Global Evangelical Leaders Unite in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea – October 27, 2025.

Evangelical leaders from 124 countries have converged in Seoul for the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) General Assembly, marking a pivotal moment in the global evangelical movement. The gathering, held from October 27–31 at SaRang Church, brings together more than 900 international delegates and 5,000 Korean pastors and friends, centered on the theme “The Gospel for Everyone by 2033.”

A Defining Moment for Global Evangelical Unity

Opening the Assembly, Dr. Goodwill Shana, Executive Chair of the WEA, emphasized the unifying and transformative power of the Gospel in a rapidly changing world.

“Through the Church, God continues to bring light and transformation — and that is the main reason we gather from around the world,”
said Dr. Shana during the colorful opening ceremony.
“Light is God’s first missionary: it travels, reveals, and transforms. It brings clarity where there was confusion, and life where there was emptiness.”

Drawing from Genesis 1:3, Dr. Shana reflected on the theme “Let there be light — unity in diversity,” calling the global church to embrace its shared identity in Christ while celebrating its many cultural and denominational colors.

“We have many colours, but when we come together, we form the light of the Gospel,” he added. “When the light of the Church passes through the prism of God’s design, it reveals the beauty of many colours — people from Latin America, Oceania, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.”

Global South Takes the Lead in Evangelical Growth

This year’s Assembly represents the widest and most diverse gathering in the WEA’s 179-year history. Since its last meeting in Indonesia in 2019, the Alliance has grown by 27 new National Evangelical Alliances, now representing 161 nations and nine regional bodies.

Researchers note that the center of global evangelicalism has decisively shifted toward the Global South — with 70% of the world’s evangelicals now living in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

“Each new National Evangelical Alliance represents thousands of local churches and millions of believers actively advancing the Gospel in their contexts,” explained Dr. Brad Smith, Interim Director of the Alliance Engagement Department. “Our growth demonstrates the vitality of evangelical witness across diverse cultures and nations.”

South Korea: From Mission Field to Mission Force

Hosting the General Assembly is especially symbolic for South Korea, now recognized as the world’s second-largest missionary-sending nation. Over 22,000 Korean missionaries currently serve in global contexts, reflecting the nation’s transformation from a mission field to a missionary force in just 140 years.

The Seoul Organizing Committee, co-chaired by Rev. Jung-hyun John Oh and Rev. Young-hoon Lee, represents a unified effort among Korean evangelical churches and organizations — including the Korea Evangelical Fellowship (KEF). Thousands of volunteers and intercessors have mobilized to host what organizers describe as an opportunity to “pay forward the gospel debt” to the global church.

2033: A Global Vision Rooted in the Gospel

The Assembly’s theme, “The Gospel for Everyone by 2033,” points toward the upcoming 2000th anniversary of Christ’s resurrection, envisioned as a global milestone for coordinated evangelistic mobilization.

“God calls everyone,” Dr. Shana noted. “This isn’t reserved for pulpits. Jesus calls farmers and financiers, artists and entrepreneurs — every Christian to embody their vocation as Gospel witness.”

The week-long event will feature plenary sessions, regional meetings, and artistic showcases, including an exhibition by renowned artist Akaine, all aimed at renewing the Church’s evangelistic and discipleship mission.

Leadership Transitions and Future Focus

A key moment in this Assembly will be the inauguration of Rev. Botrus Mansour, the WEA’s first Middle Eastern Secretary General, symbolizing the growing inclusivity and representation within the Alliance. Delegates will also elect a new International Council, which serves as the WEA’s governing body.

African leaders, including Dr. David Tarus of the Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA), are among those contributing to discussions on leadership training and theological education to meet the Church’s rapid growth on the continent.

A Call to Unity and Mission

As the Assembly unfolds, WEA leaders are urging evangelicals worldwide to embrace authentic partnership, not just formal membership, in advancing the Gospel.

“Unity requires more than formal membership; it demands authentic partnership centered on the Gospel,” said Dr. Shana. “As we celebrate a shifting evangelical landscape, we aim to inspire delegates to share the transformative Gospel across geographical, cultural, and digital boundaries.”

The WEA General Assembly continues through October 31, highlighting a renewed global commitment to ensure that every person — everywhere — has the opportunity to hear and experience the Good News by 2033.