One week to go until the start of the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization!

In one week from today (Sunday the 17th of October 2010) the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization will kick off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town!  To view a short video (or read about) the history of the Lausanne movement please follow this link.  And, for a post that has information about all the sources where you can get information about talks, videos, publications and intereactions around Lausanne please visit this link.

This congress is the culmination of years of physical labour (preparing the venues, booking flights, securing VISA's, getting hotels sorted out planning programs, inviting participants etc.) and prayer and theological work! I've had the privelage of serving in various capacities on the Lausanne team (heading up Social Networking, serving on the Theology working group, the 'World of Work' / Marketplace group and also on the Resource Mobilization working group.  Together with that I am part of the arrangements team that has planned and executed the practical arrangements for the congress (the CTICC, volunteers (which my wonder wife Megan has managed), transport etc.).

This is going to be a truly significant meeting of leaders from all over the world coming together to do theology and develop strategy for the establishment of God's good news, God's gracious Kingdon, all across the earth!

If you're interested in my previous posts about Lausanne please visit this link.  Here's a general link of Lausanne related posts that I've made since I joined the team early in 2008.

Steve Hayes, one of the most respected bloggers in South Africa, wrote a great article on one of his blogs asking why there is not more 'buzz' and interest around Lausanne in South Africa.  It got me thinking!  Here's my response to Steve.

Before you dive into it - please can I encourage you to pray for the 4500 people from over 170 nations across the earth who are traveling to Cape Town for the congress?  Please pray for the proceedigns, and PLEASE make your voice heard!  Even if you're not in Cape Town please join our Twitter feed and stay up to date with what is happening and share your comments, ideas and feedback!  Our twitter feed is @CapeTown2010 and you can join our facbook page here.

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the post! I am continually grateful for the exposure that you give to Lausanne on your blogs.  Thank you.

The idea that Lausanne is not gaining much attention or favour among South African Christians is valid to a point.

I've thought about the reasons for this often.  In part it is because we can only have 50 'chosen' participants - that is a tiny representation per nation who are at the congress!  You may find that everywhere (except America) has a similar problem with getting ordinary Christians excited about something that is not easy to participate in.

Second, I have thought that we in South Africa do not have a traditionally large 'evangelical' Christian community.  Rather, we have main line conservative and liberal Christians, a growing number of pentecostal and charismatic groupings, and of course a massive African Initiated Christian grouping.

I'm sure that there are many other reasons as well.

However, let me add to this that South Africa has more active participants in the official blogger network than any other country (except America).  Among the official Lausanne Blogger Network participants from South Africa are many of the top 20 Christian (Religion) bloggers.  They include:

Stephen Murray, Mark Penrith, Peter Houston, John van de Laar, and my blog.  You (and here) have also done a sterling job to promote and highlight many of the issues of Lausanne directly and indirectly.

I have asked Stephen Murray to come to Lausanne as a 'social networking' and 'blogger' champion.  We shall also have Andrew Jones (tallskinnykiwi) and Aaron Marshall (techsmo and churchsmo) on site.

It is my hope that we shall generate a great deal of content and participation during the congress, and continue the interest once the congress is done!

The simplest way to stay up to date is to either follow Lausanne on twitter @CapeTown2010 or join our Lausanne facbook page.

Finally, because each country was only able to have 50 delegates present we have set up 'global link' sites across the world.  These sites are open for anyone to attend and the proceedings, presentations and discussions of the Cape Town congress will be beamed out via satellite.

Thanks for posting your thoughts and for the opportunity to post this response.  I'll add it to my blog as well.

Rich blessing,

Dion

Please check in on my blog for more as we share from the congress itself.

God bless,

Dion

Suffering and ministry - an interview with Ajith Fernando

Yesterday afternoon I had the privelage of participating in an interview with Ajith Fernando. The interview was arranged by Jon Hirst who heads up the Lausanne Blogger Network. Please also see this article by Jon Hirst on the Lausanne Blog (Barriers don't equal thwarted ministry).

Among the participants on the call were 'Tall Skinny Kiwi'. You can read Andrew's post here - thanks Andrew, it was good to hear your voice.

The interview with Ajith was structured around a pre-Congress paper that he has prepared for the upcoming Lausanne Congress in Cape Town.  You can read his article here:  “To Serve is to Suffer.”

Central to Ajith's discussion is that far too frequently Christian workers (ministers, missionaries etc.) see suffering and hardship as an indication that they are NOT within the will of God.

