First International Congress on World Evangelization (Lausanne 1974)
Global evangelical congress that produced the Lausanne Covenant
The Lausanne Congress gathered 2,700 evangelical leaders from over 150 nations, convened by Billy Graham and shaped by Anglican theologian John Stott, to establish a unified global charter for world mission. The resulting *Lausanne Covenant* affirmed the inspiration and authority of Scripture, the uniqueness of Christ, and the inseparable link between evangelism and social justice/compassion.
Historical Context & Significance
Lausanne represented the coming of age of Majority World (Global South) evangelical leadership, shifting mission strategy toward 'unreached people groups' (Ralph Winter) and contextualized theological reflection.
Genealogical Lineage & Splits
This movement or council is an early root foundation with no preceding parent split in the dataset.
Theological & Hermeneutical Coordinates
Primary Scripture Proof-Texts
Key biblical passages central to this tradition's exegesis and historical debates.
Connected Theological Perspectives & Debates
Unanimous Christian consensus that corporate vocal praise of psalms, canticles, and spiritual songs with gratitude in the heart to God is an indispensable element of Christian worship.
Universal confession that Jesus Christ is the supreme Head of the Church, and that local congregations require pastoral leadership, godly teaching, and spiritual oversight.
Universal confession that the Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes spiritual gifts to the body of Christ for mutual edification and fruitfulness.
Universal historic creedal consensus that Jesus Christ will return bodily in glory to judge the living and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.
Universal confession that the Holy Spirit indwells every true Christian and empowers the church to bear witness to Jesus Christ.
Universal Christian confession that Holy Scripture is divinely inspired, supremely authoritative, and completely trustworthy for knowing God and receiving salvation.
Universal confession that Gentiles are grafted into the covenant promises through faith in Jesus Christ, the true Seed of Abraham.
Universal confession that adult converts from paganism or unbelief must make a conscious profession of repentance and faith before receiving baptism.
Universal confession that the church is called to holiness and that persistent, unrepentant scandalous sin requires pastoral confrontation and correction.