Lausanne Movement Podcast

Listening to the Global Church: Key Insights from the Lausanne 4 Listening Process with Eiko Takamizawa

What does the global church have to say about the future of global mission?
 
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Dr. Eiko Takamizawa shares the key findings from the Lausanne 4 Listening Process, a multi-year initiative designed to gather insights and perspectives from the global church about the global church. Dr. Takamizawa discusses the key challenges, gaps, and opportunities for global mission today, emphasising the importance of listening and collaboration in advancing the Great Commission. We explore how these insights have informed the upcoming Seoul-Incheon 2024 Congress.
 
Main Points:
The Lausanne 4 Listening Process: An extensive, multi-year journey gathering perspectives from Christian leaders worldwide on the state of global mission.
Top Challenges Identified: Discipleship, love and unity, and engaging younger generations emerged as critical issues.
A Global Call for Collaboration: Highlighting the need for greater cooperation among church leaders and mission organisations to fulfil the Great Commission.
The Role of Contextualisation: Adapting the gospel message to different cultures remains a central challenge for mission efforts.
 
After listening, subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring discussions on global mission. Visit the Lausanne Movement website to learn more about the Lausanne 4 Journey and how you can get involved in advancing the Great Commission.
 
The Lausanne 4 Listening Reports:
Report 1: https://lausanne.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/The-Evangelical-Church-Interacting-between-the-Global-and-the-Local-Global-Listening-Team-Report-21.11.03.pdf
Report 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WUGvUsfmD7jNVcpZgTHvxAwK_jC7v8GR/view?pli=1
Report 3: https://lausanne.org/occasional-paper/seven-challenges-for-the-global-evangelical-outreach
 
Guest Bio:
A Japanese female missiologist, Eiko Takamizawa (PhD, Trinity International University) served for Torch Trinity Graduate University in Seoul for 20 years. She is an adjunct professor for Tokyo Christian University and speaks and teaches widely in Japan and other Asian countries.
Eiko is a member of the Lausanne Theology Working Group and a co-leader for the Lausanne Global Listening Team. She was the fifth president of the Asian Society of Missiology and a steering committee member for SEANET. She founded an educational center for children at risk in Mongolia called Mongol Kids Home, where she serves as supporters representative.

Innovative Leadership: Catalysing Change in a New Era of Ministry with Ted Esler

What role does innovation play in the future of global missions, and are we ready to embrace it?
 
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we sit down with Ted Esler, president of Missio Nexus, to explore the intersection of faith, leadership, and innovation in global mission work. Ted shares his inspiring journey from being a missionary in the Balkans to leading an organization that catalyzes collaboration within the Great Commission community. Learn how innovation is shaping the future of mission work and discover critical insights that can transform your approach to leadership in ministry.
 
Main Points:
The Poverty of Imagination in Mission: Ted argues that a lack of creativity and risk-taking is holding back the Church from fulfilling the Great Commission.
Theological Foundations of Innovation: The conversation explores how Jesus exemplified innovation in His ministry, challenging traditional paradigms and pushing boundaries.
Practical Steps for Legacy Organizations: Ted provides actionable advice for legacy mission agencies to renew their vision and embrace innovation in their operations.
Leadership Lessons: How transitioning from the mission field to leadership in North America challenged and refined Ted's approach.
Innovation in Mission Work: Exploring the importance of innovation and how it drives the effectiveness of global missions today.
Missio Nexus: Learn about the role of Missio Nexus in fostering collaboration among mission agencies and globally focused churches.
 
Call to Action:
If you found this conversation insightful, subscribe to our podcast to hear more inspiring stories from mission leaders. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with your network to spread the word about the innovative work done in global missions. Visit our website for more resources and updates.
 
Links & Resources:
Ted Esler's Book - The Innovation Crisis - https://theinnovationcrisis.com/
Missio Nexus Website - https://www.missionexus.org/
Perspectives on the World Christian Movement - https://www.perspectives.org/ 
 
Guest Bio:
Ted Esler is President of Missio Nexus, the association of mission agencies and churches in the US and Canada. Missio Nexus coaches, networks, and trains churches and other organizations focused on the global Great Commission. Before Missio Nexus, Ted was a field missionary in Bosnia and Croatia, and he held leadership roles with Pioneers for 25 years. Ted has a PhD in intercultural studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and is often asked to speak nationally and internationally.
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Navigating the Complexities of Global Mission with Ed Stetzer

The world is changing, and with it is the landscape of global mission. 
 
