Lausanne Movement Podcast

Lausanne Movement
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The Lausanne Movement podcast brings you insights from a global community of Christian influencers to help advance the gospel, foster thriving churches, nurture Christlike leaders, and catalyse kingdom impact across all spheres of society.

  1. Dr. Chris Wright on the Greatest Obstacle to God's Mission | Cape Town 2010

    3D AGO

    Dr. Chris Wright on the Greatest Obstacle to God's Mission | Cape Town 2010

    What if the greatest obstacle to Global Mission isn’t persecution, secularism, or other religions—but the people of God themselves? In this prophetic message from the Third Lausanne Congress in Cape Town (2010), Dr. Chris Wright delivers a call to the global Church. Drawing from the sweeping narrative of Scripture, he argues that the greatest hindrance to God’s redemptive mission is not external resistance but internal idolatry among God’s own people. He names three seductive idols—power and pride, popularity and success, and wealth and greed—and calls the Church to radical repentance marked by humility, integrity, and simplicity. MAIN POINTS The greatest obstacle to God’s mission is not the world, but God’s own people. Idolatry remains the central threat to authentic Christian witness. Three seductive idols distort and corrupt Christian mission: Power and pride Popularity and success Wealth and greed Jesus himself resisted these same temptations in the wilderness. The Church must undergo ongoing reformation, beginning with repentance. There is no biblical mission without biblical living. The marks of Christlike mission are humility, integrity, and simplicity. Before we seek to change the world, we must return to the Lord ourselves. CALL TO ACTION After listening, take time to pray and reflect: Where might power, recognition, or comfort be shaping your ministry more than Christ? What would humility, integrity, and simplicity look like in your leadership? Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast and share this message with a ministry leader or team who needs this challenge. LAUSANNE MOVEMENT PODCAST ARCHIVE Theology and Mission: A Conversation with Dr. Chris Wright and Dr. Ivor Poobalan on The Lausanne Movement’s Theological Influence on Global Mission https://lausanne.org/podcast/theology-and-mission-a-conversation-with-dr-chris-wright-and-dr-ivor-poobalan-on-the-lausanne-movements-theological-influence-on-global-mission Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together: Dr. Patrick Fung on the Theme of the Fourth Lausanne Congress https://lausanne.org/podcast/let-the-church-declare-and-display-christ-together-dr-patrick-fung-on-the-theme-of-the-fourth-lausanne-congress Training Christlike Leaders for the Harvest https://lausanne.org/podcast/training-christlike-leaders-for-the-harvest GUEST BIO Dr. Christopher J. H. Wright is a missiologist, Anglican clergyman, and theologian, and one of the leading evangelical voices on the theology of mission and Scripture. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he holds a Ph.D. in Old Testament economic ethics from Cambridge University and has served in global theological education and leadership, including teaching at Union Biblical Seminary in India and serving as principal of All Nations Christian College in the UK. Dr. Wright currently serves as the Global Ambassador and Ministry Director of Langham Partnership International. He has written extensively on biblical theology and mission, including The Mission of God and Old Testament Ethics for the People of God. Within the Lausanne Movement, he chaired the Theology Working Group and played a pivotal role in developing the Cape Town Commitment at the Third Lausanne Congress in 2010.

    25 min
  2. Antoine Rutayisire on Wounded Nations, Wounded Healers | Cape Town 2010

