Global Missiology English

Developing Leaders of Christ-like Character: Insights from the Fourth Lausanne Congress

Joseph W. Handley, Jr. — 2025-04-11

The Fourth Lausanne Congress, held in Seoul last September, brought together Christian leaders worldwide to strategize on evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development. One of the key focal points for the week was the track, “Developing Leaders of Character.” This article provides an analysis of the track, which spanned four days, each day dedicated to a distinct theme: listening, imagining, creating, and communicating. Drawing from biblical principles, participant insights, and existing theological discourse, this article emphasizes the theological foundations, practical strategies, and systemic changes required to cultivate leaders who embody Christ-like character, integrity, and a commitment to the Great Commission.

The Lausanne Movement’s Missiological Implications for Theological Education in Korea

Bright Myeong Seok Lee — 2025-04-11

This study seeks to understand how the Lausanne Movement’s impact can continue to inform and shape evangelical efforts within the global Church, with a specific focus on missiological implications for theological education in Korea. The study will explore the factors driving the Lausanne Movement’s inception and growth through an analysis of the historical, socio-economic, and political contexts that have shaped its development and its impact on the Korean Church. By examining these contexts, this research aims to highlight strategies by which the Korean Church can respond to emerging challenges presented in the Fourth Lausanne Congress, thus ensuring a sustained evangelical impact within theological education and broader Church initiatives.

The “Ralph Winter Moment” of Lausanne IV: Workplace Mission

Richard Joe — 2025-04-11

At the First Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in 1974, Ralph Winter introduced the concept of “unreached people groups” and reshaped 50 years of missions. At the Fourth Lausanne Congress in Seoul-Incheon, the concept of “workplace mission,” as presented by Julia Garschagen, has the potential to reshape the next 50 years of missions. As significant as this “Ralph Winter moment” may be, there are also barriers that could cause the Church to miss it. This article will discuss the strategic value of workplace mission and the main barriers that need to be overcome to implement it.

Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Polycentric Mission Leadership: Toward a New Theoretical Model for Global Leadership

Tianji Ma — 2025-04-11

Joseph W. Handley Jr.’s Polycentric Mission Leadership: Toward a New Theoretical Model for Global Leadership is a timely and thought-provoking exploration of leadership in a rapidly evolving, interconnected world. Handley, a seasoned leader in mission contexts and the current president of A3 (formerly Asian Access), draws from his rich practical experience and academic research to propose a polycentric leadership model. This approach challenges traditional hierarchical structures, advocating instead for collaborative, decentralized, and contextually adaptive leadership styles. Handley’s work seeks to equip readers with a fresh framework that resonates with the complexities of global mission leadership today.

Call for Papers for October 2025 Special Issue: "Diaspora Communities: Relationships, Identities, Challenges, and Opportunities"

GME Editorial Team — 2025-04-11

The October 2025 issue of Global Missiology - English will examine an array of topics related to diaspora communities. The important roles played by diaspora peoples in Christian mission are recognized today more than ever. Much study of diaspora phenomena has been conducted, but more is needed in specific relation to communities of people living in diaspora. For example, relations between diaspora churches and local indigenous churches and communities is a topic ripe for further research. Diaspora communities face challenges with respect to their changing identities, including those associated with language and generational differences. Many diaspora communities have experienced stirring revivals and desire further theological and leadership training. The possibilities for research topics expand rapidly upon exploring connected themes. Proposed titles with approximately 100-word abstracts are due May 31, 2025. Full manuscripts of approved paper proposals will be due July 31, 2025.

Call for Papers for April 2026 Special Issue: "Witness Amidst Confessional Plurality and Nationalism"

GME Editorial Team — 2025-04-11

The April 2026 issue of Global Missiology - English will take up the vexing reality of multiple Christian traditions co-existing amidst nationalistic contexts. The fact that there are myriad Christian traditions has been explored, explained, and even justified. Even so, Christians can be perplexed as to why that reality not only persists but seemingly grows more complex. Moreover—and arguably more importantly—people outside the Christian faith cannot help but ask why Christian groups cannot agree with each other, further inhibiting their interest in the Christian gospel. Taken together with what appear to be a rising number of nationalistic settings that both demand ultimate loyalty and do not wish for competing religious groups. how Christian groups can best give appropriate witness to Jesus Christ within settings of confessional plurality and nationalism is a widespread and practical challenge. Proposed titles with approximately 100-word abstracts are due May 31, 2025. Full manuscripts of approved paper proposals will be due January 31, 2026.

Lausanne IV: One More Epilogue

J. Nelson Jennings — 2025-04-11

A number of Congress elements and features have already been highlighted elsewhere. The sheer scale of the event was astounding. The fellowship and worship were encouraging and inspiring. The emphasis on participant collaboration, both at L4 itself and in its aftermath, was central. The “State of the Great Commission” report compiled leading up to L4 contains an extraordinary amount of information. The remainder of the Epilogue-Editorial considers four additional themes worth a bit more analysis.

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GME — 2025-04-14