As a result there is a tendency to leave service in a particular region, or within a particular ministry area since suffering and hardship is seen as an indication that God is not blessing the work the person is involved in.

This line of thinking raised a number of critical points for consideration.

Subtle hedonism in contemporary Western ecclesiology - the allure of prosperity and success.

As I participated in the interview a thought emerged - perhaps the subtle influence of secular hedonism has found fertile ground in the Christian West, and even found theological substance through the triumphalism of the Christian Church in first world countries?

In a world where success is measured by the size of the Church building, the budget for media and outreach, where the most successful ministers represent CEO's more than servants, it is not surprising that we have 'bought' the notion that success can be directly equated with God's blessing.

I have heard colleagues speaking of a particular Church or Pastor being blessed because they have a large congregation, a healthy salary (or stipend) and perhaps drive a fancy car and live in a good neighborhood. This is certainly the image that is portrayed by popular Christian programming on most Christian television stations.

As a result some Christian ministers can easily come to believe that if they face hardship, struggle, or simply are not seeing massive numerical growth in their ministry, that they are not within God's divine will.

Somehow we have forgotten that God chose to establish His gracious reign not by power, but by grace, not from an earthly throne, but from the suffering of the cross of Christ. I would do well to be reminded that servanthood requires humility, and humility often involves humble circumstances and even suffering.

Pseudo martyrdom - the glorification of suffering and poverty.

Another interesting thought that emerged for me was the notion that in some contexts suffering and poverty are romanticized (e.g., missionaries who go from first world settings to serve in poorer settings. Or, in South Africa where we have urban ministers moving to impoverished rural areas). I have little doubt that so much good work gets done by persons who take such a sacrificial approach to ministry. However, I am always concerned for their wellbeing, and even more so for the wellbeing of their families in such circumstances.

In my opinion romanticizing suffering in ministry is as dangerous as chasing after success and comfort.  Whilst some are called to suffer for the faith I am always extremely cautious of those who 'seek out suffering' for the sake of their ministry.  In my own experience, and I share this with great authenticity and even embarrassment, I have sometimes suffered for the faith in order to make a point or to satisfy a need for attention for a cause, or worse even my ego.  It is even more frightening when one considers that in some instances innocent persons (the children of ministers) may be subjected to emotional, or even physical, harm because of choices that are made on their behalf.

I would encourage persons who intend to enter the mission field or ministry at great personal cost to do so under very careful advice and care of a group of persons.  Be sure to understand the implications of your choice, and as far as it is possible please set up structures of support for yourself and your family.

I personally believe that God cannot be honoured when families are destroyed through suffering in ministry.

Obedience versus balance

What stood out for me from Ajith's engagement with the bloggers was his strong emphasis upon radical obedience to Christ and Christ's call. The contemporary secular call is for a balanced life. What is most often implied in this is some form of balance between physical demands (the need for rest, a stable income, amiable working conditions etc.) and emotional wellbeing (stress management, good working relationships, support to deal with traumatic experiences etc.).

Indeed, balance is a very good start, but it is not enough in ministry! What is needed is obedience, and not the kind of obedience that leads to suffering, but the kind of obedience that leads one to live and act within the will of God. Surely this kind of obedience is contextual (being an obedient minister in Sri Lanka may be different from being an obedient minister in California).

Ajith was not naive about the hardships and struggles of ministry. In fact in answer to a question he suggested various means to support persons who face physical, emotional or spiritual hardship. Among other things he suggested the need for a strong and supportive community of care, accountability to wise and trusted persons on matters of scheduling, financial commitments etc. He also encouraged the creation of space for open dialogue, the sharing of frustration and disappointment as well as the opportunity to craft realistic expectations within a particular ministry context.

In short, I found his approach very pastoral and responsible. It balanced the reality that sometimes a call to ministry will involve struggle, and perhaps even suffering. It acknowledged that we have created a culture in which we try to avoid struggle at all costs (sometimes even 'spiritualising' necessary sacrifice by labeling it an indication of a lack of God's blessing). Yet, at the same time he encouraged the formation of structures to support ministers and their families in their servant role in community. Service is seldom easy, and the calling to service will require a great deal of spiritual, emotional and physical support.

Concluding questions.

I am still left with one question - in the tradition of spiritual discernment there may be some instances in which a lack of personal fulfilment, or the presence of some form of suffering (spiritual, physical or emotional) may be an indication that the person is in the wrong place or doing the wrong things. How can one tell the difference between true spiritual discernment and plain struggle?

You may have some answers or suggestions! I'd love to hear from you if you do.

