Lausanne Movement Podcast

From Insight to Intercession | Jason Mandryk on Global Trends, Strategic Intercession, and the Future of the Church

The global Church is changing—but are our prayers keeping up with its needs?
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Mandryk, editor of Operation World, joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on the role of strategic, Spirit-led intercession in the age of global change. From his personal calling into prayer mobilization to the intersection of data, mission, and worship, Jason helps us reimagine prayer not as an obligation but as a joyful, global act of partnership with God.
We explore current global trends shaping the Church, the challenges of Western influence, and why now more than ever, believers must pray with insight.
 
🔑 Main Takeaways
Prayer as Calling and Delight
Jason shares how God called him into a unique blend of prayer, research, and mission—and why prayer is meant to be joyful, not burdensome.
The Story and Purpose of Operation World
Learn how this powerful prayer tool was birthed in Southern Africa, and how it continues to mobilize believers to pray with focus for every nation on earth.
Why Data Matters for Intercession
Jason unpacks how information doesn’t replace prayer—it fuels it. When we understand the world, we can pray with greater clarity and compassion.
Global Trends Every Christian Should Watch
From the growth of the Majority World Church to the rise of hyper-politicized Christianity in the West, Jason highlights trends shaping the Church’s effectiveness.
Decolonizing Mission and Sharing Ownership
Jason calls for a shift in how Western churches relate to the rest of the world—not as controllers, but as co-laborers learning from others.
🔗 Links & Resources
🌐 Operation World – operationworld.org
(includes contact form to connect with Jason or get the prayer Zoom link)
📱 Operation World App – Available in app stores, free and updated annually
🔍 International Prayer Connect – ipcprayer.org
A global hub for prayer movements and initiatives
📘 Books & Authors Mentioned
Missions and Money by Dr. Jonathan Bonk
Shaped for Prayer Enjoyment by David Macmillan
Dominion by Tom Holland
Reflections from Dallas Willard and Andrew Murray
📊 Missions Research – justinlong.org - Mission trends and prayer intelligence
🧭 Lausanne’s State of the Great Commission Report - Includes Jason’s paper on Global Aging - https://lausanne.org/report/demographics/global-aging-population
 
Guest BioJason Mandryk is the author of the 7th edition of Operation World and helps to lead the Operation World team. He has been serving at the convergence point of the mission, research, and prayer movements for most of the last 25 years. Using data and Scripture to mobilize prayer and mission is his passion. A Canadian/UK dual citizen, Jason has an M.A. in Global Christian Studies from Providence Theological Seminary and currently lives in Seoul, South Korea.

Redeeming Local Arts for Kingdom Witness: Héber Negrão on Ethnodoxology and the Mission of God

The gospel was never meant to silence culture, but to redeem it.
Learn how contextual worship and indigenous art are helping every people group declare the glory of God in their own voice.
In this episode, Jason Watson speaks with Heber Negrão—missionary, scholar, and global voice in ethnodoxology—about how the arts can serve the Church’s mission by connecting the gospel to the cultural heart of every people group. Drawing from years of field experience among indigenous communities in Brazil and global training contexts, Heber unpacks how local art forms can be reclaimed to witness to Christ in ways that are deeply meaningful and biblically faithful.
 
📌 Main Points & Takeaways
What is Ethnodoxology?
A field of mission that empowers believers to worship and proclaim Christ using their own artistic and cultural expressions.
Worship that Belongs
Imported worship styles often feel disconnected. Heber explains how contextualized worship allows communities to own their praise of God.
Critical Contextualization
Local arts must be evaluated biblically, and Heber shares a practical framework for what to accept, adapt, or transform.
Art as Gospel Communication
In oral cultures, art is often the most effective medium for theology, storytelling, and spiritual formation.
From Decoration to Declaration
The arts aren’t just a supplement to mission—they are a strategy for gospel proclamation and deep discipleship.
 
If this episode inspired you to rethink the role of culture and creativity in mission, share it with a worship leader, missionary, or artist in your community. Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast and visit the links below to explore how the arts can serve the Church’s global calling.
 
