Cooperation in Evangelism

Today’s reading is Section 7 of the Lausanne Covenant - Cooperation in Evangelism. Read Here.

We affirm that the Church’s visible unity in truth is God’s purpose. Evangelism also summons us to unity, because our oneness strengthens our witness, just as our disunity undermines our gospel of reconciliation. We recognize, however, that organizational unity may take many forms and does not necessarily advance evangelism. Yet we who share the same biblical faith should be closely united in fellowship, work and witness. We confess that our testimony has sometimes been marred by a sinful individualism and needless duplication. We pledge ourselves to seek a deeper unity in truth, worship, holiness and mission. We urge the development of regional and functional cooperation for the furtherance of the Church’s mission, for strategic planning, for mutual encouragement, and for the sharing of resources and experience.

The Unity of the Church

Why should we care about the unity of the Church? There are two compelling reasons—one theological, one practical.

1. Theologically, we affirm that 'the Church’s visible unity in truth is God’s purpose'. Spiritually, this unity is as indestructible as the unity of the Godhead (Ephesians 4:4-6). Yet Scripture calls us to make this unity visible (Ephesians 4:3) and to ensure it is grounded in truth (Ephesians 4:13). This is the unity for which Jesus prayed (John 17:11, 20-23). The gospel we proclaim is a message of love and peace, but if we fail to live this out together, our witness will lose credibility (John 13:35; 17:21). True unity is marked by truth, yet allows for diversity and flexibility.
2. Practically, ‘evangelism summons us to unity’. Yet evangelicals, with our passion and conviction, can become rugged individualists—sometimes preferring to build our own work rather than join a greater collaborative effort for the sake of the gospel. But the unity that pleases God is unity in truth. We may differ on secondary issues, but on the great fundamentals of biblical revelation, we must stand together.

This section of the Covenant ends with a pledge and a plea. At the Lausanne Congress, participants strongly rejected a centralised evangelical world authority, but called strongly for regional and functional cooperation. From that desire, the Lausanne Movement was born—serving as a platform for collaboration and mutual encouragement.

We are called to plan and work together, to give and receive freely, sharing the good gifts God has entrusted to each of us for the building up of his global Church.

Reflection:

Are you pursuing unity in truth with other believers so your witness for Christ in the world is effective?

Prayer:

Lord, help me walk in truth and love, working with others to advance your gospel in unity.