Lausanne Movement Podcast

Digital Mission: Fulfilling the Great Commission in the Digital Age with Ricky George

Two centuries ago, those passionate about sharing the gospel with unreached populations had to travel for months to do so. Today, spreading the Good News is as easy as turning on your nearest digital device.
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we sit down with Ricky George, CEO of media tech companies Outcast and Outcast Academy, to speak about the potential of utilising digital media in spreading the gospel.
Ricky shares his powerful story of overcoming depression and suicidal thoughts to discover God's calling for his life: equipping the church with technology for impactful ministry.
 
We cover:
Digital Strategies and the Impact on Ministries
Future Trends in Christian Digital Media
How Technology Empowers the Church
Training of Believers for Digital Engagement
If you are inspired by Ricky's journey and want to explore how you can contribute to digital missions, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review.
Visit outcastnow.com to learn more about harnessing digital tools for ministry and join the digital missions movement.
 
Links & Resources:
Outcast Academy: outcastnow.com
Email Ricky: ricky@outcastnow.com
Hallowed Code Conference: For tech entrepreneurs and professionals - https://www.hallowedcode.com/
Zero Digital Missions Conference: Aiming to make the gospel accessible. - https://www.zerocon.in/
Book Recommendation: 'Radical' by David Platt
 
Ricky Raymond George Bio:
Ricky Raymond George, born in Chennai and raised across India, graduated from Loyola Academy Degree College in 2017 with a Bachelor's in Animation Design. He co-founded the successful design firm The Whole Shebang in 2018 and is the founder and CEO of Out Media Tech, Outcast, and Outcast Academy, aiming to amplify Christian media's influence. Ricky and his wife seek to serve the Lord through their businesses. 

The Power of Intentional Prayer with Dr. Jason Hubbard

Do you feel stagnant in your ministry? Dr. Jason Hubbard, the leader of International Prayer Connect, shares how he was once a prayerless pastor of a prayerless church, and tells of his journey turning to God in intentional prayer igniting a revival in his congregation and leading to multiple church plants in his community.
Prayer can often be the neglected foundation of our ministries. Without healthy prayer we cannot have healthy ministries.
Reignite your heart for prayer and discover how prioritising prayer can deepen your relationship with God and revitalise your ministry. This episode offers practical advice, inspiring stories, and insights into the International Prayer Connect group, empowering you to make prayer a cornerstone of your ministry and inspiring you to pray for the global mission of God.
Ready to be encouraged to a deeper walk with God? Subscribe, leave a review, and visit 110cities.com to explore how you can join global prayer initiatives and witness the power of prayer firsthand.
Links & Resources:
International Prayer Connect - https://www.ipcprayer.org/en/ipc-home
110 Cities Initiative - https://www.110cities.com/
Dr. Jason Hubbard Bio:
Dr. Jason Hubbard - Director of International Prayer Connect, a global prayer network connecting hundreds of prayer ministries around the world! IPC vision is to "Exalt Jesus, catalyzing united prayer across nations, denominations, and generations for the fulfillment of the great commission" www.ipcprayer.org and www.110cities.com Dr. Hubbard was former teaching pastor at Christ the King Church Bellingham WA, USA (4000 members) and also served as a professor at Arizona Christian University. 
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Justice Reimagined: Faithful Advocacy in Light of the Great Commission with Ruth Padilla DeBorst & Matthew Niermann

As Scripture teaches, all humans are made in the image of God and are worthy. Yet, globally, not all humans are treated equally. With an increasing consciousness of discrimination, the world and the church continue to ask: 'What is fair and just?'
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast we explore the context shifts in global justice including poverty, persecution, women, marginalised, human rights, slavery, and corruption.
 
We are joined by guests:
Dr. Matthew Niermann: Director of the State of the Great Commission Report.
Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst: Associate Professor of World Christianity at Western Theological Seminary.
 
Key Discussion Points:
Global shifts in justice connected to the world and Christianity.
How justice connects to the great commission
Defining justice in a Christian context
Critical reflections on the Great Commission Report
Addressing gaps in the report: Race, climate justice, Israel-Palestine
Challenges and opportunities for the Global Church
Practical steps towards integrating justice.
 
