Lausanne Movement Podcast

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/
 
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ever wondered how evangelism and social action can blend together to impact communities?
In this episode, we host Kumar Aryal, the founder of Himalayan Hope Foundation. Kumar shares deep insights into blending evangelism with social action and his passion for holistic development. He unpacks the realities of faith in Nepal, addresses the constant struggle between evangelism and social justice, and presents a thrilling vision for the future of integral missions and holistic development. 
Key Takeaways:
Navigate faith-based development in a culturally sensitive way.
Understand the interplay between religion and social norms in Nepal.
Learn how the Himalayan Hope Foundation addresses various community needs through a holistic approach.
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our podcast for more conversations connected to global mission. Leave us a review and share your thoughts about the episode. Also, visit our website to find out more about our upcoming episodes.
Links & Resources:
Connect with Kumar Aryal: Email - kumar7aryal@gmail.com 
Learn more about the Himalayan Hope Foundation - https://www.himalayanhope.org/ 
Kumars Bio: 
Kumar Aryal is founder and executive director of Himalayan Hope Foundation, board member at TeachBeyond Philippines, member of the advisory board at Asia Graduate School of Theology-Nepal (AGSTNP), and PhD coordinator for South Asia at Asian School of Development and Cross-Cultural Studies (ASDECS).
Kumar has a PhD in international development and was a professor of intercultural studies at International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL) in Manila, Philippines, for nine years. His research interests include poverty and development, migration, holistic development, and social justice. He is married to Kathryn and they have three boys.

Ever wondered how you could raise more support in your local ministry context?
Discover how reframing fundraising as "support development" can unlock new possibilities and foster true collaboration with Kehinde Ojo, IFES Indigenous Support Development Program Director. This episode offers fresh perspectives on mobilising resources for God's kingdom, combining personal stories, biblical insights, and practical advice.
Key Takeaways:
Shift Perspective: Reframe fundraising as "support development" for a more inclusive and collaborative approach.
Unlock Local Generosity: Discover practical tips to cultivate support within your own community, including utilising diverse partners like churches, families, and Christian organisations.
Prioritise God: Ground your strategies in prayer and faith, focusing on God's vision and provision.
Join Kehinde as he dives into:
His unique journey and insights on reframing fundraising
The role of "support development" within IFES
The power of vision casting and local partnerships
Fostering interdependence and inclusivity in resource mobilisation
The importance of prayer and planning in effective support development
Ready to transform your fundraising approach?
 
Links:
Kehinde's Email: kehinde.ojo@ifesworld.org 
 
Kehinde's Bio:
Kehinde Ojo is the IFES program director for indigenous support development. Kehinde was born and raised in southwestern Nigeria. He became a Christian during university through the witness of NIFES (IFES Nigeria). He then got fully involved, became trained and discipled. On graduation in 1991, he served as a volunteer for one year before joining NIFES as a full-time staff worker. He served with NIFES for 18 years in different roles and in different parts of the country.
In 2011 Kehinde was invited by IFES to pioneer a new global program to help national movements in IFES become sustainable in their local fundraising for ministry effectiveness. His brief included developing a work plan for the program and identifying and equipping a global team to work with him. He trains and mentors leaders regularly in the Africa, Eurasia, Caribbean, and Latin America regions of IFES.
Kehinde was part of the committee that planned and organised the Nigeria-Lausanne Congress 2013. He has written articles on generosity and resource mobilisation and actively participates in the Lausanne Ministry Fundraising Network. Kehinde wants to see a new generation of godly and effective leaders raised for the nations. Kehinde and his family live in Abuja, Nigeria.