PATTAYA, THAILAND - The world's largest evangelical body has commenced its highly-anticipated general assembly - the first in seven years - on Saturday night with invited Christian leaders from some of the most prominent Christian organisations in the world.
More than 500 leaders from the World Evangelical Alliance's national and regional evangelical alliances, commissions, global partners and associates have convened in Pattaya, Thailand for the general assembly, which will last from 25 to 30 October.The Assembly, which only takes place once every six years, enjoyed a colourful spectacle of traditional Thai dance and music in its opening ceremony, as well as a parade of national flags representing the home nations of some 500 delegates.
In a rousing address, WEA international director Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe told delegates that the five day gathering would be an opportunity to refresh their vision for integral mission.
"We need a fresh vision for and commitment to the work of the body of Christ around the world that reflects our focus on integral mission, on holistic mission, on the transformation of the Gospel," he said. "We desperately need that new, fresh vision."
Crucial to finding that vision is faithfulness to the Scripture, Dr Tunnicliffe insisted.
"We need a renewal of our historic commitment to the character of the Gospel and our biblical distinctive as evangelical Christians who are committed to the authority of Scripture. What drives us and undergirds us is our commitment to the Scriptures."
The opening ceremony was joined by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand, Kanda Vajrabhaiya, who pointed to areas of common interest between Evangelicals and the Thai Government, including poverty reduction, HIV and Aids, human rights, child protection and perhaps women issues.
"The WEA is a meaningful network to us in implementing programmes to assist, protect and empower those vulnerable groups and improve the life conditions of those considered as disadvantaged people in this country. It is also consistent with Christianity's principles of right living for the benefit and interests of other people."
