Michael Oh at the Fourth Lausanne Congress: Reflections on the Journey, Congress Highlights, and What’s Next for the Movement

In this special episode recorded live at the Fourth Lausanne Congress, Michael Oh, Global Executive Director/CEO of the Lausanne Movement, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the years of preparation, shares powerful insights from the Congress itself, and casts a compelling vision for what’s next for the global movement.

Main Points:

• The Journey to the Congress: Michael shares key milestones leading up to the Fourth Lausanne Congress, from its early planning stages to navigating challenges like COVID-19.
• Personal Growth as a Leader: Michael reflects on how this journey shaped him personally, including lessons in leadership and family discipleship.
• Congress Highlights: Walking through the Congress halls with 5,000 global influencers, Michael describes the energy, excitement, and life-changing moments unfolding in Seoul.
• A Call for Collaboration: Michael emphasizes the need for unity and collaboration in global mission, urging participants to continue working together long after the Congress ends.
• Looking to the Future: What’s next for the Lausanne Movement? Michael outlines practical steps for participants to take as they return home, ensuring the Congress’s impact ripples through the global church.

Don’t let the journey stop here! After listening, subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, share this episode with a friend, and explore the tools and resources available to continue the mission. Visit our website to access the Accelerate platform and stay connected with global influencers and ideas for mission.

Links & Resources:

• Lausanne Movement Website - https://lausanne.org/
• Lausanne Collaborative Action Hub - https://collaborate.lausanne.org/
• The Accelerate Platform - https://lausanne.org/accelerate
• The Seoul Statement - https://lausanne.org/statement/the-seoul-statement
• The State of the Great Commission Report - https://lausanne.org/report

Guest Bio:

Dr Michael Young-Suk Oh is the global executive director / CEO of the Lausanne Movement.

Michael is of Korean descent, born in America. Michael received his BA, MS, and PhD degrees at the University of Pennsylvania. He also completed an MDiv at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School as well as an MA in regional studies, East Asia, at Harvard University.

Michael, his wife Pearl, and their five children served as missionaries in Nagoya, Japan from 2004 to 2016. In January 2004, he founded a ministry called Christ Bible Institute (CBI), which includes Christ Bible Seminary, the Heart & Soul Cafe, and a church-planting ministry. He currently serves as chairman of the board of directors for CBI and chancellor of Christ Bible Seminary.

Michael’s first involvement with the Lausanne Movement was at the 2004 Forum for World Evangelization. Then in 2006 Michael served on the younger leaders planning team for the 2006 Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering, where he also gave the keynote address. In 2007 he joined the Lausanne Board of Directors as its youngest member. He has served as global executive director / CEO since March 2013.