Dr. Padilla DeBorst challenges the evangelical community to rethink the connection between the Great Commission and justice, emphasising love and the Great Commandment as foundational to the Gospel.
If you found value in our discussion, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Visit our website for more insightful episodes and resources: lausanne.org
 
References:
Find the State of the Great Commission Report: https://lausanne.org/report
CETI: Comunidad de Estudios Teológicos Interdisciplinarios - https://www.ceticontinental.org/portal/
Infamit - https://infemit.org/
casaadove.org
Western Theological Seminary - https://www.westernsem.edu/faculty/deborst/
 
If you would like to help us improve our podcast, please send us the feedback – https://forms.gle/QbNzK7BGqqnFHPHc7
 
Ruth Padilla DeBorst:
Dr Padilla DeBorst yearns to see peace and justice embraced in the beautiful and broken world we call home. A wife of one and mother of many, theologian, missiologist, educator, and storyteller, she has been involved in leadership development and theological education for integral mission in her native Latin America for several decades. 
In addition to teaching at WTS, she serves with the Comunidad de Estudios Teológicos Interdisciplinarios (CETI, a learning community with students across Latin America), and the Networking Team of INFEMIT (International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation). 
She currently contributes to the boards of the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies and the American Society of Missiology. Past board service includes A Rocha International and the International Justice Mission. 
She lives with her husband, James, in Costa Rica as a member of Casa Adobe, an intentional Christian Community with deep concern for right living in relation to the whole of creation.

Where Does Hope Lie? Global Shifts and Engaging Islam with Matthew Niermann & Tharwat Wahba

The Christian gospel is a message of hope for all. However, it is not the only promoted avenue of 'hope' in our contemporary world. From competing world religions to secular ambitions and pleasures, the world is continually asking:
'What is the source of hope?'
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we explore the topic of hope and its connection to global mission, with a special focus on Islam.
We are joined by guests:
Dr. Matthew Niermann: Director of the State of the Great Commission Report.
Dr. Tharwat Wahba: Professor of Mission and Evangelism and the Chair of the Mission Department in the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo, Egypt and leading expert in the field of Islam.
Key Discussion Points:
Context shifts of hope in the world and Christianity including secularism, science, transcendental values, the self, and world religions.
Insightful reflections on Christianity's history in Egypt.
The challenges of engaging with the Islamic faith.
Rising opportunities for Christian mission.
These interviews call for unity, discipleship, understanding, and strategic mission work to navigate the complex global landscape, offering messages of hope and encouragement for future missions and ministry efforts.
If you found value in our discussion, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Visit our website for more insightful episodes and resources.
 
If you would like to help us improve our podcast, please send us the feedback at https://forms.gle/QbNzK7BGqqnFHPHc7
 
References:
Find the State of the Great Commission Report: https://lausanne.org/report
Connect with Dr. Wahba: tharwatw@yahoo.com
Frontier Fellowship: https://frontierfellowship.com/
The Practice of Mission in Egypt by Dr Tharwat Wahba: https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Mission-Egypt-Integration-Evangelical/dp/1783681039
Dr. Wahba's Bio:
The Reverend Dr. Tharwat Wahba earned his Ph.D. in 2009 from the London School of Theology. His dissertation was on the history of Presbyterian Mission in Egypt and Sudan. Dr. Wahba is the Middle East Mission Coordinator with Frontier Fellowship and an adjunct professor of mission and evangelism at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo. He served as the chairman of Pastoral and Outreach Ministries Council of the Synod of the Nile, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Egypt (2012-2021). He served with Campus Crusade for Christ in Egypt as a staff and a campus director for 12 years. His interest is for evangelism, church planting, and frontier missions in Egypt and the Middle East.

Sustainability in Global Mission: Exploring the Question of Sustainability and Creation Care with Matthew Niermann & Jasmine Kwong

The past century has seen a rise of more products, more people, more energy, more debt, more work, more expectations. This burden of more has led the world and the church to begin to ask: 'What is sustainable?'
 