Please let me also encourage you to join the Lausanne Global Conversation. It is a wonderful platform for engagement around a myriad of issues related to knowing Christ and making Him known throughout the world.

Update on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 12:20PM by Dr Dion Forster

P.S., some friends responded to my tweet about how I did the conference call for the interview (see the original tweet here).

I had a meeting just before the call (scheduled for 7am Eastern Standard Time, which is 15.00 Central African Time), and had to drive to another meeting that started at 16.00.  So, I connected my mifi 2352 and launched skype on my iPad and connected to the first part of the call while driving.  Fortunately by the time all the participants were on the call and we were ready to start I had reached my destination.

Skype works really well on the iPad - I have some skype out credit loaded so I can also use it to make phone calls to regular and cell phone numbers.  But in this case the call was hosted by freeconferencing.com - so all I had to do was dial their toll free number in the USA to be connected at no cost.

I am truly grateful for the technology that I have been blessed with.  It helps me so much as I try to fit in all of the different parts of my ministry (in my case I could have done with a bit more 'balance' yesterday ;-)

Another article published (Lausanne World Pulse) - Business as Ministry

It is always humbling to have an article published! I am particularly grateful that my article on Business as Mission was published in the September Lausanne World Pulse!

It deals with a subject that I am passionate about!

I'd be grateful if you'd read it here and encourage others to do the same.

Thanks!

Dion

Interaction and information about the Lausanne movement and congress

My friend Steve Hayes put a great post on his blog about information underload and information overload.  In short Steve is a prominent missiologist but did not hear very much about the Edinburgh 2010 Missions conference.  

In order to avoid something similar for the third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization I decided to put a comment on his blog, and post that comment here, to point any interested persons to a few places where you can interact and find information about the Lausanne Movement and the upcoming congress in Cape Town.

Part of my point is that a 'congress' will not be enough to truly help the cause of reaching the whole world with the whole Gospel.  A group of scholars and leaders are simply not connected enough to people on the ground, and static papers could never compare to interactions and relationships around what it means to do evangelism in all of the different contexts across the world!  While preaching may be effective in one setting, social justice will be far more effective in others... I hope you get the idea?

Here's part of my comment:

I have an inkling, however, that published articles and conference papers are not the ‘way of the new world’ – rather people long to participate and engage around issues, making contributions rather than just listening to the contributions of others (usually ‘experts’ rather than practitioners).

Lausanne is trying hard to have a ‘web presence’, and more importantly to create engagement around the issues of evangelism. (in fact I sent you an email to ask for your help – to your gmail address – I hope you got the email!).

Lausanne can be found in the following places:

Lausanne Web page: http://www.lausanne.org
Lausanne Blog: http://www.lausanne.org/lausanne-blog/
Lausanne Facebook Page: Lausanne Movement We have 2800 persons on this page.
Lausanne Twitter Page: @CapeTown2010 And if you follow us, we will follow you back!
Lausanne Social Networking platform (the Lausanne Conversation): Global Conversation
Lausanne articles and papers (called the Lausanne World Pulse): Lausanne World Pulse

You may be interested in the article that I wrote on social networking, new media, technology and evangelism.

The intention of our social networking efforts are to create connections and conversations around what it means to bring the whole Gospel to the whole world. The Global Conversation site has tens of thousands of persons of various Churches, theological backgrounds and geographic regions discussing, debating and acting up the contextual implementation of establishing God’s Kingdom.

Please can I invite you to copy and repost any of the information above on your blog!  Let's get talking, interacting and working for the establishment of God's transforming Kingdom on earth!

How technology is changing, or should change, the way the Gospel is shared

The June / July edition of the Lausanne World Pulse was released today.  I am so blessed that an article that I wrote has been published in this edition.

In the introduction to this edition of the Lausanne World Pulse Doug Birdsall writes of the fact that the unchanging message of the person and ministry of Jesus must be presented in new and effective ways to encounter the evolving expectations and experiences of people across the world.  He notes that technology, and particularly communication technologies, are having a radical effect on the globe, and so too on the way in which we can engage the people of the world with the Gospel of Christ.  Of course communication technology is but one small part of the changing landscape of the world - advances in science, medicine, economics and even warfare all have to be taken into account if one is to bring the Gospel of Christ to bear on the world in order to work for Christ driven healing and transformation.  

There are some wonderful scholarly and popular articles to get one thinking and praying along those lines.

My article is entitled 'How technology is changing, or should change, the way the Gospel is shared'.  Here is an excerpt from the introduction to the article:

The German theologian Helmut Thielicke once commented, “The Gospel must be constantly forwarded to a new address because its recipient is repeatedly changing his place of residence.” This is a very challenging yet true observation about the nature of mission and evangelism.

