Lausanne Movement Podcast

Reimagining Community: Engaging Migrants, Refugees, and the Diaspora in the Great Commission with Dr. Sam George & Dr. Matthew Niermann

What happens when your neighbours become strangers overnight? The world is witnessing dramatic shifts in where people call home, who their neighbours are, and the very definition of "community." 
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we explore how churches can rise to the challenge and reimagine what it means to build community in the midst of migration, refugee crises, and global urbanisation.
 We are joined by our expert guests:
Dr. Matthew Niermann: Analyses global trends in communities on the move, based on the findings from Lausannes forthcoming State of The Great Commission Report.
Dr. Sam George: Discusses the crucial role of Diaspora communities in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Together, we'll explore:
How migration and refugee movements are reshaping communities.
The challenges and opportunities churches face in ministering to people on the move.
How Diaspora communities are taking the gospel everywhere in the world.
The practical steps churches can take to engage Diaspora communities.
Embrace the challenge of reimagining community! 
Subscribe now and join the conversation. Learn how your church can build bridges with refugees, empower Diaspora communities, and contribute to the Great Commission in an ever-changing world.
For further information about the Lausanne Movement, please visit our webpage: https://www.lausanne.org
 
Find out more:
https://lausanne.org/networks/issues/diasporas
https://www.global-diaspora.com/
 
Dr. George Bio:
Dr. Sam George, originally from the Andaman Islands in India, was born to Christian parents from the heritage of Kerala's St. Thomas Christians.
Dr. George holds degrees in mechanical engineering and management and spent a decade working across Asia and the US. His academic pursuits continued at Fuller and Princeton Seminaries. Over the following twenty years, George was instrumental in founding two family-focused organisations: Urban India Mission and Parivar International. He earned his PhD in theology from Liverpool Hope University (UK), specialising in family, church, and diaspora studies. Presently, he lectures on global migration, diaspora missions, and world Christianity, contributing extensively through articles, book chapters, and books. George resides in the northern suburbs of Chicago, USA, with his wife, Dr. Mary M. George, and their two sons.

Redeeming Human Identity: Exploring the Intersection of Scripture, AI, Biotechnology, Gender and Human Sexuality with Dr. Carmen Imes & Dr. Matthew Niermann

"What does it mean to be human?” 
This is a defining question for younger generations. In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we explore this crucial topic in light of shifting global perspectives on AI, biotechnology, gender, and sexuality.
We are joined by guests:
Dr. Matthew Niermann: Shares insights from the State of The Great Commission Report on global trends in understanding humanness.
Dr. Carmen Imes: Associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University, discusses the biblical view of human identity and its emphasis on inherent dignity and worth.
Key discussion points:
How are advancements in AI and biotechnology challenging traditional notions of humanness?
How are shifting perspectives on gender and sexuality impacting our understanding of identity?
What opportunities and challenges do these changes present for the Church?
How can the biblical understanding of humanness guide our approach to these innovations?
Listen in to hear how the Church can reclaim its voice and offer authentic hope in a world desperately searching for meaning.
Subscribe now and join the conversation!
For further information about the Lausanne Movement, please visit our webpage: https://www.lausanne.org
 
Links from this episode:
Dr. Imes’ Youtube Channel: Torah Tuesday 
Dr. Imes’ Books on Amazon
Dr. Imes on Twitter
Dr. Imes’ blog: carmenjoyimes.blogspot.com
 
Dr. Imes Bio:
Dr. Carmen Imes is deeply committed to engaging students and laypeople with the Old Testament, unveiling its significance for Christian identity and mission. She is renowned for her influential books, "Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters" (IVP, 2019) and "Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters" (IVP, 2023). A respected voice in Christian media, Dr. Imes has been featured in over 100 podcasts and radio shows, and she regularly shares insights through her "Torah Tuesday" videos on YouTube. Her contributions to "Christianity Today," "Politics of Theology," and "The Well" (InterVarsity) reflect her thoughtful engagement with contemporary theological issues.
As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Imes frequently addresses audiences at churches, conferences, and retreats, offering fresh perspectives on biblical texts. Prior to joining Biola University in 2021, she imparted her expertise as a professor of Old Testament at Prairie College, Alberta, Canada. Dr. Imes' academic pursuits were inspired by her missionary work in the Philippines alongside her husband, under SIM International, where they served ethnic minority communities. Passionate about bridging cultural divides, she delights in introducing students to the richness of the global church.