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Ed Stetzer, a seasoned missiologist and current Dean of the Talbot School of Theology, dives deep into the complexities of global mission. Drawing from his extensive experience in church planting, cultural engagement, and theological education, Ed offers valuable lessons for leaders and practitioners in global missions today.
 
Main Points:
Cultural Engagement and Missiology: Exploring the intersection of culture and mission today.
Shifts in Church Culture: Analyzing the challenges and cultural shifts within the Church and what they mean for its future.
The U.S. Church and Global Christianity: Discussing the role of the U.S. Church in the broader context of global Christianity.
Challenges and Opportunities in Global Missions: Identifying the current challenges in global missions and the opportunities that arise from them.
The Role of Local Churches in Global Missions: Highlighting how local churches can effectively participate in global mission efforts.
Partnerships in Missions: The importance of collaboration and partnerships in advancing global missions.
Advice for Young Missionaries: Practical advice for the next generation of missionaries.
After listening to this insightful episode, subscribe to our podcast for more discussions on global mission. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with others in your network who are passionate about mission work.
 
Links & Resources:
edstetzer.com
Biolas Talbot School of Theology: https://www.biola.edu/talbot
 
Guest Bio:
Ed Stetzer, Ph.D., is the Dean and Professor of Leadership and Christian Ministry at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He also serves as Distinguish Visiting Scholar at Wycliffe Hall at Oxford University, where he teaches twice a year. Stetzer has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; earned two master’s degrees and two doctorates; and he has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He is Regional Director for Lausanne North America, is the Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, and regularly writes for news outlets such as USA Today and CNN. His national radio show, Ed Stetzer Live, airs Saturdays on Moody Radio and affiliates. Stetzer serves his local church, Mariners Church, as Scholar in Residence & Teaching Pastor.
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Reclaiming Journalism’s Prophetic Voice: Jenny Taylor on the Role of Media in God’s Mission

In a time when trust in media is waning, can journalism rediscover its Christian roots and become a beacon for truth and justice? Jenny Taylor reveals how journalism lost its way, how this can happen, and why it matters for God's mission.
 
Summary:
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we sit down with Jenny Taylor, a seasoned journalist and author, to explore the profound connections between Christianity and journalism. Jenny shares her journey into the world of journalism, the historical Christian roots of the field, and how believers today can reclaim this vital sphere of influence for the Kingdom of God.
 
Main Points:
Journalism as a Mission Field: Jenny discusses how journalism can be seen as a prophetic mission, delivering God’s truth to the world.
Historical Roots of Journalism: Discover the surprising Christian origins of journalism and how it evolved into what it is today.
Challenges in Modern Journalism: The conversation delves into the corruption and challenges facing journalism today, and what went wrong.
The Church's Role in Media: Jenny emphasizes the need for Christians to reengage with journalism and reclaim it as a tool for truth and justice.
Inspiring Stories: Hear powerful accounts of how Jenny used journalism to bring attention to critical issues like the war in Northern Uganda.
 
After listening, consider how you can support or engage with journalism that aligns with God’s truth. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might be inspired by Jenny’s insights.
 
Links & Resources:
Jenny Taylor’s Website: https://jennytaylor.media/
Lausanne’s Media Engagement Issue Network: https://lausanne.org/network/media-engagement
Jenny Taylor’s Book: Saving Journalism: The Rise, Demise, and Survival of the News - https://pipparannbooks.com/saving-journalism/
 
Guest Bio:
JENNY JAMES TAYLOR specializes in religious literacy and was appointed Research Fellow in Communication, Media and Journalism at the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge in 2019. A Bloomsbury author and campaigner, she pioneered religious literacy in journalism, founding Lapido Media in 2005 as a publicly subscribed online newspaper and publisher. Described by historian Tom Holland as 'groundbreaking', it helped to change the national secular discourse by providing resources for journalists needing to ‘get religion’ in an age of globalization. Widely traveled, Taylor holds a doctorate in religion from the School of Oriental and African Studies and has been published extensively in academic journals as well as mainstream and online media, including The Guardian, The Times, and in translation in the European press. Her books include Faith and Power: Christianity and Islam in ‘Secular’ Britain with Lesslie Newbigin and Lamin Sanneh (SPCK 1998 and Wipf & Stock 2005), and A Wild Constraint (Continuum 2008), an extended essay on contemporary sexuality. Her forthcoming book, Saving Journalism: The Rise, Demise and Survival of the News, is eagerly anticipated. An Associate of the Community of St Mary the Virgin, she lives where she was born, in Suffolk.
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How Prayer Shapes Global Mission: A Call to Prayer and the Need for a Fresh Move of God with Sarah Plummer

How can a deeper commitment to prayer transform global missions and our personal faith journeys?
 
