Seoul Hosts Global Evangelical Gathering, Charting New Course for Missions
SEOUL, South Korea – More than 5,000 evangelical leaders from 161 nations convened in Seoul this week, reaffirming a commitment to global evangelism and outlining a strategy to reach every corner of the world by 2033. The gathering, hosted by the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), signaled a significant shift in the landscape of Christian missions, with growing influence emanating from the Global South.
The assembly, marked by a vibrant parade of flags representing member nations, underscored the WEA’s message of unity amidst cultural and linguistic diversity. Participants celebrated progress in spreading the Gospel while focusing on the ambitious goal of “The Gospel for Everyone by 2033” – a milestone tied to the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ resurrection and the Great Commission.
Historically, missionary efforts largely originated in Western nations. However, the WEA gathering highlighted a dramatic reversal of this trend. According to WEA data, 70% of the world’s evangelicals now reside in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This demographic shift is fueling a new wave of evangelization, with missionaries increasingly originating from Asia and being deployed to Europe and the Americas.
South Korea itself exemplifies this transformation. Once a recipient of missionary work, the nation has emerged as the world’s second-largest sender of missionaries. This growth reflects the country’s vibrant Christian community and its increasing role in global religious affairs.
“What hit me strongly is 60% of the world’s population is here in Asia,” said Dr. Goodwill Shana, Executive Chair of the WEA. “We have the largest Muslim nation here in Asia, largest Hindu and other religions here in Asia. When we say everyone, 60% of everyone is here and so we need to be thinking and praying for Asia a lot more.”
The assembly also addressed the importance of inclusivity within the evangelical community. Cinthia Hieber, president and CEO of the Paraguayan Stuttering Association, passionately advocated for greater accessibility for people with disabilities. Sharing her personal journey with a speech impediment, Hieber urged churches to become welcoming spaces for individuals with diverse needs.
“We should see them as God sees them,” Hieber stated. “They also have a purpose in life. We should train our people how to treat people with different conditions and syndromes.”
Beyond strategic planning and calls for inclusivity, the WEA reported tangible progress in previously challenging regions. In Qatar, for example, the government recently granted 4.6 acres of land to the Evangelical Churches Alliance Qatar for the construction of a worship center – a significant development in a country with a predominantly Muslim population. This decision, facilitated by the WEA’s intervention, underscores a growing openness to religious diversity in the region.
The WEA’s General Assembly concluded with traditional Korean worship and prayer, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to its ambitious vision. The shift in global evangelical demographics and the renewed focus on reaching the world by 2033 position the WEA as a key player in the future of Christian missions and interfaith dialogue.