The Dynamics of Trust in Global Mission: Addressing the Global Trust Deficit, the Increase in Self-trust, & the Role of Church in Fostering Trustworthy Communities with Dave Benson & Matthew Niermann

Is the church losing its voice in an increasingly more cynical and distrusting world? 
 
This episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast tackles the critical question of how global shifts in trust are reshaping how people hear and receive the message of Jesus.
 
Dr. Matthew Niermann dives into global statistics from the upcoming State of The Great Commission Report, revealing the global trends in declining trust. Dr. Dave Benson, Director of Culture and Discipleship at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, then helps us explore these cultural trends and offers practical strategies for the Church to proactively foster and reestablish trust within its communities.
 
Don't miss this crucial conversation – subscribe now and learn how the Church can reclaim its voice and offer authentic hope in a world desperately searching for it.
 
For further information about the Lausanne Movement, please visit our webpage: https://www.lausanne.org
 
Links from this episode:
licc.org.uk
Dr. David Benson on LinkedIn
Dr. Dave Benson's Bio:
Dr. Dave Benson is a leading thinker and researcher on the role of faith in 21st-century Western culture. A former high school teacher and lecturer at Malyon Theological College in Brisbane, Australia, he currently leads the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity's Culture & Discipleship work. This role involves consulting with theological education institutions to develop whole-life disciplemakers (LICC's Theological Education). 
Dr. Benson's mission is to cultivate disciples equipped with wisdom for following Christ's way in a post-Christendom culture. His 2016 Ph.D. project, titled 'Schools, Scripture, and Secularisation,' explores the ultimate aims of competing curricular visions and the role of sacred texts in secular education. Additionally, he is the lead editor of 'Transforming Vocation: Connecting Theology, Church, and the Workplace for a Flourishing World' (Wipf & Stock, 2021).

Attila Nyári on Church Planting in Hungary, Pastoral Succession Planning, Building a Digital Ministry, and Serving in a Global Movement

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Attila Nyári shares insights from his journey in faith, beginning as he transitioned from a career in the corporate industry to ministry. He talks about the lessons he learned in the business sector that helped him in ministry. Attila also shares his experience of planting a church in Hungry, his decision to transition his church over to new leaders, and his current ministry in the digital space. 
He discusses the powerful impact of targeted content in reaching seekers globally, highlighting the growth of digital ministry and its potential to reach global audiences. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of engaging globally, maintaining a presence in the local church, and encourages leaders to take advantage of the resources and friendships offered in global networks.
 
Find Attila on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attilanyari/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@attilanyarihu
LinkedIn: https://hu.linkedin.com/in/attilanyari
 
Attila Nyári Bio:
In his role as chief of staff, Attila Nyári supports the global executive director / CEO and focuses on strategic planning and alignment, improving organisational health and effectiveness, and giving leadership to special innovative projects. Having graduated from Budapest Business School with a degree in international communications and public relations, he is currently pursuing an MA in global leadership at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Before serving at Lausanne, Attila worked for various communications agencies as well as the banking sector. He also served as senior pastor of Golgota Kistarcsa, a church he planted in the wider Budapest area in 2015. Though no longer the pastor of a local congregation, he continues to reach out to the people of his home country through his social media ministry as a Christian content creator. Attila’s first involvement with Lausanne was serving as the communications chair on the planning team for the 2016 Younger Leaders Gathering. He joined the staff team in 2015 and was part of Lausanne’s communications team before assuming its leadership in 2020.

