The Arise Leadership Summit, a four-day gathering aimed at mobilizing a new generation of Asian Christian leaders for global missions, opened Monday in Indonesia with vibrant cultural celebrations, worship, and a keynote address focused on Asia’s emerging role as a mission force.
The summit, running from July 28 to 31, has brought together around 300 participants from 22 countries across Asia and beyond. The attendees include young Christian leaders - from church leaders to pastors, from youth ministry leaders to ministry, mission and network leaders - as well as seasoned Christian leaders committed to mentoring the next generation.
Organized by Arise Asia, a missions movement launched in 2023, the summit follows the theme: “Locally Rooted, Globally Connected – Go Where There Is No Gospel.” It is inspired by Arise Asia's aim “to inspire young adults across Asia and beyond to take the gospel where it has never been heard.”
The opening session began with a flag ceremony, as one representative from each participating country processed to the front carrying their national flag. The ceremony was followed by Indonesian cultural dance performances, a time of worship, and greetings from local Christian leaders, who welcomed delegates and encouraged regional collaboration in missions.
Gen Z and Asia’s shift to a mission force
The evening’s keynote speech was delivered by Rev. Dr. David Ro, co-founder and executive director of Arise Asia. He challenged the assumption that Gen Z is disengaged or disinterested in long-term commitment. Instead, he described the younger generation as deeply cause-oriented and spiritually receptive.
“There is something unique about Gen Z,” Ro said. “They are not afraid to sacrifice for a cause. And missions—bringing the gospel where Christ is not known—is a cause worth living and even dying for.”
Ro emphasized that many Asian churches are no longer just recipients of missionary work but are increasingly becoming senders of missionaries. “Asia is moving from being a mission field to a mission force,” he said, urging churches to take ownership of the Great Commission and mobilize their young people for cross-cultural service.
He called on delegates to pursue both visible leadership and unseen spiritual maturity, reminding them that successful ministry is not only about public influence but also private integrity. “Platforms are what the world sees. Pathways are what God sees,” he said.
Momentum for mission
Ro also shared the story of Arise Asia’s rapid development over the past few years. After its official launch in 2023 with an inaugural congress in Bangkok that drew nearly 1,800 participants, the movement has continued to expand across the region through training, prayer gatherings, and partnerships.
The summit in Indonesia marks a continuation of that momentum, with a program featuring plenary sessions, workshops, worship, and prayer over the coming days. It is designed to foster collaboration across national, denominational, and generational lines while reinforcing a shared commitment to reaching unreached peoples.
Organizers say the ultimate goal is not just inspiration but transformation—raising up a generation of leaders who will carry the gospel beyond their borders.
“This is more than an event,” Ro said. “It is a movement of God through the Asian church, for the nations.”