One of the most significant Christian books of our era is Philip Jenkins’ The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity. Jenkins quotes Philip Yancey, who notes that:

As I travel, I have observed a pattern, a strange historical phenomenon of God “moving” geographically from the Middle East to Europe to North America to the developing world. My theory is this: God goes where he’s wanted.

There is no doubt that the geographical movement of Christianity throughout history has radically changed the manner in which the gospel is shared—from its birth in Israel among disenfranchised Jewish peasants; to a state-sanctioned religion under the emperor Constantine; through Europe and the Reformation; taking a detour via the dominance of media and mega-church-driven North American Christianity of our recent history; to where Christianity seems to be finding its place among African, Asian, and South American believers. Each new context presents challenges and opportunities for the gospel and the faith.

The Next Shift in Global Christianity 
But what if the next shift in Christendom is not merely a geographical shift, but in fact a shift into cyberspace—a movement of a completely different kind?

Have you given much thought to the way in which the 'next shift' in global culture is reshaping the way in which to Gospel should be shared? I would like to encourage you to read this month's articles on the impact of technology on Christianity and the world.

If you have some ideas, or maybe some examples or more compelling statistics to share, please drop a line in the comments below.

The role of the Church in reconciliation in South Africa

I was asked to write a brief article on the role of the Church in working towards reconciliation in South Africa during and after apartheid for the Lausanne World Pulse.  I had forgotten about that article until the daughter of a friend phoned me from Geneva this morning to say that she had read the article in preparation for some meetings. (for those who know Sidwell Mokghotu, it was Sid's daughter Fofo who phoned - she is doing an internship with the World Council of Churches in Geneva).  

I asked her for the URL - and there it was!

If you're interested in reading the article please follow this link.

Today is a very important day to remember our history of reconciliation and peace.  South Africa has come a long way since the end of Apartheid.  However, we still have a long way left to go!  Today is the funeral of the white supremacist leader of the AWB, Mr Eugene Terreblanche.  He was murdered on his farm over the Easter weekend.  His murder has raised racial tensions that have been fueled by the inflamatory and insensitive (even racist) statements of the leader of the ANC Youth League, Julius Malema.

Please could I encourage you to distribute the call to prayer (below), which was written by my friend Etienne Piek, as widely as possible?

In a time of trouble it is extremely important that the Church takes a stand for the Kingdom of God first and foremost. The Kingdom of God operates on the basis of the Word of God as the absolute truth. Therefore the principles of the Bible determine our behavior and attitude towards any issue we are facing. The Word of God is very clear concerning conflict situations:

1. Love your enemies, bless those who curse you and pray for those who abuse you (Luke 6:27,28). Speak the blessing of salvation in Christ to those who perpetrate evil.

2. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21; Rom 12:17). Think about what is proper, noble, aiming to be above reproach in the sight of everyone.

3. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Rom 12:19; Matt 5:39; Rom 2:1). Pray that the minds of people will not be filled with vengeance or hatred but to petition God for His righteousness and justice to be established.

4. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath, anger and clamour (loud quarrelling) and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph 4:30-32; Matt 6:12-15; Matt 18:21-35; Luk 23:34). As Jesus demonstrated forgiveness on the cross, so we as believers must also follow His example in forgiving those who wrong us. Let us forgive and so end the cycle of violence and retribution.

5. Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder … (Matt 15:19; Luk 6:45). Actively fill your heart with God’s word and meditate on His instructions for us at this time. Resist evil thoughts and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to your heart and mind, the mind of Christ.

6. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:12). Pray and resist the evil forces behind racism, bloodshed, violence, rebellion, revenge and the spirit of witchcraft.

This is a unique opportunity for us as believers to unite to change the history of South Africa. God has not lost control, nor is He unaware of what is happening in our nation at this time. It is a time for each believer to allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, to let go of selfish interests and to beseech the Lord Jesus Christ to come to our aid. This is not the time to judge or to accuse, but to plead for God’s plans and purposes to be established in our nation. Let each of us empty ourselves, repent and willfully turn from all hatred, bitterness, judgment, racism or fear, and allow the Holy Spirit to use us as instruments of reconciliation and healing in this torn nation. Pray for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding to guard the hearts and minds of all South Africans (Phil 4:7), and pray for the God of peace to crush the evil one under our feet (Rom 16:20).