    FEB 2

    Antoine Rutayisire on Wounded Nations, Wounded Healers | Cape Town 2010

    In this powerful talk from Cape Town 2010, Antoine Rutayishire reflects on reconciliation, healing, and the church’s role in mending nations broken by violence and division. Drawing on his experience from Rwanda’s tragic history and Christian renewal, Rutayishire reframes wounds not as weaknesses but as invitations to participate in Christ’s reconciling mission. 🔑 Main Points & Takeaways Wounded nations are not outside God’s mission—they are part of it. Even places of deep pain can become fertile ground for gospel transformation. Healing begins with honest engagement of both spiritual and historical wounds. The church must understand its own role in past failures to offer credible healing. Reconciliation integrates personal and communal restoration. Spiritual wounds reflect both individual brokenness and the collective scars of society. The “wounded healer” offers presence and empathy, not just answers. Authentic ministry flows from the experience of healing, not avoidance of pain. Global mission must carry rhythms of justice, mercy, and restoration. Gospel witness without reconciliation is incomplete. 📚 Podcast Archive — Related Episodes Here are links to episodes from the Lausanne Podcast Archive that relate to themes of reconciliation, mission in broken contexts, and the global Church’s role in healing:  From Genocide to Hope: Rebuilding Rwanda Through Healing and Reconciliation- https://lausanne.org/podcast/surviving-the-rwandan-genocide-josephine-munyelis-story-of-forgiveness-hope-god-on-the-move-podcast The Ministry of Reconciliation: Bridging Divides Between Israelis and Palestinians – Salim Munayer | https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-ministry-of-reconciliation-bridging-divides-between-israelis-and-palestinians-with-salim-munayer  🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned Related to this Talk Rediscovering the Gospel of Reconciliation – Advance Paper by Antoine Rutayisire | https://lausanne.org/content/rediscovering-the-gospel-of-reconciliation Lausanne Movement & Cape Town 2010 Context The Cape Town Commitment – A foundational statement of faith and mission emerging from the 2010 Congress. | https://lausanne.org/statement/ctcommitment Guest Bio: Rev. Canon Dr. Antoine Rutayisire is a Rwandan Anglican minister, theologian, and survivor of the 1994 genocide, widely known for his gospel-centered preaching and leadership in healing and reconciliation in Rwanda and beyond. He has served the church as a pastor and Bible teacher, contributed to Rwanda’s National Unity and Reconciliation efforts, and speaks and writes internationally about forgiveness, peacebuilding, and Christian discipleship.

    15 min
  3. Tim Keller on Why Cities Matter and How to Reach Them | Cape Town 2010

    JAN 19

    Tim Keller on Why Cities Matter and How to Reach Them | Cape Town 2010

    As cities continue to shape the future of culture, influence, and innovation, what does faithful gospel witness look like in an increasingly urban world? In this Lausanne Movement Podcast archive episode, we revisit two landmark talks by Tim Keller from the Third Lausanne Congress in Cape Town 2010. Keller first unpacks why cities matter so deeply for God’s mission, then offers a practical and theological framework for how the church can faithfully engage and reach them. Key Takeaways Why cities matter for mission: Cities are cultural, economic, and spiritual centers where global influence is formed. God’s heart for people: In cities, there is ‘more image of God per square inch than anywhere else in the world’. The church must follow the people: Urbanisation is accelerating faster than the church’s presence. Contextualised churches are essential: Effective urban ministry requires cultural sensitivity, patience, and adaptability. Faith and vocation must connect: Urban discipleship integrates faith with everyday work and public life. From churches to movements: Lasting impact comes through cooperation, prayer, justice, evangelism, and citywide gospel movements. Hope grounded in the gospel: Christ’s righteousness empowers believers to serve, pray for, and sacrificially love their cities. Call to Action If this episode encouraged or challenged you: Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast for more voices shaping global mission. Share this episode with church leaders, planters, and those passionate about cities. Explore Lausanne’s resources on cities, church planting, and urban mission at lausanne.org. About This Episode This episode is part of the Lausanne Movement Archive, featuring historic messages from key moments in the global mission movement. These two talks were originally delivered by Tim Keller at the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town (2010). Links & Resources Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization (Cape Town 2010) https://lausanne.org/cape-town-2010-the-third-lausanne-congress-on-world-evangelization Lausanne Issue Networks: Cities - https://lausanne.org/network/cities Church Planting - https://lausanne.org/network/church-planting Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive https://lausanne.org/podcast-series/lausanne-movement Tim Keller Bio: Timothy Keller (1950–2023) was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and a widely influential pastor, theologian, and author. Alongside his wife Kathy, he helped plant Redeemer in 1989 and later co-founded Redeemer City to City, which has supported the planting of more than 1,000 churches in over 150 cities worldwide. Keller authored 31 books, including The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, and The Meaning of Marriage.