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we explore the topic of sustainability in global missions, with a specific focus on Creation Care.
We are joined by guests:
Dr. Matthew Niermann: Director of the State of the Great Commission Report.
Jasmine Kwong: Creation Care advocate with OMF International.
Key Discussion Points:
Context shifts of sustainability in the world and Christianity including cultural influence, creation care, debt ratios, and health.
The difference between Creation Care and Environmentalism
The Biblical mandates for Creation Care
How Creation Care connects to the Great Commission
Jasmine and Matthew weave together the theological and practical dimensions of how Christians could live out their faith more faithfully in today’s world, offering practical steps we can take in integrating Creation Care into our ministries and daily lives.
 
Links & Resources:
[Videos] Lausanne Global Classroom on Creation Care: [Youtube Link]
[e-newsletter] The Pollinator - LWCCN Website
[Book] Creation Care in the Gospel
[Article] Climate Crisis and God’s Creation: Calling Global Christian Leaders to Act 
For more detailed resources, reach out to Jasmine at jkwong@lausanne.org
 
If you would like to help us improve our podcast, please send us the feedback at: https://forms.gle/QbNzK7BGqqnFHPHc7
 
Jasmine Kwong Bio: 
Jasmine is a creation care advocate with OMF International and based in the Philippines. With a background in conservation biology and community development, she often works in the intersections between people and the natural world. Her particular interests are in food security and marine conservation.
 
Matthew Niermann Bio:
Matthew Niermann has served the Lausanne Movement since 2010 in a variety of roles including research and operations. He is currently serving as the director of the State of the Great Commission Report for Lausanne 4. In addition, he serves as a dean and professor of architectural design at California Baptist University, where his research partially focuses on the relationship between creativity and Christian witness.

Developing Cross-Cultural Intelligence: Lessons from Serving in One of the World's Largest Student Ministries with Richard Coleman

Have you ever felt a calling to serve others but weren't sure where to begin?
This episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast is for aspiring missionaries, cross-cultural workers, and anyone interested in growing in their intercultural relationships.
Richard Coleman, a missionary with TMS Global, shares his inspiring journey from a call to missions as a teenager to now serving in one of the worlds largest student ministries in Ethiopia. He unpacks the importance of reciprocal relationships, highlights the power of community, and offers practical tips for navigating cultural differences. Discover how cross-cultural ministry can empower diverse communities and the profound impact it has on both the server and those served.
Key Takeaways:
Developing Cross-Cultural Intelligence: Learn from Richard's personal experiences and insight.
Building Reciprocal Relationships: Discover how embracing other cultures and communities can foster deeper connections.
Empowering Student Leaders: Explore some ideas to engage and empower students in ministry.
Links & Resources:
TMS Global: tms-global.org
Black Blessings: blackblessings.com
Evangelical Student Union of Ethiopia (EvaSUE): evasue.net
Lausanne Movement: lausanne.org
Richard Coleman Bio:
Richard Coleman got his introduction to missions through a short-term trip to Uganda led by the Oral Roberts University Missions department. He has served as the missions director of a megachurch, Perspectives instructor, mobilisation director for a sending agency, and leader within the Lausanne Movement. With his wife and five children, he currently serves in Ethiopia through a partnership with TMS Global and EvaSUE, the IFES affiliate in the country.

Grit, Grace, and Global Mission with George Verwer [A Commemorative Episode]

In this special episode of the Lausanne Movement podcast, we're privileged to present a previously unpublished interview with George Verwer, the inspirational founder of Operation Mobilization, and Justin Schell, Director of Executive Projects at the Lausanne Movement. 
This conversation is a tribute to George Verwer's life and enduring legacy. 
Starting from his early days, George shares of being touched by the Gospel and making a significant commitment at a Billy Graham rally, to pioneering literature evangelism at the birth of the Lausanne movement, Verwer reflects on the key moments that shaped his ministry. 
George discusses the trials of leadership, emphasising the significance of prayer, humility, managing failure, and the constant need for grace and forgiveness in leadership roles. Additionally, George delves into his approach to cultural sensitivity, the impact of his ministry style on his family, and the importance of a prayerful foundation. 
He offers invaluable advice to emerging and established leaders in ministry, highlighting the need for personal transformation and understanding the nuances of leadership in global missions. 
We trust that this interview would not just act as reflection on his contributions to missions but become an invitation for you to continue his legacy and join in the mission to accelerate global mission together.
If you would like to help us improve our podcast, please send us the feedback – https://forms.gle/QbNzK7BGqqnFHPHc7
 
