There is no doubt, these global Christian leaders hold historic levers for the evangelization of the world. For JC2033, participating in such a gathering is the culmination of nearly 20 years of networking across all continents. It demonstrates our positioning within the upper echelons of key Christian actors. It seems that all these missions and denominations have shifted into third gear, with only seven years remaining until 2033.
Questions to David Drum, Ambassadors JC2033 in Arizona, present at this historical meeting.
1. Is there a particular topic that was discussed during the round table?
In addition to updates from everyone present about the progress of their 2033 initiatives, three topics were discussed in greater detail:
- What should happen in 2033 itself in terms of global gatherings?
- How do we measure progress toward the goal of finishing the task of the Great Commission so that every person alive has a genuine opportunity to respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- And what might the years 2030-2033 look like as momentum builds toward 2033?
2. Have decisions or commitments been made in connection with 2033?
A decision was made to pursue a conversation with Pope Leo XIV and a small representative group of evangelicals, especially given his recent announcement about the desire for a 2033 pilgrimage in Jerusalem.
The Lausanne Movement is scheduling a Fifth Congress for some time in 2030 to serve 2033 momentum.
And there was a strong reaffirmation from everyone that while we each have our own initiatives and work to pursue, we have a strong desire to collaborate for the sake of the Kingdom, particularly on the road to 2033.
Each one is offering their part to the whole.
3. How can we, JC2033, participate? What is our part to play?
There was a clear moment when Bob Doll (a well-known marketplace leader and on the board for both Movement Day and the Lausanne Movement) said,
“I hear all the great commitments regarding the Great Commission toward 2033. Who is planning the celebration?”
I believe JC2033 holds that part. Almost everyone is talking about unity and witness. We’re advocating a celebration of the Resurrection in every community on the planet.
4. What in particular stood out to you during this round table?
- Rick Warren summarized Finishing the Task as everyone everywhere having access to a Bible, a Believer, and a local Body of Christ.
- Billy Wilson repeatedly shared, “We aren’t preparing for revival. We’re in revival right now, especially among Gen Z.”
- Jennie Allen shared that despite the enemy having blinded people during this age, “Scales are going to fall off at a rapid pace (they already are), and this will be due to the Holy Spirit falling on us, not primarily due to our strategies (though our efforts in obedience do matter).”
- Mart Green and others pointed out the amazing milestones taking place all around us between translation of YouVersion and The Chosen into hundreds of languages and so many other efforts represented in the room.
5. Do you have an anecdote to share in connection with your meetings on site?
The passion in the room was palpable. Jesus taught and prayed that our unity, our love for one another, would lead the world to come to know who He is and how much God loves them. Everyone in the room is committed toward that goal. The opportunities for collaboration on a global scale are completely unprecedented, and it was the honor of a lifetime just to be in the room.
The mandate of JC2033 is clear, celebrations will occur at a national level, providing everyone the opportunity to joyfully bear witness to the Risen One who unites us.
Currently, the movement operates internationally, training and supporting leaders tasked with preparing the celebrations of the 2000th anniversary of Christ’s resurrection in their countries. These 2000 years belong to the body of Christ, and JC2033 is committed to facilitating this worldwide celebration.
The 2022 New York Commitment
A Call to the global church for a decade of Great Commission effort!
Recognizing the need for more than 8 billion individuals on earth to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ
Believing that God our Savior has provided the way of salvation for all people through the mediating work of His Son and that it is not His will that any should perish but that everyone should come to repentance
Responding to the commission of Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations, preaching the gospel to everyone in the power of the Holy Spirit
Approaching the 2000-year anniversary of Christ’s Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost,
We therefore unite to:
- Collaborate with one another toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission
- Pray for the salvation of our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and the people of the nations of the world
- Mobilize the followers of Jesus entrusted to our ministry and local churches in reaching every person on earth with His grace and truth
- Invest increased resources in evangelistic efforts especially for people who have never heard the gospel
- Go with the good news using every means available so that everyone has the opportunity to know Jesus Christ
We dedicate our lives to obeying Christ’s command and call on the global Church to join us in making the next ten years the greatest decade of Great Commission effort in history.
1 Timothy 2:3-6; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15
