0105Malaysia.1

GREAT COMMISSION
ROUNDTABLE

Consultations | Articles | Surveys | Reference

PRESS RELEASE
Global Commission Roundtable Meets in Malaysia
May 2-3, 2001

“Connecting Christ’s People to fulfill His Great Commission in the 21st Century” was the theme of the recent global gathering of mission network leaders occurring in Port Dickson, Malaysia during April 28 to May 1. Coming from every region of the globe, over 260 men and women- each representing a significant ministry network or mission initiative in their part of the world- spent three days together grappling with the key issues involved in reaching the world for Christ in the years ahead.

This event was the fourth and largest gathering of what has come to be known as the Great Commission Roundtable (GCR). Formed in 1999, the GCR was the result of desire for a new collaborative effort in world evangelization by the Lausanne Movement, the World Evangelical Fellowship and the AD2000 & Beyond Movement. Its intent is to become a “network of networks” open to all segments of the Body of Christ, promoting global partnership towards the discipling of all peoples in response to Christ’s Great Commission.

The GCR meeting in Malaysia fulfilled these intentions through numerous presentations and breakout workshops that focused on how to foster greater unity and connection between the various ministry networks represented by the participants. Examples of current successful network models were given, such as Bihar Out-Reach Network from northern India, the COMIBAM mission association of Latin America, and Viva Network, a new UK initiative focusing on children at risk.

During breakout sessions by ministry interest and region, the participants grappled with key questions such as “What can we learn from these various models to create better partnership among us?” and “What does the fulfillment of the Great Commission look like for your particular ministry?”

By the end of the three days, several significant themes emerged from the time of discussion and prayer together. We increasingly recognized that effective partnership must be based first on relationships of love and trust, not just formal contracts. Uplifting worship, talks over meals and coffee, as well as opportunities for games and recreation facilitated this deeper relationship-building. A shared conviction emerged that the Great Commission involves more than just proclamation of the Gospel or planting of churches, but must also include discipleship, spiritual nurture, and an emphasis on social transformation. The continued priority of ministry to the world’s unreached people groups was also affirmed with significant re-commitment to keep this particular network strong and active. Another theme that pervaded our discussions was the importance of being more holistic in ministry efforts in order to respond to such social dilemmas as the AIDS crisis or child prostitution.

Some of the action plans decided on by ministry interest and regional groups during the consultation included:

The Unreached Peoples ministry interest group decided to bring people together in 2002 to form a new international network focusing specially on our unfinished task in reaching all peoples with the Gospel.
The Church Planting group plans to establish an effective communication system among those interested in this type of ministry and to form an ongoing network for fellowship, sharing models, resources and experience.
The Theology/ Missiology group decided to establish communication between international missiology networks.
The Worship and the Arts group determined to conduct ethnic or regional music/worship events to empower a new generation of worship musicians and artists.
The Business and Economic Development group agreed on the need for a network to partner with business leaders and politicians to address justice and economic stimulus issues.
The South Asian regional group intends to bring the GCR spirit back home and bring local leaders in their region together in a similar roundtable to consult with the Lord and each other.

Many who participated realize that as a global forum of networks, GCR is still in its infancy and, therefore, lacks the full definition desired. Continued effort will need to be given to clarifying GCR’s purpose and mission and communicating this to participating mission networks. However, there was a resounding consensus regarding the increased need for a global partnership like this in the work of the Great Commission. Paul Cedar of Mission America summarized this thought: “As we move into the years of the 21st century, the time is ripe for an initiative such as the GCR. The dynamics of globalization, rapid change, unexpected crises and other major world trends demand that mission ministries work together in closer cooperation than ever before.” By facilitating the formation of a “network of networks,” GCR is well on its way to providing the framework necessary for this to happen.

For more information on GCR or the recent consultation, including the presentations and reports from it, please visit the GCR website at www.gcroundtable.net or contact the Great Commission Roundtable, 800 W. Chestnut, Monrovia, CA 91016 USA; email: [email protected]; phone: 1626 303 8811 extension 7329.