The goal of Japan YLG is to connect diverse younger leaders in Japan, seek humility in Christ, and build genuine friendships that serve as the foundation for genuine mission collaboration. The vision of YLG Japan is not just to hold a one-time conference but to foster a movement to change the "culture" of leadership among the young Christian generation in Japan.
Leadership in the Lausanne Movement is not about accomplishments or titles, but rather about the maturity of character such as "the humility in Christ" and "spiritual influence." At Japan YLG, younger leaders will first learn to die to their egos, take up their cross every day, and dedicate themselves to following Christ (Luke 9:23). Furthermore, through the humility of Christ (Philippians 2:3-5), we aim to build genuine friendships in which we listen to each other, learn from each other, and share both joy and pain, regardless of differences in occupations or theologies. This friendship is the friendship of Christ, a love so great that he would lay down his life for his friend (John 15:13). We believe that when Christ transforms evangelization from "competition" to "collaboration," the kingdom of God will further expand.
Praise God - Nearly 400 leaders have already registered with Japan YLG, such as local pastors, missionaries, campus ministers, businessmen, medical professionals, seminary professors, housewives etc. On top of the younger leaders from Gen Z and Millennials, 40 diverse mentors from Gen X and Boomer are also gathering to walk alongside them - such as Presidents of seminaries, mission agencies, campus ministries, professors from Christian and secular universities, Christian business owners, artists, and medical doctors. In a highly aging country where pastors under age 40 are only 0.2%, we hope and pray that God uses this historic, intergenerational gathering to initiate a mission movement of younger leaders by connecting them and cultivating a culture of biblical leadership.
The only issue that younger Christian leaders are financially struggling is that many of them cannot afford the participation fee of $250. It is because Christianity is quite small in Japan (less than 1% Christian, the average size of the church is around 20). In light of this context, we are raising funds for operational expenses and scholarships in total of $20,000.
We hope and pray that Japan YLG will serve as a catalyst and make a significant impact on the Japan mission for the next 10 years. Please prayerfully consider supporting younger leaders and Japan YLG as they are the future of the church in Japan.