    34 min
  4. The Apologetics of Christmas & the Church’s Evangelistic Opportunity with Amy Orr-Ewing

    12/15/2025

    The Apologetics of Christmas & the Church’s Evangelistic Opportunity with Amy Orr-Ewing

    Have we grown too familiar with the wonder of Christmas?   In this Advent conversation, Jason Watson is joined by theologian, author, and apologist Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing to explore why the incarnation is not only wondrous but reasonable—and why Christmas remains one of the church’s greatest evangelistic opportunities. From Mary’s courageous “yes” to the credibility of miracles and the cultural openness of Advent, this episode invites leaders and believers to rediscover the depth, wonder, and missional power of Christmas. Key Takeaways The Christmas story invites honest questions and skepticism rather than suppressing them The incarnation is presented in Scripture as extraordinary—but grounded in evidence and eyewitness testimony Mary’s voice in Luke’s Gospel reveals agency, consent, and profound theological insight Early Christians reframed—not compromised—culture to proclaim Christ as the Light of the World Advent creates unique spiritual openness marked by longing, memory, and reflection Christmas is not just a celebration—it’s a strategic moment for gospel proclamation Preachers and leaders are called to recover awe, not sentimentality, in telling the Christmas story If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a pastor, leader, or friend preparing for Advent. Consider how you might intentionally use the Christmas season this year to invite others to encounter Jesus. Links & Resources Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing – Website: https://www.amyorr-ewing.com/ Advocate Collective: https://www.advocate-collective.org/ Book: Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Rediscover the Wonder of Christmas - https://a.co/d/detPL9U  YouTube: Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing (apologetics resources, including an 8-part series on God and suffering) - https://www.youtube.com/@amyorr-ewing  Upcoming Book (Pre-order): Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear (releasing 2026) - https://a.co/d/g0Y4maN    Guest Bio: Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is an international author, speaker, and theologian who addresses the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian Faith. Travelling internationally, Amy is a regular speaker across university campuses, businesses, parliaments, churches, and conferences as well as on TV, radio, and podcasts. She is the author of multiple books, including ‘Where is God in All the Suffering?’ (runner-up Michael Ramsay Prize, 2023), bestselling ‘Why Trust the Bible?’ and ‘Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ.’

    48 min
  5. Jews for Jesus: Dan Sered on Messianic Jewish Identity, Evangelism & Peacemaking in Israel–Palestine

    12/08/2025

    Jews for Jesus: Dan Sered on Messianic Jewish Identity, Evangelism & Peacemaking in Israel–Palestine

