Rick Warren Calls on African Churches to Lead Global Christian Mission
(Photo: Christian Daily International)
Pastor Rick Warren, widely recognized for his influential books, The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church, recently addressed the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) General Assembly through a livestream. In his speech, he urged African Evangelical leaders to spearhead the completion of the Church’s global mission.
Broadcasting from California, Warren highlighted Africa’s pivotal role in the future of Christianity, urging its churches to assume global leadership. He stated, “There are more Christians in Africa than there are people in the United States.”
With Africa now hosting over 430 million believers, Warren emphasized, “Africa is now the most Christian continent on Earth. The Church in Africa must lead the rest of us.”
An Influential Encounter in South Africa
Warren’s message was deeply influenced by a transformative experience in South Africa two decades ago. He recounted a visit to Johannesburg where he trained pastors over a three-day period, with sessions broadcast across the continent. However, it was a visit to a remote village that left a lasting impact on him.
In the village, lacking basic amenities like electricity and running water, a small congregation met under a tent. “They had a garden to feed the children, a few schoolbooks, but no beds. The children slept in the tent at night,” Warren shared. This experience was a revelation: “I wept,” he admitted. “And I repented… I hadn’t cared deeply enough about those who were suffering.”
This realization was cemented by his encounter with a young pastor who traveled two hours weekly to download Warren’s sermons. “I knew then I would spend the rest of my life serving men like him,” Warren reflected.
From this reflection emerged the “P.E.A.C.E. Plan,” a strategy inspired by Jesus’ ministry focusing on proclaiming the Gospel, equipping leaders, assisting the poor, caring for the sick, and educating the next generation. Warren noted, “God revealed the P.E.A.C.E. plan to me in Africa.”
Shifting Centers of Christianity
Over the last century, Christianity’s center of gravity has shifted from the global North to the South. Warren explained, “One hundred years ago, 95 percent of all Christians lived in Europe and North America. Today, 95 percent live in Africa, Latin America, and southern Asia.”
He emphasized the importance of reaching young people in the global South, stating, “Half of the world is under 30 years of age.” Notably, African pastors are leading some of the largest churches in the UK, Paris, and Moscow, underscoring their growing influence.
Empowering Local Churches
A core aspect of Warren’s message was the empowerment of local churches. Saddleback Church demonstrated that local congregations could implement the “P.E.A.C.E. Plan” globally, showing that mission work is not solely the domain of large agencies.
Warren noted the failure of past efforts to complete the Great Commission, often due to a lack of involvement from churches in the Global South. “Of 700 previous plans to complete the Great Commission, not one succeeded… And not one included the whole Church,” he remarked.
Leading the Finishing The Task initiative, Warren stressed the importance of inclusivity and collaboration, asserting that even small churches can contribute significantly. He concluded his address by calling on African leaders to guide global missions, stating, “I believe with all my heart that God has called the Church of Africa to lead. The task is urgent. And Africa is ready.”
© Christian Daily International
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
