Beebe to Join Global Church in Korea

Westmont President Gayle D. Beebe will be a delegate at the Fourth Lausanne Congress for World Evangelization on Sept. 22-28 in Incheon, South Korea. He has served as a college president for more than 25 years (18 at Westmont) and received his invitation through the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities. Beebe joins about 5,000 delegates from around the world, including thousands more attending virtually, making it the largest representation since the movement began in 1974.

“The gathering is important because it attempts to articulate the contours of our Christian faith, including the sources of authority and guidance for our rule of faith,” Beebe says.

Billy Graham convened the first gathering with John Stott as a global movement to mobilize Christian leaders to collaborate for world evangelization.

The Lausanne 4, billed as a catalyst for reflection and momentum in global missions, includes evangelical Christian leaders representing different denominations from all countries. “I most look forward to seeing the wide expanse of the church around the world,” Beebe says. “Because of Westmont’s unique role and self-definition as a part of the global evangelical movement, I’m pleased to participate in this body, which encompasses much of what is happening in the Protestant church community worldwide.”

The theme for the gathering, Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together, calls delegates to delve into the heart of their shared vision: a united global church bridging divides across cultures, generations and professions, elevating Christ in unity. “I don’t have any specific objectives in mind other than connecting with as many groups and individuals as possible trying to advance the work of God around the world,” Beebe says.