📚 Links & Resources
📄 Articles
What is Ethnodoxology?
Ethnodoxology’s Time is Here – Lausanne Global Analysis
The Arts Are Not a Universal Language – Lausanne Global Analysis
Visual Affect as Validation of Truth – Lausanne Global Report
📘 Resources
Ethnodoxology Handbook & Manual
Evangelical Missions Quarterly: Arts in Missions Issue
 
Guest Bio:
Héber Negrão is a missionary ethnomusicologist serving at the Evangelical Missionary Linguistic Association (Brazil). He is a member of the Global Ethnodoxology Network and the Arts Task Force of the WEA Mission Commission. He has worked with oral Bible translation for six years among indigenous people in northern Brazil.
Héber holds an MA in ethnomusicology and is a  PhD candidate in world arts at Dallas International University. He has been involved in the ethnoarts ministry in Brazil since 2006. His passion is to see every person praising God using their own arts in a culturally appropriate way.
In 2016, Héber participated in Lausanne’s Young Leaders Gathering in Jakarta. After that, he joined the Lausanne Communications Team as a volunteer, and in 2020, he joined Lausanne’s staff as online language coordinator.
Héber is married to Sophia, and they have 2 young kids.

Missional Insights from East Asia: Seth Kim on Mobilizing the Next Generation, Contextualisation, and Uniting the Church for Global Mission

How is God moving in East Asia? 
 
📖 Summary:
In this episode of the podcast, Seth Kim, a Lausanne Regional Director for East Asia, shares strategic insights on how churches are reaching their cities, cultures, and nations through innovative mission. From mobilizing youth and developing leaders, to contextualizing the gospel and fostering collaboration, Seth paints a powerful picture of what it looks like to pursue the Great Commission in a rapidly changing region.
🙏 Call to Action:
Be encouraged—and challenged—by how God is moving in East Asia. Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend or mission leader. Visit lausanne.org to learn how you can partner with the global church in this generation.
📚 Links & Resources
Arise Asia – Official Website - https://www.ariseasia.org/
Lausanne Movement – East Asia - https://lausanne.org/network/east-asia
Lausanne’s State of the Great Commission report - https://lausanne.org/report/east-asia
Guest Bio:
Seth was born in Seoul and lives in Asia and the USA. He has been awarded degrees from the University of Illinois, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As a pastor, speaker, leadership educator, church planter, mobilizer, and spiritual trainer, Seth is passionate about the next generation, church planting, missions, and leadership to see lives and the world transformed.
He and his wife founded Harvest Mission Community Church (HMCC) in 1996. He is currently the lead pastor of HMCC in Hong Kong. Seth travels extensively working with churches and organizations to train and equip young people to catalyze gospel movements in global cities.
Seth is the co-founder and vice-president of Arise Asia. He is also on leadership teams of Church Planting and Multiplication (CPX), Movement Day, and the NXT Move Global.
We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

Recovering the Heart of Evangelism: Des Henry on Proclamation, Discipleship, and the Spirit’s Power in the Church

What if the Church’s evangelistic crisis isn’t about culture—but about conviction? And what if the way forward isn’t more methods, but deeper surrender?
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Dr. Desmond Henry, Lausanne catalyst for proclamation evangelism and International Director of the Global Network of Evangelists for Palau, joins us for a compelling conversation on why evangelism often feels sidelined in today’s church—and why it must remain central to God’s mission. He shares insights on the tensions, misunderstandings, and future of evangelism, and challenges ministry leaders to embrace a Spirit-empowered lifestyle of gospel witness.
If this episode challenged and encouraged you, share it with someone who’s passionate about mission and leadership. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and explore more resources at lausanne.org.
 
📚 Links & Resources
Palau Association - https://www.palau.org/
Lausanne Global Classroom: Proclamation Evangelism - https://lausanne.org/global-classroom/proclamation-evangelism
Advance Groups (Mentoring Guide for Evangelists) - https://www.advancegroups.org/
Life in 6 Words App - https://li6w.com/
Connect with Desmond Henry - https://www.desmond-henry.com/
 
Guest Bio:
Desmond Henry is a missional thought-leader, professor of missiology, author, speaker, and practitioner committed to advancing global evangelism. As the International Director of the Global Network of Evangelists for Palau, he leads a global movement to identify, equip, mobilise, and support evangelists in reaching millions with the Gospel. In addition to his main role at Palau, Dr. Henry serves as Chairman of the Conspectus Journal at the South African Theological Seminary; Catalyst for the Lausanne Proclamation Evangelism Network; and Research Fellow for Lausanne Insights on Global Horizons and Trends, contributing to global thought leadership in missiology. Through his leadership at Palau, Lausanne, and beyond, Dr. Henry helps shape the future of gospel outreach strategies, ensuring evangelism remains bold, innovative, and biblically faithful. He is married to Lara, and together they have three daughters: Gabriella, Annabella, and Olivia.

