The 2015 World Olivet Assembly General Assembly was held from October 29 through the 31 in New York. The theme this year was taken from Acts 20:28, "Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
Rev. Joao Cardoso prayed for the commencement of the General Assembly by giving thanks to God who called everyone to come together as a family. He prayed that everyone can remember the great faith and love the Lord has shown. He also asked that the ministries to be instruments that are used to do the work of the Lord in caring for the poor, sick, and broken in the world.
"Help us to go towards this vision and be passionate. May your Holy Spirit come and change our heart and thoughts. Allow us to have this optimism and joy, and this hope that is present and does not disappoint us," said Rev. Cardoso.
Dr. Rob Brynjolfson, the director of the World Evangelical Alliance Leadership Institute, gave a very informative and analytical presentation on the topic of leadership. As the role of a guest speaker, Dr. Bryonjolfson was able to deliver the presentation with not only his personal experience in the field of mission work but also his thorough research in regards to effective forms of leadership.
The speaker carefully pointed to the life of Jesus, and the models of education He employed in His ministry alongside and with the disciples. Indeed it is accepted and understood what Jesus' role was in salvation and sacrificing Himself for humanity. But how often is Jesus' purpose to raise disciples and leaders to carry on the work of the Kingdom of Heaven when He was done? Dr. Brynjolfson raises this very critical aspect to challenge the understanding of modern education. Jesus very well understood the concept of a classroom and formal education is His day and age, but rather chose a radical and unique approach to raising His disciples. They lived with Him 24/7 and were changed through directly experiencing His life and teachings.
The representatives of international ministries delivered presentations to introduce to all leaders in the General Assembly about who they are, what they are doing, and where they are going. A total of 12 ministries of WOA shared about their ministry in short and creative presentations.
Ministries gathered both by region and specialization to discuss their agendas and topics of discussion. The conferences facilitated discussion on concerns and suggestions for the coming years. Each ministry and region passed resolutions pertaining to goals and programs for 2016 and presented them to the general caucus on the last day of the General Assembly.
During the closing service, Rev. David Jang delivered the sermon from 1 Peter 2:9. He emphasized God doesn't give what is already built and nice. He alluded to the story of Noah who was commanded to build what was difficult. This heart of Noah needs to be adopted by the church to truly invest in building the kingdom of God.
In closing prayer, Rev. Jang called all ministers to grasp the future and go towards God's will, realizing that God is holding and sustaining His people.