There is a video that starts with a close-up of a girl lying in the grass, zooming out to reveal the layout of a city, the continents, and finally the vast expanse of space before zooming back in.
Attending the 4th Lausanne Congress in Seoul-Incheon felt much like that, taking me far beyond my usual context of local and national church ministry in Germany to give me a sweeping, and at times dizzying, view of the global Church and its mission.
Walking through the convention centre surrounded by believers from over countries was an awe-inspiring experience. A former Indian businessman-turned-law student, who fled persecution and now prepares to fight for justice.
These interactions highlighted how vastly different our concerns can be. In Germany, we wrestle with secularisation, while others face persecution, extreme poverty, or cultural barriers.
Yet we are one body, each part bringing unique gifts and experiences. There were our Korean hosts who recounted the miraculous growth of their churches despite persecution and division. And for the first time, Chinese delegates were present, sharing their bold vision of sending out thousands of missionaries despite ongoing hardships. As the church in Germany and in the West in general struggles with secularisation and decline, Lausanne reminded me: the Church is alive and vibrant.
