The Global Evangelisation Roundtable

Oslo-March,1999

I. PUBLIC STATEMENT

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN LEADERS CREATE A NEW FRAMEWORK FOR COOPERATION IN WORLD EVANGELIZATION

Representatives of the major international evangelical networks met in Hurdal, Norway, March 21st to 25th 1999 to discuss their relationships and develop a new framework for cooperation into the new millennium. The conference, hosted by the Norwegian Missionary Council, was called by the AD 2000 & Beyond Movement, the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization and the World Evangelical Fellowship.

Historic differences were laid aside in an atmosphere of prayer and humility as the participants explored the core values, which they share in common. There was unanimous support for a new framework marked by an evangelistic vision, a common basis of faith rooted in a biblical, historic, evangelical Christianity and a recognition of the centrality of the local church in world evangelization. In seeking a new platform for cooperation the conference participants committed themselves to creating a cooperative vehicle that serves all parts of the Body of Christ, affirms a plurality of ministries and different regional and national distinctives.

In a spirit of expectancy, the conference proposed the establishment of a Global Evangelization Forum to provide a new evangelical platform for cooperation in fulfilling the task of world evangelisation as we enter the 21st century. The Global Evangelization Forum will function as an open, inclusive, horizontal partnership designed to encourage wide participation and facilitate collaboration between geographical and functional groups. The major networks represented at the conference expressed a strong commitment to align their ministries with this development and to participate fully in the proposed Forum.

A working committee was charged with the responsibility to develop the proposals into a series of recommendations to be presented for adoption by the networks represented in the gathering.

II. FOUNDATIONAL VALUES OF THE GLOBAL EVANGELISATION ROUNDTABLE, OSLO MARCH,1999

We are a people profoundly committed to Biblical, Historic, Trinitarian Christianity, With particular appreciation for the Lausanne Covenant, as well as our own Evangelical church heritage.

As we consider the future of world evangelization and the life of the global church, we affirm:

  1. Our common goal for and passionate commitment to world evangelization.
  2. Our dedication to a life of prayer and unleashing the entire Church into global intercession.
  3. The proclamation of a holistic, transforming Gospel, underscoring the centrality of the church for world evangelization.
  4. The need for a new relational "wineskin" within a context of continuity and not based on position nor structure.
  5. A manifestation of unity grounded in the partnership of equals around the globe.
  6. The need for a thorough re-examination of a theology of the church.
  7. Regional and national networks that also have a global focal point.
  8. The need for a more representative platform in which all members of the Body of Christ are equal partners (for example: charismatics and non-charismatics, male and female, younger and older, academics and practitioners)
  9. The need for one cooperative vehicle that supports a plurality of ministries.
  10. Our obedience to the Holy Spirit for empowerment, guidance and recognition of leadership.
  11. Our commitment to a biblical and accountable stewardship of resources.
  12. Our decision to communicate our unity to every level of our various networks, and to the wider Body of Christ.

III. REPORT FROM THE GLOBAL EVANGELISM ROUNDTABLE WORKING GROUP

We propose the establishment of the Global Evangelisation Roundtable/Forum (GER) as a new evangelical platform for cooperation in fulfilling the task of world evangelisation in the 21st Century.

  1. The GER is a network of networks, such as a continuing component of the AD2000 and Beyond Movement, the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, the World Evangelical Fellowship (in particular its Mission Commission) and other Evangelical networks (geographic and functional) serving the cause of world evangelisation.
  2. The GER stands in the stream of Biblical, historic Christianity, with a special appreciation for the Evangelical heritage, including the Lausanne Covenant. The GER is committed to mobilizing the whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world.
  3. The function of the leadership in the GER will be a facilitative one, able to articulate and release the vision.
  4. As a roundtable, the GER operates with a "flat", open, inclusive and non-bureaucratic structure.
  5. We propose the naming of an ongoing Working Committee consisting of representatives of major networks, charged with the task of working out a formal, concrete plan for the establishment of the GER in the year 2001, that will be considered by the major networks

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