Being a World Evangelical

Peirong Lin is a theologian and a human development professional. She has been the deputy secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance since March 2021, after serving as human resource director and research coordinator for WEA’s Theological Concerns Department. Peirong has studied in university institutions in three continents, and she holds a Ph.D. in theology and religious studies. Native to Singapore, Peirong grew up in a multicultural and religious context. She currently lives with her husband and sons in Niederkassel, Germany.

According to a recent Pew Research Center report, Christians are the largest migrant group globally, representing 47 percent of migrants. Why do you think that is? 

Christianity has the most adherents. Therefore, it should not be a surprise that Christians are the largest migrant group globally. However, the fact that it is proportionately more can be attributed to both networks Christians have outside their home country and the increasing unrest in the world. Networks are useful for finding jobs, furthering one’s education. At the same time, with the increased volatility in the world, people move to escape religious persecution and/or to live among people who hold similar religious beliefs. 

What are the opportunities and challenges of being a Christian migrant in Europe, personally and collectively?

People travel to Europe in search for a better life. Generally speaking, they look for jobs, get an education, join family members or seek protection from persecution. Statistics show that since 2015 migration in Europe has increased by 15 percent, with 87 million international migrants living in Europe. 

At the same time, being out of the country also presents itself with challenges. As migrants, the feeling of “othering” can be acute. Moreover, recent world events have spotlighted underlying tensions of racism and decolonization, especially when migrants come from countries that were ex-colonies. The loss of structure and cultural norms that one is used to can also result in an identity crisis. 

How do migrants respond to the God who sent Jesus as a migrant?

The perspective of Jesus as a migrant can be particularly useful. Jesus had no place to lay his head (Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58). Sent by God the Father, Jesus came to earth and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14). From his birth to his itinerant ministry, his life journey reflected the challenges of being a migrant. 

Following in God’s example, we are sent with the Holy Spirit to live in this foreign land. We are strangers and sojourners in the present world. Our response to the world involves first accepting where we are and recognizing that our actions should first and foremost reflect our identity as a follower of Christ. This involves obeying him and growing in his grace and knowledge (Hebrews 12:1–2; Colossians 3:1–3), from which love and service flow naturally (2 Peter 3:18; 1 John 4:7).

The imagery of a pilgrim can also be useful. While a pilgrim moves from one place to the other, this movement is first and foremost a result of following Jesus, responding to “the necessity of their destiny in God.” The pilgrim’s focus on God transcends locations and becomes the driving force to influence society for good. 

How do world Christians prioritize relationality?

Relationality is prioritized through the practice of hospitality. Hospitality is inclusive and makes space for the stranger. This happens both ways. Even a migrant can be hospitable to one’s European hosts. One way that this can happen is through taking each person seriously, refusing negative stereotypes of the other. This involves keeping an open mind and making space for new encounters. 

How can we be intentional in building unity in our communities and globally? 

This kingdom of God invites an active response from all. First, intentionality involves prioritizing God’s mission individually and collectively wherever we are called to work together and not parallel of each other. One way people can work together is through participating in broader networks. This includes making oneself available for different opportunities, even if they might be less than ideal.

Responding to God’s mission also involves intentionality in the way we relate to each other. As Jesus sums up the law to loving him and loving neighbor, our relationship with the other needs to be done through sincere engagement. This is as important as the activity itself. Our posture should be characterized by the self-giving love modeled by Christ. Instead of relying on one’s ability to fully influence the situation, it trusts in the power of the Holy Spirit in the surprising ways in which God calls God’s people to encounter himself and other.

As a senior leader in the World Evangelical Alliance, how have you seen evangelicals across the world work together to have collective impact?  

As evangelicals, our collective impact is rooted in the good news of Jesus Christ and the understanding of the kingdom of God. In my role, I have seen evangelicals working together for missions, evangelism, Bible translation, advocacy for religious freedom, crisis and relief situations. It is amazing to see what can be accomplished when individuals work together for a common purpose.

Listen to Daniel Yang share his family's refugee story

Peirong Lin is a theologian and a human development professional. She has been the World Evangelical Alliance deputy secretary general for operations since March 2021. Prior to being the deputy, she was the human resource director and research coordinator for the World Evangelical Alliance’s Department for Theological Concerns. Native to Singapore, Lin grew up in a multicultural and religious context. She is the author of “Countering Mission Drift in a Faith-based Organization: An Interdisciplinary Theological Interpretation Focused on the Case Study of World Vision’s Identity.” Lin holds a Ph.D. in theology and religious studies.