    In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Dan Sered, Chief Operating Officer of Jews for Jesus and Lausanne Catalyst for Jewish Evangelism, shares his remarkable journey from a secular Jewish home in Israel to discovering Jesus as Messiah while studying in New York City. Jason and Dan explore the meaning of Messianic Jewish identity, how the gospel can be shared in culturally meaningful ways with Jewish people, and why peacemaking—not political partisanship—is the calling of every follower of Jesus. Dan also offers profound reflections on the Israel–Palestine conflict, the Church’s responsibility during times of polarization, and how Jewish and Gentile believers can together bear witness to the hope of the gospel. 🔑 Main Points — Key Takeaways Dan’s Journey to Faith: How discovering Yeshua (Jesus) through Old Testament prophecies transformed his life, calling, and understanding of Jewish identity. Messianic Identity Explained: The difference between Jewish ethnicity and Judaism as a religion, and why following Jesus does not erase Jewish identity. Contextualized Evangelism: Why Jews for Jesus prioritizes cultural understanding, deep relationships, and addressing the felt needs of each community they serve. Discipleship Begins Before Belief: Dan emphasizes that discipleship starts with presence, hospitality, and community—not after someone says “yes” to Jesus. What Messianic Jews Offer the Global Church: Insight into the Jewish roots of Christian faith, the “one new humanity,” and a renewed passion for evangelism. Responding to the Israel–Palestine Conflict: Dan urges Christians not to pick political sides but to embody Jesus’ way of peacemaking, compassion, and prayer for all who suffer—Israelis and Palestinians alike. Hope Amid Crisis: Despite devastation following October 7th, Dan shares surprising signs of gospel openness and why the Church must pray for salvation among both Jewish and Palestinian communities. 👉 Call to Action If this episode encouraged or challenged you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone interested in global mission, Jewish–Christian dialogue, or peacemaking. 🎧 Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive – Related Episodes 1. The Ministry of Reconciliation: Bridging Divides between Israelis and Palestinians — Salim Munayer 👉 https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-ministry-of-reconciliation-bridging-divides-between-israelis-and-palestinians-with-salim-munayer 2. Arab Women Transforming Theological Education — Grace Al-Zoughbi Arteen 👉 https://lausanne.org/podcast/arab-women-transforming-theological-education-with-grace-al-zoughbi-arteen 3. The Art of Preaching in Times of Crisis — Anne Zaki 👉 https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-art-of-preaching-in-times-of-crisis-anne-zaki-on-sharing-the-hope-of-christ-when-it-matters-most 🔗 Links & Resources Jews for Jesus-  https://jewsforjesus.org Lausanne Jewish Evangelism Network (LCJE) - https://www.lcje.net/ Lausanne Movement – Jewish Evangelism Issue Network - https://lausanne.org/network/jewish-evangelism Articles by Dan Sered on Jewish Festivals https://lausanne.org/about/blog/understanding-your-jewish-neighbour-yom-kippur http://lausanne.org/about/blog/understanding-your-jewish-neighbour-rosh-hashanah Dan Sered Bio: Born in Israel and raised in a secular Jewish home, Dan Sered came to faith in Jesus as a university student in the U.S. He and his wife Dinah joined Jews for Jesus and later returned to Israel to serve in ministry. Dan now serves as COO and Global Director of Jews for Jesus and is president of the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism.

    50 min
  6. Why Gen Z Is Being Called “The Open Generation” - and How Churches & Ministries Can Reach Them (with Jasper Rutherford)

    11/24/2025

    Why Gen Z Is Being Called “The Open Generation” - and How Churches & Ministries Can Reach Them (with Jasper Rutherford)

