Together is Better Dr. Zenet Maramara

Standing Together Worldwide as One

The recently concluded Fourth Lausanne Congress (L4) in Seoul, South Korea, underscored the critical need for collaboration within the Body of Christ and for us to stand together. The event centered on closing the gaps in the global Gospel mission through collective efforts and identified 25 “Great Commission Gaps”—key challenges and opportunities for spreading the Gospel in today’s world.

Collaborative Process

Daily collaboration sessions at L4 focused on four essential components for working together: categorize, connect, catalyze, and commit. “Categorize” involves recognizing gaps within regions, issue networks, and generations. The collaborative process followed five steps: listening, imagining, creating, communicating, and forming action groups. The hope is that these groups, initiated at the Congress, will continue to take steps to demonstrate Christ’s message together.

While collaboration can be complex, the global Church needs to unite to fulfill the mission of taking the whole Gospel to the whole world. No single group can do this alone; it requires the combined strengths of all believers, churches, ministries, and mission organizations. Imagine the potential impact if we synergize our diverse gifts, resources, and competencies for the sake of the Gospel.

Collaboration needs intentionality

Psalm 133:1 celebrates how “good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” However, achieving physical unity requires intentional effort. It calls for “missional humility,” a posture acknowledging that God ultimately saves and transforms, not us. We witness God’s work by doing justice, loving mercy, and making disciples.

“Missional Saviorism”

The International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation (INFEMIT) cautions against “missional saviorism,” the mistaken belief that we are responsible for saving others. This mindset hinders genuine collaboration and overlooks broader concerns like justice, environmental stewardship, and social issues. Instead, we must recognize that we are merely witnesses to God’s transformative power.

Humble Service

Philippians 2:3 urges believers to act with humility, putting others above themselves. This spirit of unity and collaboration is essential for declaring and displaying Christ to the world. By setting aside egos and denominational boundaries and embracing the four components of collaboration, we can work together as one united Church.

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Dr. Zenet Maramara is the founder and president of the Christian Stewards, Philippines, and co-founder of Christians in Conversation, a Rocha-associated project. CSA promotes biblical stewardship, giving, and generosity. She served as chair of the Global Trust Partners and was a professor of biblical stewardship at the Asian Theological Seminary in Manila.