Geroge Verwer Bio: 
George Verwer (1938-2023) was born in New Jersey, USA, in 1938. When he was 14 years old, a woman named Dorothea Clapp gave him a copy of the Gospel of John. Mrs Clapp prayed for 18 years for the students at George’s school to become passionate Jesus-followers and take His message to the ends of the earth. Three years later, George attended a Billy Graham meeting in New York City, where he made a personal commitment to Christ. His entire life was changed.  
Inspired by Jesus’ commission to make disciples, George began sharing his faith with fellow students. Within a year, two hundred had chosen to follow Christ. At college in Tennessee, George became burdened for those without access to the Bible, and in 1957, he and two friends sold some of their possessions to fund a road trip to Mexico; taking 20,000 Spanish-language tracts and 10,000 Gospel booklets. The trip led to many more and fanned the flame of George’s conviction to share God’s Word with those who’d never heard it.
Moving to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, George was confident of God’s call on his life. He blazed a trail for world mission, motivating others in nights of prayer and planning further literature distribution ventures. It was at Moody that George met Drena Knecht, who would become his wife.
In 1960, George and Drena were married. They prioritised their service of the Lord and sold some of their wedding gifts to fund a six-month outreach to Mexico City before moving to Spain, where they established what would become OM’s work there. While in Europe, George smuggled Bibles into Communist-controlled countries, but after being arrested and deported, he took time to reflect. During a time of private prayer in Vienna, Austria, George climbed a tree and saw a group of young people boarding a bus. In that moment, the name Operation Mobilisation sprang to his mind, with the idea of mobilising ‘busloads’ of young people into mission.
Under George’s exuberant leadership and fuelled by the passion of believers from many nations to reach those who had never heard the Good News, OM expanded in the 60s, 70s and 80s: first, across Europe and into the Middle East, then with volunteers crewing ocean-going ships. Logos, the first of five vessels, was launched in 1971, and since then more than 49 million people have visited the onboard book fairs, with over 70 million portions of Scripture distributed during port calls in 151 countries.
After a time living and establishing ministry in India, George and Drena, along with their three children, settled in London, England; where George continued to emphasise radical discipleship within OM and focused on ministry sustainability.
George led OM until 2003, then concentrated on special projects, travelling and speaking on global mission at thousands of gatherings worldwide. His authentic lifestyle and zeal for the spread of the gospel has motivated countless individuals and churches into more intentional mission involvement.  
Rarely seen without his world map jacket or inflatable globe, George always prayed for the nations and current issues. He was energised by encouraging others and keeping in contact with thousands of friends and ministry partners through letters, emails and phone calls. George wrote several books, including Revolution of Love, Out of the Comfort Zone, Messiology and Confessions of a Toxic Perfectionist.

Pioneer Church Planting: Establishing Churches on the Frontlines and Why Discipleship is the Ultimate Goal with Ron Anderson

What does it take to plant churches in some of the world's most secular regions?
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we explore "Pioneer Church Planting" with Ron Anderson, a seasoned church planter whose work has extended over four decades in Spain. His journey is a testament to faithful resilience in a region indifferent to the gospel message.
Ron delves into:
The distinctiveness of "Pioneer Church Planting" compared to traditional "Church Planting"
The critical shift in perspective from merely planting churches to actively making disciples
Effective strategies for disciple-making
Essential qualities for a successful church planter
The significance of collaborative efforts
Ron reflects on crucial moments of personal faith, transitioning from attempts to replicate church models to a deeper understanding of discipleship's essence, alongside the challenges and victories in fulfilling God's vision to establish 30 churches in the province of Cordoba, Spain. He underscores discipleship, collaboration, and fidelity to God's vision, providing valuable insights for those called to missionary work.
This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone interested in:
The complexities and strategies of church planting in challenging regions like Spain
How discipleship can transform evangelical work
The value of community and collaboration in ministry
Practical guidance for aspiring disciples and church planters
If today's conversation has moved you or sparked an interest in church planting and discipleship, we encourage you to subscribe to reach out to Ron at churchplanting@lausanne.org or explore more resources at https://lausanne.org/network/church-planting. 
Please leave a review and share this episode with friends or colleagues who might benefit from Ron's journey and insights. 
 