    Everyone says Gen Z is walking away from church. But growing research tells a very different story. Today’s teenagers are spiritually curious, surprisingly open, and eager for authentic relationships. The question is: are we ready to reach them? 📘 Episode Summary In this inspiring and deeply practical conversation, youth ministry leader and evangelist Jasper Rutherford shares why Gen Z is being described as The Open Generation and what this means for churches, pastors, and ministry leaders today. Drawing on his personal story of encountering Jesus amid violence, fatherlessness, and brokenness in Northern Ireland—and from 20 years of youth ministry and research across Europe—Jasper explains why young people today are remarkably open to faith, and how the church can meet them with authenticity, genuine relationships, and hope. 🔑 Main Points & Takeaways Gen Z is open to faith. Jasper unpacks Barna’s research on The Open Generation and why young people today are spiritually curious and receptive. Programs don’t reach youth—relationships do. Simple, authentic, consistent presence is more powerful than production or hype. Youth won’t just “walk in” anymore. Churches must go where young people are: schools, sports fields, community spaces, and relational environments. Don’t wait for crowds—start with two or three. Faithfulness with a few young people can spark multiplication. Discipleship must be lived, not lectured. Young people thrive when they are known, included, prayed for, and given real ways to serve. The church must rethink Sunday-centric models. Creating welcoming, relational environments beyond Sunday services is essential for new generations. God is already moving. Jasper shares stories of young people encountering Jesus unexpectedly, from YouTube videos to worship nights. 🙌 Call to Action If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a pastor, parent, or youth leader who cares about reaching the next generation. Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a rating or review, and explore more global mission resources at lausanne.org. 🎙 Related Episodes — Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive These episodes pair beautifully with today’s conversation on Gen Z and youth discipleship: Engaging & Mobilizing Gen Z for Christ — with Jordan Whitmer https://lausanne.org/podcast/engaging-mobilising-gen-z-for-christ-with-jordan-whitmer Discipling Digital Natives: Gen Z, Social Media & the Gospel — with Lucas Pegoraro https://lausanne.org/podcast/discipling-digital-natives-lucas-pegoraro-on-gen-z-social-media-and-the-gospel Bold Faith & Creative Evangelism: Reaching the Next Generation — with Luke Greenwood (Steiger International) https://lausanne.org/podcast/bold-faith-creative-evangelism-steigers-luke-greenwood-on-reaching-the-next-generation-in-todays-global-youth-culture 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned Christ in Youth (CIY Europe) — Youth ministry, research & resources: https://ciy.eu Barna Group: The Open Generation Report - https://www.barna.com/the-open-generation/ Finding Faith in Ireland (Barna + CIY research) - https://www.ciy.eu/assets/files/resources/finding_faith_in_ireland.pdf Jasper’s Email: jasper.rutherford@ciy.com

    57 min
  7. Church Planting & Revitalisation in Secular Europe: Oliver Ahlfeld on Relational Mission, Church Planting, and Hope for Germany

    11/10/2025

    Church Planting & Revitalisation in Secular Europe: Oliver Ahlfeld on Relational Mission, Church Planting, and Hope for Germany

    What does it look like to plant and renew churches in one of the most atheistic regions of the world? And how can relational mission bring new life to the church in Europe? In this episode, Jason Watson sits down with Oliver Ahlfeld, head of Church Planting and Revitalization for the Gnadauer Verband, Germany’s largest evangelical movement. Together, they explore how the gospel is taking root in secular spaces, what’s working in church planting across Europe, and how a relational lifestyle of faith is essential for revitalizing the church today. Oliver shares personal stories of transformation, practical lessons from revitalized congregations, and a hopeful vision for awakening in Germany and beyond. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Relational mission is the key challenge and opportunity — discipleship begins with open homes and open hearts. Church planting in secular spaces requires contextual creativity, from coffeehouse churches to “messy church” family gatherings. Revitalization starts small — even “five old ladies praying” can spark renewal. Collaboration across traditions matters — Pentecostals, pietists, and free churches are learning from one another through the M4 network. Simplify discipleship — cut fruitless programs and focus on relationships that bear gospel fruit. Hope for Europe — though traditional structures are declining, God is still at work awakening His church in Germany. 🎧 Related Episodes: Revival & Renewal: Seeking Awakening Among Europe’s Younger Generations with Sarah Breuel - https://lausanne.org/podcast/revival-renewal-seeking-awakening-among-europes-younger-generations-with-sarah-breuel Explore how God is stirring revival among the next generation in Europe and what it means to pursue prayerful renewal in a post-Christian context. **Pioneer Church Planting: Establishing Churches on the Frontlines (and Why Discipleship is the Ultimate Goal) with Ron Anderson -** https://lausanne.org/podcast/pioneer-church-planting-establishing-churches-on-the-frontlines-and-why-discipleship-is-the-ultimate-goal-with-ron-anderson Learn from pioneering church planters in Spain about long-term mission, discipleship, and leadership in secular societies. **Planting Churches, Transforming Cities with Guna Raman -** https://lausanne.org/podcast/planting-churches-transforming-cities-with-guna-raman Discover how church-planting movements in Asia’s major cities are transforming culture and equipping leaders for gospel impact in secular and urban environments. 📚 Links & Resources: Gnadauer Verband (Gnadauer Movement): https://www.gnadauer.de M4 Europe Church Planting Network: https://m4europe.com Joel Comiskey Group Resources on Cell Churches: https://joelcomiskeygroup.com Lausanne Movement Podcast: https://lausanne.org/podcast Guest Bio: Oliver Ahlfeld (born 1968) currently serves as Head of the Division for Church-Planting and Revitalisation at the Evangelischer Gnadauer Gemeinschaftsverband e.V. (Gnadauer Verband) where he coaches teams in urban and rural Germany in launching new faith communities and renewing existing congregations. His vocational journey—from plasterer, driver and welder, to youth-worker, teacher of religion and social-pedagogue—has given him a robust, cross-vocational insight into church-planting praxis. Since February 2020 he has been steering the movement of church-plants and revitalisation efforts in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond, helping leaders move from vision to actionable mission and vibrant community.