Delphine Fanfon on Leading with Vulnerability and Humility, Lessons from the African Church, Reaching the Next Generation, Cultivating Identity and Purpose in Christ, and Moving Forward from Failure

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we explore various facets of leadership and spirituality, particularly within the African context. Our guest, Delphine Fanon, shares her journey from being a pastor's daughter in Cameroon to becoming an influential leader in spiritual and community development. She shares personal experiences and insights on the vulnerabilities and strengths of African leadership. Delphine stresses the importance of authenticity, humility and vulnerability in leadership. She discusses the impact of her 'second conversion' moment on her life and work, and how it led to the creation of her organisation 'Me4Real', focused on helping individuals to discover their secure identity in Christ. Last, she urges young leaders to respect and learn from older generations, seeing themselves not as an ultimate authority but as part of a continuous stream of God's work in human history.
 
Delphine Fanfon, holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University, is the CEO of Me4real International didactic to help the next generation find their identity and purpose in Christ, she is the Regional Leader for Africa and Cameroon Country Team Leader of LeaderSource SGA, a leader development ministry dedicated to building healthy leaders for the Church. 
Connect with Delphine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delphinefanfon/ 
 
Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations about global mission and leadership. For further information about the Lausanne Movement, please visit our webpage: https://www.lausanne.org.

The Art of Whole Life Mentorship: An Interview with Ole-Magnus Olasfrud

Are you passionate about mentorship and discipleship?
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we sit down with Ole-Magnus Olasfrud, a seasoned spiritual mentor, who shares his personal journey from a challenging childhood in Norway to his role as a spiritual mentor and Senior Coordinator for Lausanne's Younger Leaders Generation. Ole-Magnus unpacks the significant role of mentorship and discipleship in his life and spiritual growth, emphasising the importance of relationships, scriptural guidance, and prayer in mentoring. 
According to Ole-Magnus, the essence of mentoring lies in nurturing the whole life, caring for an individual's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. He discusses the foundational principles of mentoring, which include building relationships, studying Scripture, and fostering a culture of mutual learning. Additionally, Ole-Magnus provides insights on how to initiate and when to conclude mentoring relationships in a healthy and effective manner. He enriches the discussion with anecdotes from his extensive experience and talks about his ongoing work with Lausanne's Younger Leaders Generation.
Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations about global mission and leadership. For further information about the Lausanne Movement, please visit our webpage: https://www.lausanne.org.
 
Ole-Magnus Olafsrud is from Norway and serves with the Lausanne Movement and Barnabas Focus, after 50 years with The Navigators. He and his team work to mobilise mentors for generational disciple-making through equipped whole-life mentoring of younger leaders for global mission.

Adapting to Global Demographic Shifts: Engaging and Empowering the Next Generation in the Great Commission with Pearl Ganta & Matthew Niermann

Global demographics are rapidly changing, presenting both challenges and opportunities for fulfilling the Great Commission.
In this episode, we welcome filmmaker and advocate Pearl Ganta to explore these shifts, particularly the rise of youth populations in the Majority World. Through her work in media, filmmaking, and with the Apnao Foundation, Pearl sheds light on how these demographic changes demand creative approaches to Christian engagement and discipleship. We delve into how the church can effectively engage and empower the younger generations. Dr. Matthew Niermann, further deepens the conversation by analysing data from the "State of the Great Commission Report" revealing a diverse and promising landscape for the global Christian presence.
This episode is a call to action, urging listeners to rethink traditional engagement strategies and embrace the potential of emerging demographics through media.
Join us as we explore how to adapt, empower, and partner with the next generation to fulfil the Great Commission.
Pearl Ganta Bio:
Pearl Ganta, a dynamic filmmaker and compelling storyteller, serves as a speaker dedicated to influencing lives through media and social engagement. As the Co-Founder and Creative Director of UR Vision, a visionary media company, she channels her creativity into impactful narratives. Additionally, Pearl leads the Apnao Foundation as its Director. This pivotal social initiative champions the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable children, showcasing her commitment to advocacy and change.
Links:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/KKUu5BR_-4w?feature=shared
Linked In: https://in.linkedin.com/in/pearlganta
Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations about global mission and leadership. For further information about the Lausanne Movement, please visit our webpage: https://www.lausanne.org.