Africa’s Gospel Opportunity: Stephen Mbogo on Discipling a Generation and Advancing Mission in the Midst of Crisis and Conflict

What if Africa’s greatest challenges are also its greatest gospel opportunities? Discover how God is raising up a new generation of leaders in the midst of pressure, persecution, and potential.
📖 Summary:
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Dr. Stephen Mbogo, Lausanne Regional Director for the English, Portuguese, and Spanish-speaking (EPSA) region, and International Team Leader of African Enterprise, shares how Africa’s youthful population and vibrant church are responding to the call of the Great Commission. From discipling Gen Z leaders to strategic outreach across cities, slums, and conflict zones, Dr. Mbogo casts a powerful vision for Africa’s role in global mission.
🙏 Call to Action:
Inspired by this episode? Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast and leave a review to help others find it. Visit lausanne.org to learn how to partner with gospel movements across the EPSA region and beyond.
📚 Links & Resources:
• African Enterprise: aeint.org
• Lausanne Movement (EPSA Region): https://lausanne.org/network/epsa
Guest Bio:
Stephen Mbogo has a passion for godly, biblical leadership and a heart to see Africa transformed through the salvation of its people and the sound governance of its leaders. Born in eastern Kenya in 1967, Stephen grew up in a family that followed African traditional religions. He witnessed the transforming power of the gospel in the lives of his parents and grandparents before surrendering his life to Christ in high school. 
Stephen has been involved in extensive evangelistic activities, leadership training, and community development in Africa and in other parts of the world, including the Mission Africa outreach project that preceded the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town. He has also served as an associate with the FOCUS/IFES Movement, conducting missions to unreached groups in Kenya, as well as African Enterprise (AE), where he has held various leadership roles. He has also been working with the South Sudanese church since the mid-2000s. Currently as AE’s CEO, Stephen’s vision is to see a prayer breakfast movement started in every country on the African continent and to see the church established in every parliament. 
Stephen holds a bachelor degree in business administration from Daystar University, a master’s degree in Christian ministries from Nairobi International School of Theology, and a PhD in intercultural studies from Biola University. He lives in Nairobi with his wife Rosemary and their two children, Victor and Joy. In recognition for their role in missions, Stephen and Rosemary were ordained as ministers by their evangelical denomination in 2001.

A Lesson in Gospel Hospitality: A Polish Church’s Radical Response to Refugees in Need with Oliwer Cieślar

What does it look like when a church opens its arms to strangers in crisis? Discover how radical hospitality prepared fertile ground for sharing the gospel with Ukrainian refugees.
📖 Summary:
In this deeply moving episode, Pastor Oliwer Cieslar shares how his church in Poland became a place of refuge and transformation during the Ukrainian war. With no refugee infrastructure in place, the Polish church—and the wider community—mobilized overnight to provide shelter, food, and spiritual care to thousands. Discover how a crisis became a catalyst for gospel hospitality and lasting unity in the body of Christ.
🔑 Main Points:
Crisis Met with Compassion: In the early days of the war, Oliwer’s church of 200 mobilized and organized buses to rescue 650+ refugees, providing shelter and support.
From Short-Term Shelter to Long-Term Integration: As weeks turned into years, the church adapted—offering language classes, job support, and a spiritual home for displaced Ukrainians.
Stories of Salvation and Unity: Oliwer shares powerful stories of Ukrainian refugees finding faith in Christ and being baptized into a new spiritual family.
Lessons for the Global Church: Compassion became a spiritual awakening in a secularizing culture. Oliwer challenges global churches to embrace the power of hospitality.
Guest Bio:
Oliwer Cieślar born in Poland, associate pastor in local church in Opole. Holds degree in Computer Science and Masters at Practical Theology from Glyndwr University. In ministry since 2014, works for online evangelism ministry DeoLink Association. Project manager for The Chosen TV series in Poland. Husband and a father of two daughters.
 

