WEA Mobilizes Global Church for ‘Gospel for Everyone by 2033’
SEOUL, South Korea – Leaders from the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) convened in Seoul this week, reaffirming a commitment to global evangelization with a goal of reaching every person with the Gospel by 2033. The gathering, which concluded on October 31, 2025, brought together representatives from 161 nations, signaling a significant shift in the demographics of the global evangelical movement.
The assembly at Sarang Church featured a parade of flags representing the WEA’s member nations, underscoring the organization’s increasingly diverse composition. Since its 2019 meeting in Indonesia, the WEA has expanded its membership by 27 countries, with substantial growth coming from Africa, Asia, and Central Asia. According to recent data, approximately 70% of the world’s evangelicals now reside in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
This demographic shift is also reflected in the changing patterns of missionary work. Traditionally, missionaries originated from Western nations, but in recent years, evangelization efforts have increasingly emanated from Asia. South Korea, once a recipient of missionary activity, has emerged as the world’s second-largest sender of missionaries, demonstrating this reversal.
The 2033 target date is significant as it will mark 2,000 years since the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the issuing of the Great Commission. WEA Executive Chair Dr. Goodwill Shana emphasized the importance of focusing on Asia, stating, “What hit me strongly is 60% of the world’s population is here in Asia. We have the largest Muslim nation here in Asia, largest Hindu and other religions here in Asia. When we say everyone, 60% of everyone is here and so we need to be thinking and praying for Asia a lot more.”
The General Assembly also addressed the need for greater inclusivity within the evangelical community. Cinthia Hieber, president and CEO of the Paraguayan Stuttering Association, appealed to the WEA to expand its outreach to people with disabilities. Sharing her personal experience with a speech impediment, Hieber advocated for churches to develop into more welcoming and accessible spaces for individuals with diverse needs, urging training for church members on how to interact with and support those with various conditions, including Down Syndrome.
Beyond internal discussions, the WEA reported a recent breakthrough in Qatar, where the government granted 4.6 acres of land to the Evangelical Churches Alliance Qatar for the construction of a worship center. This development represents a significant step forward for the evangelical community in the Muslim-majority nation.
The assembly concluded with a traditional Korean style of worship and prayer, leaving the WEA poised to continue its global mission. The transition to a recent International Council and the appointment of a new Secretary General, Attorney Botrus Mansour, were also key components of the assembly, marking a new chapter for the organization.