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Sarah Plummer, leader of the Lausanne Movement’s Intercessory Working Group, shares powerful insights on the central role of prayer in mission work and calls us to intentional prayer as we draw closer to the Fourth Lausanne Congress. Sarah reflects on the legacy of prayer in Lausanne, its impact on global evangelism, and offers practical advice for revitalising your prayer life.
 
Main Points:
The Foundation of Prayer in Lausanne: Discover how prayer has been the bedrock of the Lausanne Movement since its inception, shaping every aspect of its mission and activities.
Testimonies of Breakthroughs: Sarah shares powerful stories of how intentional prayer has led to significant breakthroughs, including the 2004 Pattaya Congress and the 2010 Cape Town Congress.
Revitalising Your Prayer Life: Learn practical tips for overcoming stagnation in prayer and reconnecting with God through the scriptures, particularly the Psalms.
Global Prayer Movements: Explore valuable resources and movements like Operation World and 24/7 Prayer, which are mobilising Christians worldwide to pray for the nations.
 
Call to Action: 
After listening, take a moment to reflect on your own prayer life and the role God is inviting you to play in praying for a fresh move of God in global missions. Consider joining or forming a prayer triplet, signing up for a 24/7 prayer slot, or simply dedicating more time to intentional prayer. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others who might be inspired by Sarah’s testimony.
 
Links & Resources:
Lausanne Prayer Initiatives
Register Your 24-7 Prayer Slot - https://signup.24-7prayer.com/signup/28ddcd
24-7 Global Mission Prayer Room - https://www.youtube.com/live/wPXAQAfUg5Q
Download Prayer Guides - https://congress.lausanne.org/pray/
Prayer Triplet Guide - https://congress.lausanne.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/EN-Lausanne-Prayer-Triplets-Card-V2.pdf
Operation World - https://operationworld.org/
International Prayer Connect - https://www.ipcprayer.org/en/ipc-home
Lectio 365 App - https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
Joshua Project - https://www.joshuaproject.net/
 
These resources provide tools and guides to enhance your prayer life and engage in global mission-focused prayer.
 
Guest Bio:
Sarah Plummer ( M.T.D, B.D., B.Ed., Grad Cert DT. )
Sarah is a dedicated servant leader whose love for Jesus began in her childhood and affirmed with her ordination in 1996 after graduating from Moore College, Sydney. With a heart for Christ’s holistic mission, she has led with strategic vision in various roles, including CEO of Anglicare College and Executive Director at Anglicare. Her commitment to Christian service is evident through her international director of prayer ministries with World Vision and her influential tenure on the International Lausanne Board. Sarah has served these last eighteen years as the Intercession Working Group Chair for Lausanne. A supporter of quality Christian education, Sarah has contributed to the governance of several schools and is a respected figure in the Canberra-Goulburn Anglican Diocesan leadership. As she contemplates her future, Sarah remains open to following God's call to exceptional servant leadership in this new season.
We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

Building Spiritual Movements: Mac Pier on The Intersection of Prayer, Unity, and City Mission

Have you ever questioned the necessity of prayer and collaboration in ministry?
 
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Mac Pier, founder of Movement Day, who shares how united efforts and strategic prayer have led to monumental changes in New York City and other major cities across the globe.
 
Main Points:
The Strategic Role of Cities: Mac discusses why cities are crucial hubs for the spread of the gospel, drawing from historical, theological, and experiential perspectives.
Foundations of a Movement: Learn about the essential elements that drive successful movements, including prayer, research, and collaboration.
The Power of Unity in Prayer: Discover how collective prayer initiatives have transformed New York City and can serve as a model for other urban centres.
Developing Future Leaders: Mac shares insights into raising up the next generation of leaders and the importance of providing them with platforms and immersive experiences.
 
If this conversation has inspired you, consider how you can get involved in your city. Subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring conversations, leave a review to help others discover these insights, and visit Movement Day's website to learn how you can participate in transforming your own community.
 
