What if the Church’s evangelistic crisis isn’t about culture—but about conviction? And what if the way forward isn’t more methods, but deeper surrender?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Dr. Desmond Henry, Lausanne catalyst for proclamation evangelism and International Director of the Global Network of Evangelists for Palau, joins us for a compelling conversation on why evangelism often feels sidelined in today’s church—and why it must remain central to God’s mission. He shares insights on the tensions, misunderstandings, and future of evangelism, and challenges ministry leaders to embrace a Spirit-empowered lifestyle of gospel witness.

If this episode challenged and encouraged you, share it with someone who’s passionate about mission and leadership. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and explore more resources at lausanne.org.

📚 Links & Resources

• Palau Association - https://www.palau.org/
• Lausanne Global Classroom: Proclamation Evangelism - https://lausanne.org/global-classroom/proclamation-evangelism
• Advance Groups (Mentoring Guide for Evangelists) - https://www.advancegroups.org/
• Life in 6 Words App - https://li6w.com/
• Connect with Desmond Henry - https://www.desmond-henry.com/

Guest Bio:

Desmond Henry is a missional thought-leader, professor of missiology, author, speaker, and practitioner committed to advancing global evangelism. As the International Director of the Global Network of Evangelists for Palau, he leads a global movement to identify, equip, mobilise, and support evangelists in reaching millions with the Gospel. In addition to his main role at Palau, Dr. Henry serves as Chairman of the Conspectus Journal at the South African Theological Seminary; Catalyst for the Lausanne Proclamation Evangelism Network; and Research Fellow for Lausanne Insights on Global Horizons and Trends, contributing to global thought leadership in missiology. Through his leadership at Palau, Lausanne, and beyond, Dr. Henry helps shape the future of gospel outreach strategies, ensuring evangelism remains bold, innovative, and biblically faithful. He is married to Lara, and together they have three daughters: Gabriella, Annabella, and Olivia.

What if Africa’s greatest challenges are also its greatest gospel opportunities? Discover how God is raising up a new generation of leaders in the midst of pressure, persecution, and potential.

📖 Summary:

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Dr. Stephen Mbogo, Lausanne Regional Director for the English, Portuguese, and Spanish-speaking (EPSA) region, and International Team Leader of African Enterprise, shares how Africa’s youthful population and vibrant church are responding to the call of the Great Commission. From discipling Gen Z leaders to strategic outreach across cities, slums, and conflict zones, Dr. Mbogo casts a powerful vision for Africa’s role in global mission.

🙏 Call to Action:

Inspired by this episode? Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast and leave a review to help others find it. Visit lausanne.org to learn how to partner with gospel movements across the EPSA region and beyond.

📚 Links & Resources:

• African Enterprise: aeint.org

• Lausanne Movement (EPSA Region): https://lausanne.org/network/epsa

Guest Bio:

Stephen Mbogo has a passion for godly, biblical leadership and a heart to see Africa transformed through the salvation of its people and the sound governance of its leaders. Born in eastern Kenya in 1967, Stephen grew up in a family that followed African traditional religions. He witnessed the transforming power of the gospel in the lives of his parents and grandparents before surrendering his life to Christ in high school.

Stephen has been involved in extensive evangelistic activities, leadership training, and community development in Africa and in other parts of the world, including the Mission Africa outreach project that preceded the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town. He has also served as an associate with the FOCUS/IFES Movement, conducting missions to unreached groups in Kenya, as well as African Enterprise (AE), where he has held various leadership roles. He has also been working with the South Sudanese church since the mid-2000s. Currently as AE’s CEO, Stephen’s vision is to see a prayer breakfast movement started in every country on the African continent and to see the church established in every parliament.

Stephen holds a bachelor degree in business administration from Daystar University, a master’s degree in Christian ministries from Nairobi International School of Theology, and a PhD in intercultural studies from Biola University. He lives in Nairobi with his wife Rosemary and their two children, Victor and Joy. In recognition for their role in missions, Stephen and Rosemary were ordained as ministers by their evangelical denomination in 2001.

What does it look like when a church opens its arms to strangers in crisis? Discover how radical hospitality prepared fertile ground for sharing the gospel with Ukrainian refugees.

📖 Summary:

In this deeply moving episode, Pastor Oliwer Cieslar shares how his church in Poland became a place of refuge and transformation during the Ukrainian war. With no refugee infrastructure in place, the Polish church—and the wider community—mobilized overnight to provide shelter, food, and spiritual care to thousands. Discover how a crisis became a catalyst for gospel hospitality and lasting unity in the body of Christ.

🔑 Main Points:

• Crisis Met with Compassion: In the early days of the war, Oliwer’s church of 200 mobilized and organized buses to rescue 650+ refugees, providing shelter and support.
• From Short-Term Shelter to Long-Term Integration: As weeks turned into years, the church adapted—offering language classes, job support, and a spiritual home for displaced Ukrainians.
• Stories of Salvation and Unity: Oliwer shares powerful stories of Ukrainian refugees finding faith in Christ and being baptized into a new spiritual family.
• Lessons for the Global Church: Compassion became a spiritual awakening in a secularizing culture. Oliwer challenges global churches to embrace the power of hospitality.

Guest Bio:

Oliwer Cieślar born in Poland, associate pastor in local church in Opole. Holds degree in Computer Science and Masters at Practical Theology from Glyndwr University. In ministry since 2014, works for online evangelism ministry DeoLink Association. Project manager for The Chosen TV series in Poland. Husband and a father of two daughters.