[10th CCOWE] Rick Warren Calls for Global Church Unity at Closing of 10th CCOWE Conference

Saddleback Church founder tells global Chinese leaders that cross-organizational collaboration is essential to fulfilling the Great Commission.
By Li Yao
Rev. Rick Warren
Rev. Rick Warren shares a message via video during the closing ceremony. | CCOWE Livestream Screenshot

The Rev. Rick Warren called on global Chinese churches to unite in fulfilling the Great Commission, telling leaders that no single church or organization can complete the task alone during a video address at the closing ceremony of the 10th Chinese Congress on World Evangelization (CCCOWE).

Warren, founder of Saddleback Church in California and executive director of Finishing the Task, delivered the message, titled "The Power of Collaboration," as the five-day gathering concluded in Malaysia on July 24.

In his address, Warren noted that Jesus repeated his final mandate five times prior to his ascension, underscoring its role as the central priority for the global Church.

"It will take all of the church, in all of its expressions, to reach all people, in all places, with all the gospel, all for God's glory," Warren said.

'Unity of Mission' Over Uniformity

Addressing the nature of Christian fellowship, Warren clarified that unity does not require structural or doctrinal uniformity. He noted that God’s creation of distinct individuals demonstrates a love for diversity, meaning rigid standardization is not the divine intent.

Instead, Warren defined true unity as a "unity of mission"—a shared commitment to the Great Commission. Citing First Corinthians, he emphasized that mutual support within the Body of Christ is a biblical command rather than an optional strategy, applying equally to individual believers, denominations, mission agencies, and Christian-owned businesses.

Biblical Foundations and Historical Lessons

Drawing from the Gospel of John, Warren outlined five biblical foundations for unity among believers:

  • Evidence of Salvation: Mutual love and collaboration serve as tangible proof of discipleship.

  • The Trinitarian Model: The relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit represents the supreme model of unity.

  • Jesus' Final Prayer: In John 17, Jesus explicitly prayed for his followers to be one, warning against isolated ministry.

  • Manifesting God's Glory: Believers are granted divine glory specifically to foster unity.

  • A Witness to Unbelievers: The world will recognize Christ through the visible unity of his followers.

Warren also cited historical research analyzing 700 denominational efforts to fulfill the Great Commission, noting that most failures stemmed from a lack of collaboration and a failure to mobilize laypeople within local congregations.

Echoing his late mentor, the evangelist Billy Graham, Warren noted that division remains the single greatest barrier to global evangelism.

"Division destroys vision, but collaboration builds it," Warren said.

In his closing blessing, Warren praised the global CCOWE movement for its ongoing contribution to the broader Church, expressing hope that the 10th conference would spur lasting global partnerships to lead non-believers to Christ.

Top Stories