Links & Resources:
Movement Day Website: movement.org
Books Mentioned:Why Cities Matter by Stephen Um and Justin Buzzard
Center Church by Tim Keller
A Theology as Big as the City by Ray Bakke
Disruptive Gospel by Mac Pier
New York Disrupted by Mac Pier
Article: The Great Opportunity
New York Disrupted Online: newyorkdisrupted.com
 
Guest Bio:
Mac Pier is the founder of Movement.org. He helped to birth the Concerts of Prayer Movement in 1988 in New York City. He also co-founded Movement Day in 2010 with Dr Tim Keller. He is the author of nine books including A Disruptive Gospel (Baker Books) and New York Disrupted (Movement Day Publishing). Mac and Marya have been married 40 years and have three children and five grandchildren. Pier has been a Lausanne catalyst since 2013.
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The Art of Preaching in Times of Crisis: Anne Zaki on Sharing the Hope of Christ When It Matters Most

People are often most receptive to the Gospel during times of crisis. Are we prepared to share the hope of Jesus Christ when it matters most?
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson interviews Dr. Anne Zaki, a distinguished lecturer at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo. They delve into Anne's journey in ministry, her unique perspective on preaching during crises from her experience in Egypt during the Arab Spring & Covid 19 pandemic, and the critical role of preaching in fostering hope and resilience. The conversation covers diverse contexts of preaching, the psychological and theological perspectives on crisis, and practical advice for preachers navigating challenging times.
Main Points:
Preaching in Times of Crisis: Explore Anne's extensive research on preaching during crises like the Arab Spring and COVID-19, highlighting effective strategies and common challenges.
Developing a Framework for Crisis Preaching: Learn about Anne’s "Hexagon of Horizons" framework, designed to guide preachers before, during, and after crises.
Psychological and Theological Perspectives on Crisis: Understanding the interplay between psychological resilience and theological grounding in times of crisis.
The Role of Suffering and Hope: Insights on how the themes of suffering and hope are central to Christian preaching and spiritual formation.
Practical Advice for Preaching During Crisis: Practical tips and strategies for preachers to maintain effectiveness and compassion during crises.
Applying Learnings to Global Missions: How the insights and strategies discussed can be applied to enhance global missions and support the global church.
Call to Action:
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast for more enriching conversations. Leave us a review, share this episode with your network, and visit our website for additional resources and upcoming events.
Links & Resources:
Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo: https://www.etsc.org/
Calvin University: https://www.calvin.edu/
Additional reading on crisis preaching: 
Elements of Crisis Preaching - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nb1DKjxd33Ppx7k8U3LCHj6P9ZefegNI/view?usp=sharing
Crisis Preaching Bibliography - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PVhlurJujcvoNpxslgqoZwtEJdstKgEF/view?usp=sharing
 
Anne Zaki Bio:
Anne Zaki grew up in Cairo in a pastor’s home and has been involved in various teaching and leading ministries since her teen years. At 16, she represented Egypt at Pearson College in Canada. She later attended Calvin University for a liberal arts Christian education.
Anne earned a Master’s degree in social psychology from the American University in Cairo under Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim. She married Rev. Naji Umran and served at Heliopolis Community Church before moving to North America in 2002. There, she and her husband earned Master’s of Divinity degrees at Calvin Theological Seminary and served churches in Michigan and British Columbia. In 2011, they returned to Egypt with their four sons.
Anne worked at Calvin University for 13 years as the Resource Development Specialist for Global and Multi-cultural worship, coordinating international worship conferences in 15 countries. Since 2000, she has been a psychologist and counsellor. Since 2013, she has taught courses on Preaching, Communication, Psychology, Theology, Practices of Worship, and Spiritual Formation at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo. In 2022, she earned a PhD in theology with a concentration in Preaching from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Her interests include travel, learning about cultural influences on the church worldwide, creating new ministries, mentoring youth, administration, poetry, and music.
We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

Strengthening the Church in Mission: Michael Ortiz on the Role of Theological Education & Training in the Great Commission