Can Artificial Intelligence Lead Someone to Jesus? Chase Cappo on the Digital Frontier of Evangelism and Discipleship

Is it possible for artificial intelligence to share the gospel—and even lead someone to Christ?
In this thought-provoking episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Chase Cappo joins Jason Watson to explore the emerging world of Christian AI and its potential to revolutionize ministry. Chase shares how technology can serve the church, foster trust, and guide people toward authentic encounters with Jesus. You’ll hear powerful testimonies, hard questions, and hopeful answers as the conversation journeys through faith, tech, and global mission.
🔑 Main Takeaways:
• Christian AI vs. Secular AI: Chase unpacks how AI trained on biblical truth can offer a redemptive alternative to the algorithms shaping culture today.
• The Power of Personalization: AI tools like Faith Assistant can have deeply personal, gospel-centered conversations at scale—often leading people to Jesus.
• Tech That Builds Trust: From anonymous chats to church QR codes, Chase explains how AI lowers barriers and invites spiritual seekers into real community.
• Equipping Ministries with AI: Learn how churches, youth groups, and global missions are using AI to answer questions, disciple leaders, and connect people to local communities.
• Innovation with Integrity: Chase shares the values guiding his work—truth and love, prioritizing the gospel, and staying anchored in the local church.
🔗 Links & Resources:
• 🌐 Faith Assistant – Try it out and see how ministries are integrating AI today - https://faithassistant.com/
• 🔗 GPT - https://huggingface.co/AiForTheChurch/ChristianGPT-base-full-precision/tree/main
• 📱 BibleChat.AI – A free, gospel-centered chat assistant trained on Scripture - https://biblechat.ai/
• 📘 Mission Drift by Peter Greer – The book that challenged Chase to stay rooted in the local church
• 🤝 Gloo – The tech partner bringing these innovations to scale - https://www.gloo.com/
• 🔗 Connect with Chase Cappo on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasecappo

From Genocide to Hope: Rebuilding Rwanda Through Healing and Reconciliation [Bonus Episode]

We’re doing something different in this special episode—bringing you a feature from our friends at the God on the Move podcast.
God on the Move Podcast shares inspiring stories of faithful believers from the global church and will encourage you in your own faithful obedience to God’s global mission.
We will soon be switching to a new rhythm of releasing a Lausanne Movement Podcast episode every second week, with God on the Move publishing in the weeks between. We hope that this new rhythm allows you to enjoy both Podcasts.
Follow this link to God on the Move, where you can find links to your favourite podcasting platform and subscribe so you won't miss it when their episodes drop - https://lausanne.org/podcast-series/god-on-the-move
 
GOD ON THE MOVE
Josephine Munyeli, Director of Administration and Finances at the PEACE Plan Rwanda, shares her harrowing and inspiring personal story as a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. She recounts her experiences, the challenges of raising her children as a widow, and her instrumental role in Rwanda's healing and reconciliation process. The episode delves into how collective efforts involving the community, the church, and international NGOs have facilitated Rwanda's recovery from such a devastating event. Munyeli's insights into forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ongoing work of PEACE Plan Rwanda highlight a journey from unimaginable trauma to a symbol of resilience and hope.
 
📚 Links from the Interview
Rwandan Stories: rwandanstories.org
The PEACE Plan Rwanda: https://www.thepeaceplanrwanda.com
World Vision Rwanda: https://www.wvi.org/rwanda
🔗 Join the God on the Move Community on the Lausanne Action Hub and be part of the conversation, see exclusive content and share your own testimony.
 
Josephine MUNYELI Rwandan, born in a strong religious family and a God-fearing environment, Josephine has been involved in the work of Healing, Peacebuilding and reconciliation since 1997 in different institutions and was leading healing and reconciliation initiatives. She was also involved in mobilizing Rwandans to embrace and participate in Gacaca processes that were to bring together genocide survivors, perpetrators and the population, in general, to tell the truth about what they saw, heard and did during that tragedy for the purpose of healing, confession, forgiveness, justice and reconciliation. From 2017 to December 2024, she worked with churches in Rwanda, coordinating capacity-building initiatives to Promote reconciliation, Equip servant leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation. Josephine has been involved in the course known as “Perspectives on the Global Christian Movement” since 2021 and currently serves as an Instructor not only in Rwanda but also in other French-speaking countries in Africa. Josephine retired in January 2025 but continues to serve in the Perspectives course and works on a voluntary basis with TUBASANGE, an agency that mobilizes, trains and sends missionaries. Josephine is a widow with two grown-up sons and a daughter-in-law. She holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration/Project Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.
 