    51 min
  8. The Gospel in the City of Witchcraft: Ministry During Halloween in Salem with Steven and Sarah White

    10/27/2025

    The Gospel in the City of Witchcraft: Ministry During Halloween in Salem with Steven and Sarah White

    What does it mean to follow Jesus in a city famous for witchcraft? Pastor Steven and Sarah White share how their family and church bring the light of Christ into the heart of Salem, Massachusetts—especially during Halloween, when the streets overflow with spiritual seekers and darkness feels most tangible. ✨ Summary In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson sits down with Pastor Steven and Sarah White to explore what faithful discipleship looks like in one of America’s most spiritually charged cities. From prayer walks through the Satanic Temple to welcoming thousands of visitors during Halloween, the Whites describe how God is using gentle presence, prayer, and joy to advance the gospel in Salem. They also open up about the importance of rest, marriage, and raising children amid spiritual opposition—and how light truly shines brightest in the dark. 🔑 Main Points Called to Salem: How God led Steven and Sarah to pastor in the spiritual epicenter of witchcraft. Faith Over Fear: Learning to live and minister without fear, even in the midst of spiritual warfare. Halloween Outreach: Why their church turns on every light, welcomes thousands, and embodies Christ’s presence during Halloween. Power in Prayer: Insights from praying through Salem—including inside the Satanic Temple—and what it reveals about Christ’s authority. Transformation Story: A moving testimony of a man delivered from witchcraft who gave his life to Jesus and threw his cauldron into the ocean. Rooted in Christ: How daily rhythms of prayer, Sabbath rest, and Scripture sustain their family and ministry. Marriage & Mission: How the Whites protect their marriage and nurture joy together in a spiritually heavy environment. 🙏 Call to Action Pray for the city of Salem this October—that Christ’s light would pierce the darkness and draw many to Himself. Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast for more stories of global mission, discipleship, and hope. Leave a review and share this episode to help others discover how the gospel is advancing in unexpected places. 🔗 Links & Resources 📰 Steven White on Pastoring in a Spiritual Battleground 👥 Guest Bios Steven White has served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Salem (Massachusetts) since 2021, leading a congregation committed to embodying the gospel in its historic New England context. He holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology in Missiology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as well as a degree in Marketing from the University of Tennessee. Steven and his wife, Sarah, have two daughters. Sarah White has served with the Lausanne Movement since 2014, where she oversees operations and logistics for global gatherings and consultations. Before joining Lausanne, she worked in higher education administration for six years at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where she also earned her Master of Divinity. She currently resides in Massachusetts with her husband, Steven, and their two daughters.

    53 min
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The Lausanne Movement podcast brings you insights from a global community of Christian influencers to help advance the gospel, foster thriving churches, nurture Christlike leaders, and catalyse kingdom impact across all spheres of society.

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