The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) concluded its 14th General Assembly

WEA 2025 Closing Ceremony
 Sharon Chan

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) concluded its 14th General Assembly on October 31, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea, with 850 delegates from 124 countries.

Godfrey Yogarajah, newly elected chair of the International Council, called the gathering “a landmark moment for the global evangelical community,” expressing gratitude by saying, “First and foremost, I thank our Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us to this task and entrusted us with the mission to make disciples of all nations.”

WEA 2025 Closing Ceremony
Godfrey Yogarajah, newly elected chair of the International Council of WEA spoke at the closing ceremony. Gospel Herald / Sharon Chan

Highlighting the alliance’s future direction, he stated, “We are called to strengthen existing alliances and establish new ones, so the whole body of Christ may be equipped and mobilized for the gospel.” Yogarajah underscored the need for humility and unity in leadership, emphasizing the commitment to advancing God’s kingdom through global partnership.

Yogarajah also noted the significant growth in evangelical numbers—from about 140 million to 161 million since the last assembly—observing, “I think we need to celebrate that,” and expressing hope that this assembly would “launch us to the next dimension of the WEA.” He highlighted Asia’s pivotal role, saying, “Asia, with its rich heritage and evangelical growth, is privileged to host this meeting. Together, we stand united in faith and vision, deepening fellowship, and extending Christ’s love worldwide.” He acknowledged the Korean hosts, praising the local church partnerships’ contributions to the event’s success.

Rev. Botrus Mansour, appointed Secretary General and CEO, shared his perspective as a Palestinian Christian from Israel, calling the role “special, especially at this time.” He emphasized that “only the gospel of Jesus Christ can meet the world’s deepest needs” amid cultural and social unrest and called on evangelicals to reclaim their identity as “bearers of good news to the whole world,” noting the politicization of the term “evangelical.”

WEA 2025 Closing Ceremony
 Gospel Herald / Sharon Chan

The assembly unveiled a strategic vision built on three biblical pillars. On the first pillar, unity, Mansour cited Ephesians 2:14: “For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.” He also referenced John 17:21–23, quoting Jesus’s prayer: “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you... so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Mansour said, “Despite our diversity in culture, ethnicity, and language, the global evangelical family shares one spirit and one core mission. We are called to rise to the level of Jesus’s prayer for oneness.”

The second pillar focused on evangelism, with Mansour outlining efforts to empower national and regional alliances supporting local churches. He set 2033—the 2,000-year anniversary of Pentecost—as a symbolic milestone for united gospel outreach. He stated, “We want to reclaim the name evangelical as the bearers of good news, not as a politicized label but as it was originally intended.”

The third pillar highlighted holistic ministry, drawing from Luke 4:18–19, in which Jesus proclaims His mission “to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Mansour explained that gospel impact must extend beyond proclamation to include mercy, justice, and reconciliation in all areas of life.

Concluding the assembly were symbolic acts of worship, including a presentation of the painting “Last Supper with 12 Tribes,” representing inclusivity at the Lord’s Table. Pastor Rick Warren led communion, calling it spiritual “fuel” for fulfilling the Great Commission. His teaching included self-examination, remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, receiving forgiveness, recognizing unity, and reaffirming mission.

Leaders and representatives of churches from different countries and with different skin colors received the bread and the cup together, symbolizing a renewed connection within the Lord’s body.

The WEA's new general secretary, Rev. Botrus Mansour, together with the Chair of the International Committee, Godfrey Yogarajah; and the newly elected members of the International Council came on stage to receive the prayers and blessings of the evangelical delegates. The leadership transition was completed, bringing the conference to a solemn close.

WEA 2025 Closing Ceremony
 Gospel Herald / Sharon Chan