Published on September 12, 2024, 12:58 am

Image source: Fox News

“Any entity that is not expanding will gradually deteriorate,” states Bambang Budijanto, the general secretary of the Asia Evangelical Alliance (AEA), signifying the present day challenges faced by the Church in Asia. Post AEA’s 11th General Assembly in Mongolia, Budijanto along with other Asian pioneers have expounded their thoughts on possible solutions. These revolve around repentance, elevating discipleship within families and genuinely facilitating younger leaders to partake in God’s mission.

The assembly had about 200 Christian leaders from national Evangelical Alliances across the region gathered under the theme “Disciple or Die.” This stark choice of wording accentuates the dynamic quality of faith and spiritual growth. “Faith originates from hearing God’s word but fostering spiritual growth necessitates helping others mature in Christ (discipleship). As we help others expand their faith, our own grows; if we neglect this last command of Jesus Christ, spiritual death becomes inevitable,” Budijanto highlights.

Emphasizing that “holistic discipleship is the only strategy that Jesus gave to fulfil its objective on Earth as Kingdom of God”, Budijanto iterates that there are no compromises. The repercussion for a church non-committal towards fulfilling its aim through discipleship is slow decay.

Findings from a study carried out by Barna Research Group in 2015 showed only 20% participation rate among Christians in America in any form of discipleship activity while another survey by Bilangan Research Center found a mere 37% engagement rate amongst Indonesians. This limited involvement contributes to “the Church’s slow decay”, remarks Budijanto.

Promoting active attention towards discipleship as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20—The Great Commission—is perceived as essential for personal spiritual growth and thriving Christian communities capable of transforming societies.

Imparting leadership responsibilities and opportunities to younger generations is also critically important, suggests Sanya Ladaphongpattana from Thailand. He points out a common crisis in leadership across Asian countries that culminates in reduced youth participation in churches.

“The young aspire to see true role models, servant leaders of impeccable character. They wish to lead and serve through discipleship, take risks and grow,” he emphasizes. Echoing similar sentiments, Rei Crizaldo from the Philippines, highlights the importance of involving the younger generation early on as partners in leadership.

Family units were identified by several leaders as highly influential assets for imparting discipleship principles. “The ministry begins at home—this is where faith is nurtured, values are taught and future generations prepared to carry forward the gospel,” opines John P. Mridha from Bangladesh.

This focus on effective disciple-making coupled with sound theology becomes more poignant considering current generational changes that exhibit decreased interest towards traditional Christian practices like weekend church services.

Furthermore, issues like domestic abuse and addiction prevalent in Christian households along with societal problems targeting the next generation impede spiritual development unless addressed through intentional family discipleship.

Recognizing these hurdles within the Church today, Budijanto remains hopeful about possible reformation if there is confluence between older and younger generations following Jesus Christ through intergenerational discipleship movements.

“Anticipating revival – mission movements, prayer movements, discipleship movements sweeping across Asia in coming years,” Budijanto exclaims.