📝 We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

Ministry to, for, and with Children at Risk: A Gospel-Centered Approach with Susan Greener

How could the global Church respond to the needs of vulnerable children in a way that leads to lasting gospel impact?
 
Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, especially those facing poverty, exploitation, and displacement. In this episode, Dr. Susan Greener—an expert in global human development—shares insights on how Christians can approach ministry to children-at-risk with a holistic, gospel-centered perspective. Drawing from decades of experience, she unpacks strategies for transformational community development and cross-cultural engagement that genuinely make a difference.
 
📚 Links & Resources:
Here’s your list of resources formatted properly:
Children at Risk Issue Group - https://lausanne.org/network/children-at-risk
[Article] State of the Great Commission Report Gap 3: Where are the Children? - https://lausanne.org/about/blog/state-of-the-great-commission-report-gap-3-where-are-the-children
[Lausanne Occasional Paper] - Mission with Children at Risk - https://lausanne.org/occasional-paper/mission-children-risk-lop-66
https://www.viva.org/
https://www.max7.org/en
[Book] Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ron Sider
[Book] Children and the Theologians: Clearing the Way for Grace by Jerome Berryman
 
Connect with Susan Greener:
LinkedIn: Susan Hayes Greener
Email: shayesgreener@gmail.com
 
Guest Bio:
Susan Greener, PhD., has dedicated her professional energies to supporting children and families living in poverty in global context through holistic development. She formerly served as Catalyst for the Lausanne Children-at-Risk Issue Network. Most recently, Susan held the role of Vice President of Program Quality for the Chalmers Center. As Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies at Wheaton College Graduate School, she focused on intercultural communication, transformational community development, cross-cultural research, and children and families in global contexts. She has worked in human development for over 25 years in Christian non-governmental organizations and universities, including Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, One Child Matters, Compassion International, Early Head Start, and Yale University. Susan has trained Christian workers from over 70 countries and authored works on children-at-risk and global human development topics, including co-editing a special issue on children-at-risk for the journal Transformation (Summer, 2016).
We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

Autism and Faith: Finding God’s Glory in Neurodiversity [Bonus Episode from the God on the Move Podcast]

We’re doing something different in this special episode—bringing you a feature from our friends at the God on the Move podcast.
God on the Move Podcast shares inspiring stories of faithful believers from the global church and will encourage you in your own faithful obedience to God’s global mission.
We will soon be switching to a new rhythm of releasing a Lausanne Movement Podcast episode every second week, with God on the Move publishing in the weeks between. We hope that this new rhythm allows you to enjoy both Podcasts.
Follow this link to God on the Move, where you can find links to your favourite podcasting platform and subscribe so you won't miss it when their episodes drop - https://lausanne.org/podcast-series/god-on-the-move
 
God on the Move Show Notes 
In this week's episode of 'God on the Move', Mainor Mora shares his inspiring journey connecting autism and faith. Mainor, a Bible translator from Costa Rica, opens up about his experiences of discovering his own autism after his son's diagnosis and how he navigated this new reality through scripture and acceptance. This episode dives deep into his ministry work in Equatorial Guinea and Mexico, his struggles and successes, and his sincere belief in God's purpose in neurodiversity. Mainor also discusses his book 'Jesus, the Samaritan Woman and Autism', community efforts, and how churches can be more inclusive of neurodiverse individuals. Join us to hear a powerful testament of vulnerability, understanding, and God's glory revealed through autism.
Mainor Mora Rodríguez is passionate about learning, service, and inclusion. Born in Palmares, Costa Rica, he overcame early challenges with speech and social interaction, finding solace in books and later in basketball. A career-ending injury led to a deep faith journey, shaping his mission to serve others. He has worked in Bible translation projects in Guinea, Ecuatorial, and Mexico and has trained indigenous leaders and translators. As the author of Jesus, the Samaritan Woman, and Autism, he advocates for greater inclusion of autistic individuals in the church, believing that a true Christian community embraces and empowers every person’s unique gifts.
Vivian Eberle-Cruz, Originally from Puerto Rico, has served in Mexico with SIL Global since 2000 alongside her husband. She is passionate about editing and translating exegetical resources for indigenous translators and linguistic publications, including dictionaries in Mexican languages and Spanish. She also helps lead the Potatoes Project, an initiative fostering self-awareness and unity in a multicultural community to glorify God in relationships. She enjoys interpreting and bridging connections between friends who speak different languages in her spare time.