Emerging Digital Frontier: Amplifying the Gospel’s Impact through Technology with Simon Seow & Matthew Niermann.

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Simon Seow & Matthew Niermann explore how critical shifts in technology have provided the global church with unprecedented outreach opportunities. These opportunities enable the sharing of the gospel with people on every corner of the planet. Today, 60% of the world's population have access to the internet. Simon encourages Christians to harness the power of their digital spaces for spreading the good news of Jesus. He highlights the potential for digital evangelism and emphasises the importance of missional collaboration in the digital age.
If you are a Christian who seeks to be a part of the acceleration of global mission, then this podcast is for you.
Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations about global mission and leadership. For further information about the Lausanne Movement, please visit our webpage: https://www.lausanne.org.
 
Simon Seow:
Simon is passionate about bringing the unchanging gospel to a changing generation. His journey in ministry began with the launch and leadership of the Creative Communications (encompassing music, film, arts, and digital) ministry team at Cru Singapore. Simon also co-founded Indigitous and now serves as a Senior Digital Strategist within the Global Digital Strategies Vice-President team of Cru, based in Orlando.
 
Links:
Website: 
https://indigitous.org/
Instagram: 
@Simonseowsays
@indigitous
Email: 
simon@indigitous.org
 

Faithfully Navigating the Digital Age: Technology, Theology and Spiritual Formation with Jonas Kurlberg & Matthew Niermann with Jonas Kurlberg & Matthew Niermann

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of theology, culture, and technology with Jonas Kurlberg and Dr. Matthew Niermann. We explore the major shifts unfolding in the digital space and the profound opportunities and challenges technology presents in shaping our lives, faith, and understanding of God. We unpack how technological advancements shape human formation, community growth, and decision-making processes. More importantly, Jonas challenges us to shift our perspective, seeing the digital landscape not as a threat, but as a significant aspect of our context in which we live out our faith.
If you are a Christian who seeks to embody Christ and help others live faithfully in this digital age, then this podcast episode is for you.
 
Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations about global mission and leadership. For further information about the Lausanne Movement, please visit our webpage: https://www.lausanne.org.
 
Links from Interview: 
Jonas Kurlberg’s articles on  ResearchGate 
Church in a Digital Age - Lausanne Movement 
Spurgeon's College 
The Global Network for Digital Theology 
 
Jonas is the director for postgraduate studies and a tutor in theology at Spurgeon’s College, London. His primary research interest is in the nexus between Christian faith and digital culture. He is chair of the Global Network for Digital Theology and an honorary fellow at the department of theology and religion, Durham University.

Global Christianity’s Evolution: Understanding the Rise of the Global South, Pentecostalism, and Polycentric Christianity with Dr Allen Yeh & Dr Matthew Niermann

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast we explore shifts in global Christianity with Dr Allen Yeh and Dr Matthew Niermann. Christianity is a dynamic and living faith which has experienced notable global shifts in the last 100 years, including the growth of Christianity in the Global South, the rise of Pentecostalism, and the continued addition of denominations, leading to the question, 'What is Polycentric Christianity?'
If you are interested in the evolution of global Christinaity and its impact on mission then this episode is for you. 
Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations about global mission and leadership. For further information about the Lausanne Movement, please visit our webpage: https://www.lausanne.org.
 
Links from this episode:
Polycentric Missiology: 21st Century Mission from Everyone to Everywhere
Majority World Theology: Christian Doctrine in Global Context
Follow Allen on X
 
Guest Bio:
Allen Yeh is tenured Professor of Intercultural Studies and Missiology. His areas of geographical expertise are Latin America and China. He also has other academic interests in Gen Z, history, classical music, homiletics, social justice, the California missions, the Maya, and biographical interest in Jonathan Edwards (America's greatest theologian) and Adoniram Judson (America's first intercontinental missionary). He serves on the Board of Trustees for the International Theological Seminary (ITS), the Learning Synthesis Manager for the Lausanne Generations Conversation, and a Research Fellow with the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism at Wheaton College. He is the author of several books including the seminal title Polycentric Missiology: 21st Century Mission from Everyone to Everywhere.