In a historic gathering that concluded last week, evangelical leaders from across Asia set ambitious goals for regional church growth and discipleship. The 11th General Assembly of the Asia Evangelical Alliance (AEA), held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, brought together 200 delegates from 23 countries and over 20 mission agencies under the urgent theme "Disciple or Die."
This theme was chosen to address the new landscape of the church in Asia and to align with the World Evangelical Alliance's call for a decade of disciple-making, as established at their 2019 General Assembly.
The choice of Mongolia as host nation was symbolic, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Mongolian Evangelical Alliance (MEA). This association highlighted the rapid growth of Christianity in a country where the faith was virtually non-existent until the fall of communism in 1989.
The gathering commenced on August 7 with a dinner commemorating the MEA's 25th anniversary at the Chinggis Khan Hotel. Over 200 Mongolian church leaders joined the international delegates, celebrating a quarter-century of Christian unity and evangelism in Mongolia.
The following two days were dedicated to plenary sessions, interviews, table conversations, workshops, and focus group discussions. Each day began with biblical reflections led by Rev. CB Samuel from India, focusing on the seven churches in Revelation 2.
A diverse group of speakers addressed the assembly, including representatives from various Christian organisations across Asia. Key themes that emerged from the discussions included the need to develop authentic relationships, with families as the foundation for mission and discipleship. Delegates also explored opportunities for youth engagement and intergenerational collaboration.
The assembly saw robust discussions on embracing tools such as research, technology, and artificial intelligence for data-driven decision making in the changing mission landscape. Participants engaged in conversations about implementing practical strategies in their respective nations and contexts, aiming to develop approaches that are locally owned, culturally sensitive, and relevant to local churches and communities.
A significant highlight of the General Assembly was the formal induction of three newly formed national alliances into AEA membership: the Evangelical Fellowship of Laos, Hong Kong Evangelical Alliance, and Taiwan Christian Evangelical Alliance Association. Additionally, three new associate members were welcomed: Bahtraku, EnArche Institute, and World Chinese Christianity Alliance.
The assembly also elected a new Executive Council to serve the AEA for the next four years (2024-2028). The elected members include representatives from Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Indonesia, and South Korea. Plans were announced to appoint four additional younger and women leaders to the council in the coming weeks.
On August 10, delegates participated in a tour of key sites around Ulaanbaatar and spent the afternoon at a Christian camp learning about Mongolian culture. In a powerful display of unity, the final day saw international delegates dispersed to 15 different churches across Ulaanbaatar, where they preached and encouraged local churches, fostering connections between the broader Asian church and local Mongolian congregations.
Throughout the event, the Mongolian hosts demonstrated exceptional hospitality, serving with generosity and humility. Their efforts were particularly notable given that the evangelical church in Mongolia, established after the Soviet departure in 1989, is one of the youngest in Asia.
The General Assembly concluded with a commitment to guide Asian evangelical movements in accelerating missions and disciple-making across the region over the next decade. Progress reviews are scheduled to commence in 2025 to ensure ongoing momentum and accountability.
As delegates departed, there was a palpable sense of optimism and purpose. "We came here with different backgrounds and experiences," reflected Rev. Vijayesh Lal from India. "We leave united in our mission and equipped with new strategies for reaching Asia with the Gospel."
As the event ended, the AEA expressed gratitude for the unity fostered among the Asian churches during this significant gathering. The assembly not only reaffirmed the shared commitment to the Great Commission but also laid the groundwork for a collaborative strategy to advance mission work and discipleship across Asia in the coming years.
