and policy leaders)
- Academic and theological engagement (writers, researchers, seminary faculty, students)
- Others with a passion for global mission and a growing sphere of influence
What selection criteria is considered?
Nominees should demonstrate a combination of spiritual maturity, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to mission. The selection committee will consider participants who display the following:
- A deep-rooted faith in Jesus Christ and a clear commitment to advancing God’s kingdom.
- Christlike integrity, humility, and a teachable spirit.
- Demonstrated leadership and influence in their ministry, profession, or mission work.
- A kingdom mindset and readiness to actively engage with others in global mission and local ministry.
- Affirmation of The Lausanne Covenant.
- A commitment to fully engage with the programme of the gathering—before, during, and after the physical event dates.
Who can nominate someone?
Nominators should be trusted leaders—pastors, mentors, ministry partners, Lausanne leaders, or previous YLG participants—who can confidently recommend a leader who fits the description for participation.
Step 2: Submitting a Nomination
1. Visit the YLG 4 Nomination Portal
2. Complete the nomination form, providing key details about the nominee’s leadership, mission involvement, and character.
The nomination process is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French to ensure accessibility for global leaders.
Step 3: Application and Selection Process
1. Once a nomination is received, the nominee will be asked to complete an application to provide more details about their character, leadership experience, and mission involvement, as well as give a reference.
2. After the application along with the reference is submitted, the participant will be reviewed by the selection committee.
3. The selection committee will prayerfully review all completed applications. This process may take several months before applicants receive an update on their application.
4. Selected participants will receive formal invitations to attend YLG 4.
Step 4: Preparing for YLG 4 and Beyond
Registered participants will gain access to preparation materials for YLG 4, and they will also be invited to join the Lausanne Younger Leaders Generation (YLGen)—a 10-year journey of mentorship, networking, and leadership development.
Pre-Gathering Engagement
Selected participants will engage in globally diverse small groups to prepare for YLG 4, where they will:
- pray regularly together
- dive deeper into Lausanne’s historic documents and their relevance for the global church today
- explore Scripture together.
Post-Gathering Commitment
YLG is not just an event—it’s the beginning of a long-term investment in mission leadership.
After YLG 4, participants will continue in mentorship, collaboration, and Lausanne’s global initiatives through YLGen.
Why This Process Matters
Lausanne is deeply committed to raising up a generation of leaders who will shape the future of global mission. This nomination process ensures that:
- The right leaders are equipped—those with potential for long-term impact.
- Diversity is prioritised—leaders from different backgrounds and regions have equal access.
- A lasting global network is built—fostering intergenerational mission collaboration.
Ready to Nominate a Young Leader?
We encourage pastors, mission leaders, and mentors to consider who in their network would benefit from and contribute to this gathering.
If you have questions about the process, please contact us at nominations@lausanne.org or visit the website for more information.
Together, let’s raise up a generation of Christlike leaders for the advancement of the gospel!