Ron Anderson Bio:
Ron Anderson was born and raised in Guatemala where his parents ministered with the Maya Quiche people. He received a BA from Asbury University and later an MAS from Azusa Pacific University. Together with his wife Brenda, he has been involved in ministries related to church planting in Europe, particularly Spain, since 1978.
In addition to being a Lausanne catalyst for church planting, Ron is the European church planting consultant and trainer for the European Christian Mission International and coordinator of the national platform for church planters in Spain. Ron and Brenda are both involved in a local church planting project in the area of Madrid, Spain.

The Ministry of Reconciliation: Bridging Divides between Israelis and Palestinians with Salim Munayer

Will there ever be reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis?
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we explore the seemingly impossible task of reconciliation among Israelis and Palestinians with Professor Salim Munayer.
Professor Munayer, a Palestinian Christian, founded Musalaha in 1990—an organisation promoting, teaching, and facilitating reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
From decades of experience, Professor Munayer shares:
The Challenges and Vision of the Ministry of Reconciliation
The Process of Reconciliation: Sharing Practical Steps toward Breaking Down Barriers
Personal Stories of Transformation Through Reconciliation
The Power of Nonviolent Resistance and Grassroots Movements
He also discusses the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exploring:
The Historical Context and Current Challenges
Addressing Global Misconceptions
Spaces for Hope in the Midst of Conflict
A Call for Reflection, Repentance, and Action
This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to:
Understand the challenges and rewards of reconciliation efforts.
Discover how faith can be a powerful tool for peace building.
Learn practical steps to promote peace in their own communities.
 
Join us for a compelling journey into the heart of reconciliation.
 
Links: 
Website: https://musalaha.org/
 
Dr. Salim Munayer’s Bio:
Dr. Salim J. Munayer is the Regional Hub Coordinator of the Middle East and North Africa region for the Peace and Reconciliation Network (PRN) of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA).
Born to a Palestinian Christian family in the city of Lydda, Dr. Munayer interacted with the different Jewish, Christian and Muslim populations from a very young age. Following his diverse childhood and academic studies in theology, he founded Musalaha (‘reconciliation’ in Arabic) in 1990—an organisation promoting, teaching, and facilitating reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Dr. Munayer continues to serve as director for more than 30 years and also works as an adjunct Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, at Pepperdine University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the Bethlehem Bible College. 
Dr Munayer has a wealth of practical and academic expertise in reconciliation, peace, contextual theology, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and interreligious dialogue. Over his 30 years of work in the field, he has trained thousands of Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in reconciliation.

North American Christianity & Global Mission with Trevin Wax

Is the US church losing its global influence, or is its role simply evolving?
This episode unpacks the changing landscape of Christianity in North America with Dr. Trevin Wax, a renowned author, scholar, and leader within the North American Mission Board.
Trevin offers a multifaceted perspective, exploring:
The Evolving US Church: We discuss the challenges facing American Christianity, the vital role of global missionaries working within the US, and the unique contributions North American churches bring to the global body of Christ.
Experience from the Field: Trevin reflects on his own experiences as a missionary in Romania, laying the foundation to his ministry.
Tips for Aspiring Authors:  Beyond his work in missions and academia, Trevin is a prolific writer. He shares his personal approach to writing, including:The driving force behind his work: passion and purpose.
How to navigate criticism and feedback constructively.
Actionable advice for aspiring writers.
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in:
The future of Christianity in North America.
The interconnected nature of the global church.
Practical writing tips from a successful author.
Links:
Visit Trevin Wax's columns and sign up for his newsletter at: trevinwax.com
 
Trevin’s Bio:
Trevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Cedarville University. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and has contributed to The Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, and Christianity Today. He has taught courses on mission and ministry at Wheaton College and has lectured on Christianity and culture at Oxford University. He is a founding editor of The Gospel Project, has served as publisher for the Christian Standard Bible, and is the author of multiple books, including The Thrill of Orthodoxy, The Multi-Directional Leader, Rethink Your Self, This Is Our Time, and Gospel Centered Teaching. His podcast is Reconstructing Faith. He and his wife, Corina, have three children. You can follow him on Twitter or Facebook, or receive his columns via email.
Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of faith, culture, and the interconnectedness of the global church.