What role does theological education and training play in the Great Commission?
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Michael Ortiz, International Director of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) to talk about the impact of theological education and training for the global church. We explore the pivotal role of theological education in missions, the importance of elevating diverse voices, and the future of global church leadership.
Main Points:
Role of the Local Church: How local churches engagement in theological training can lead to profound personal and community transformation.
Diverse Voices in Theology: Understand the importance of including diverse global voices in theological training to reflect the true nature of the global church.
Preparing Students for the Future of the Church: Discover strategies for equipping students with sound theological frameworks to address the future needs of the global church.
Reinforcing Formal and Non-Formal Training: Learn about the importance of reinforcing both formal and non-formal theological training to meet the diverse needs of the church.
Global Partnerships: The significance of collaborative efforts in ministry.
Links & Resources:
ICETE (International Council for Evangelical Theological Education) - https://icete.info/ 
Dallas Theological Seminary - https://www.dts.edu/employee/michael-ortiz/ 
Guest Bio:
Dr. Ortiz was born in New York City to Cuban immigrants. After earning a law degree from SMU in 1988 and establishing his practice in Florida, he committed his life to Christ. This newfound faith sparked a deep interest in biblical and theological studies. He received his ThM from DTS in 2008, and in 2015, he earned a PhD from Seminario Teológico Centroamericano (SETECA).
Currently, Dr. Ortiz serves as the International Director of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education, positioning him as a key leader in global theological education. He also works at Dallas Theological Seminary as the Vice President for Global Ministries and Associate Professor of Missiology & Intercultural Ministries.
 
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Strategic Campus Ministry: Tom Lin on Leadership, Collaboration, and Reaching the Next Generation

Curious to know how God is at work on university campus’ across the United States?
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we hear from Tom Lin, President and CEO of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, about his remarkable journey from discovering Christ through varsity ministry to leading one of the largest campus ministries in the U.S. We delve into the strategic importance of university ministry, hear leadership insights, and the impact of global collaborations through movements like Lausanne.
Main Points:
Tom Lin's Journey: From aspiring economist to faith-driven leader, Tom shares his inspiring personal story and the pivotal moments that shaped his path.
Foundations of Leadership: The significance of building strong foundations in faith, making risky decisions for Christ, and the essential role of community.
Revival on Campuses: Hear about the spiritual awakening among students and the profound impact of recent revivals on secular and Christian campuses alike.
Current Trends in Campus Ministry: Addressing key issues like mental health, diversity, and sexuality while presenting the gospel as good news to today's students.
Global Partnerships: The importance of collaborative efforts in ministry, exemplified by initiatives like EveryCampus and the Lausanne Movement.
If you have enjoyed this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast please take a moment to subscribe and don’t forget to leave us a rating and review.
Links & Resources:
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
EveryCampus Initiative
Urbana Student Missions Conference
Lausanne Movement
Guest Bio:
Since 2016, Tom Lin has served as president / CEO of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Previously, he served as pioneering missionary and country director of campus ministry in Mongolia and vice president of missions and director of the Urbana Student Missions Conference. He has also served as a trustee on the boards of Wycliffe Bible Translators, Missio Nexus, and the Leadership and Legacy Foundation. He currently serves on the boards of Fuller Theological Seminary, The Crowell Trust, and the Lausanne Movement.
Tom is the author of Pursuing God’s Call (2012) and Losing Face and Finding Grace (1996), a coeditor of the Urbana Onward book series (2012), and a contributor to Still Evangelical? (2018)—all published by InterVarsity Press. He is also a contributor to Uncommon Ground (2020, Thomas Nelson). He has a BA in economics from Harvard University, an MA in global leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and an honorary doctorate in public service from Taylor University. Tom and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters.

Business as Mission: Accelerating Global Mission Through Business with Jo Plummer

What role can business play in accelerating Global Mission?
Join Jo Plummer as she shares her two decade journey in 'Business as Mission' (BAM), a movement integrating business and mission for global impact. From personal anecdotes in China and the remote villages of Nepal to inspirational stories of innovative business initiatives in Nigeria and beyond, Jo shares how business can address pressing global needs.
Learn about the BAM Global Summit, the significance of biblical foundations in business, and the importance of mobilising, equipping, and connecting people for effective mission work.
 
Main Points:
Personal Journey: Jo's passion for BAM began during an outreach in China, where she realised the potential of business solutions in mission contexts.
Business as Mission Concept: Business as mission integrates business practices with mission goals to provide sustainable solutions in underserved areas, benefiting both people and the gospel.
Global Summit: The annual BAM Global Summit connects the BAM community, fostering learning and collaboration through storytelling and resource sharing.
Biblical Foundations: BAM is deeply rooted in biblical principles, with historical examples like Paul the Apostle's tentmaking demonstrating the integration of business and mission.
 
If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone you hope to inspire.
 
Links & Resources:
BAM Global
Business as Mission
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