Disciple or Die – Asia Evangelical Alliance’s 11th General Assembly

The Asia Evangelical Alliance (AEA) successfully concluded their 11th General Assembly (GA) held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 7^th to 12^th August 2024. 200 participants from 23 countries and 20 mission agencies were committed to Disciple making. The assembly was historic, not only for the AEA but also for the host, Mongolian Evangelical Alliance (MEA), who celebrated their  25th anniversary. Mongolia’s Christian history, dating back to the 6th-7th century, experienced a significant interruption until the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Today, the Spirit’s movement is evident, with around 700 churches flourishing across Mongolia. 

The theme ‘Disciple or Die’ was chosen in response to the evolving landscape of the church in Asia, in particular the slowing growth of Christianity. This theme continues from the call made during the 2019 WEA General Assembly for a decade dedicated to disciple-making. The  Asia General Assembly served as a crucial platform to reaffirm the collective commitment of the AEA members to accelerate the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Participants worked on crafting a collaborative strategy to significantly enhance mission and disciple-making efforts across Asia over the next decade. Rev. Samuel Chiang, Dr. Peirong Lin and Rei Lemuel Crizaldo from World Evangelical Alliance participated in this historic gathering. 

Some key takeaways from this General Assembly included the paradigm shift in thinking about the youth at church. Rather than viewing younger generations as future ‘replacements,’ they are current ‘reinforcements.’ This perspective creates space for young people to actively participate in ministry and decision-making processes. Engagement should be marked with deep theological insights rather than superficial entertainment. Theology must be perceived not exclusively for seminary students or scholars but as a vital part of everyday Christian life. This involves addressing practical issues through sound theological approaches and preparing disciples to stand against persecution and false teachings, in this growing digital age. Additionally, discipleship is not a mere church program but begins at home. As Gen Z and Alpha generations show less interest in traditional church routines, the responsibility for their spiritual formation increasingly falls on parents and elders. Finally, the assembly also highlighted the inability of applying Western mission strategies to Asian contexts. Godfrey Yogarajah, AEA board chairman, emphasized the need to develop discipleship approaches that are deeply rooted in and shaped by Asian cultures. 

This emphasis on disciple making continues to be important in shaping a vibrant Christian witness across Asia. Participants committed to staying the course and to each focus on what they can do wherever they are.