Join us in prayer for revival in the church. The church is still God’s answer (Eph 3:10) – but a church that lives in the power of the Holy Spirit, stands on the authority of the Word, putting Jesus Christ in the centre, praying for a lost and broken world, taking care of the poor and needy.

If you want more information on how to participate in a 40 days prayer initiative for revival in the church visit info@global24-7.org or info@jwipn.com.

Mobilise prayer groups in all possible places – your home, place of work, schools, factories, business, etc.

Respond to God’s call to the nations and join in a day of repentance and prayer on Pentecost Sunday, 23 May 2010. For details please contact info@globaldayofprayer.com or visit the website www.globaldayofprayer.com

Endorsed by: Jericho Walls International Prayer Network, Global Day of Prayer, NIRSA, Shalom Trust/MMC2010, Turn2God, Unashamedly Ethical, HeartCry and New Heart

Connecting 'offline' people to 'online' conversations. Help needed!

One of the tasks that I help with in preparing for the next Lausanne Congress on world evangelization, that is taking place in Cape Town in October 2010, is the social media strategy.

I have a small team with which I work to try and connect people and issues - in particular I try to give a platform to people who are doing stuff, or developing theology, around the concerns of Lausanne.  I also try to make sure that some of the great content that is produced by top notch Christian leaders and theologians becomes accessible to as many people as possible.

In order to do this we make use of some of the traditional 'social media' tools.  Basically, there is only one tool - create relationships with people!  But we use a few platforms to do this.

We have a twitter feed, a facebook page, blogs (here and here), and a fantastic website.

This is all great, and we get quite a lot of interaction around the issues and the content.  At the end of the day I know that we would rather connect people with passion around the stuff they're already doing, than trying to create a passion for some of the stuff we want to do (that they're already doing in their own ministries).  Connection is key!

However, ministry and theology (particularly global ministry and global theology) requires a much more significant level of awareness and connection!  Some of the great mistakes of ministry organisations and theologians come from not understanding contexts other than their own.  In some contexts proclaiming truths about God's love may work, but in other contexts people will not accept such propositions of truth until they have an experience of love.  For example it is difficult to say that God is just when you encounter people who have only every experienced injustice - working for justice may be one of the most powerful 'sermons' you could preach without using a single word.

So, here's my problem, as with most of the theology and strategy in the global Church, those who have 'voices' and 'access' are heard most clearly and loudly.  How do we connect people from the offline world to people from the online world?

I have an idea that the pervasive nature of cell phones may be a key (see this post from Tony Whittaker, and see this great mobile website platform for ministry and evangelism from Crux). 

I know that email is more accessible in some parts of the world than internet access, so that may be another key (i.e., creating a to and fro engagement between the West and the South via email - when I was the Dean of John Wesley College in Pretoria we had quite a bit of success with this when we connected our students in South Africa with students at Duke Divinity school).

Then of course there is real world connection (sending visitors and receiving visitors from various parts of the world).  But, this is costly!

Have you got any ideas how one could connect people across the 'digital divide'?  It's for the sake of the whole Gospel to the whole World!

Please leave a comment or some insight below!

Denied!

I received notification this morning that my VISA for Lebanon was denied.... Mmmmm.... It is quite sad! This particular Lausanne meeting is doing such crticial work before the 3rd Lausanne Congress that will be meeting in Cape Town in October.

At least my case study and paper were prepared in advance and emailed to all the participants.

There are 4 of us that were denied entry. We have lodged further documents and an appeal. But there is little hope that I will be able to fly on Friday.

Has anybody ever had a similar problem? Is there anything that I could do?

At the end of they day I did everything from my side that I possibly could. So I have a sense of peace that if I needed to be there it would have worked out, but if it does not work out then so be it!

Prayer and help required! Lebanese VISA.

I am scheduled to depart for Beirut on Friday morning to participate in the Lausanne Theology Working Group meetings at the Arab Baptist Seminary.

My VISA application was made in December last year, but to date I have had no confirmation of the VISA.  I googled the Lebanese consulate in South Africa and found telephone, fax and email contact details - so I sent an email, sent a fax, and tried to call them.  The phone just rings without any answer, and I have had no response to my email or fax.

I know that there is sensitivity about who they let into Lebanon (see the image in this post which is a screen shot from the Lebanon Travel Guide).  Without mentioning the name of the 'other' country (just in case they google me!), I have been to there twice.  Perhaps that is the problem?

So, please do spare a prayer for me in this regard!  Also, if you have any contacts that I could follow up in order to get this matter sorted out please leave me a comment below, or send me an email via the contact section of my web page.