World evangelicals in Guatemala

This morning I went to a Forum organised by the Guatemalan delegation for the Third Lausanne Congress for World Evangelization. The Congress was held in Cape Town, South Africa last month. Today the delegation shared their reflections and feedback with other leaders and pastors as we considered the implications for the church in Guatemala. It was really encouraging to hear Guatemalan pastors recognise the need to focus on discipleship, and in deepening the understanding and faith of Guatemalan Christians.
Another theme that many of the delegates mentioned was that of 'Integrality'. That's in terms of the local church understanding its' mission to reach those 'unreached' people in their own communities, not just in far off countries. And its in confronting the complete (spiritual, emotional, social, physical) needs of their own communities rather than preaching a limited (and weak) gospel of individual salvation.
Another issue was unity in the national church, which is a huge counter cultural challenge. In Guatemala the common style of leadership is one of 'strong' one man show, with no room for discussion or disagreement. For churches and leaders to work in real unity, requires leaving aside personal ambitions and agendas in order to work behind a common goal.
Although there are huge challenges in the church in Guatemala, it's really encouraging to see leaders recognising the issues, and working out ways to address them.