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.

Is it possible for artificial intelligence to share the gospel—and even lead someone to Christ?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Chase Cappo joins Jason Watson to explore the emerging world of Christian AI and its potential to revolutionize ministry. Chase shares how technology can serve the church, foster trust, and guide people toward authentic encounters with Jesus. You’ll hear powerful testimonies, hard questions, and hopeful answers as the conversation journeys through faith, tech, and global mission.

🔑 Main Takeaways:

• Christian AI vs. Secular AI: Chase unpacks how AI trained on biblical truth can offer a redemptive alternative to the algorithms shaping culture today.

• The Power of Personalization: AI tools like Faith Assistant can have deeply personal, gospel-centered conversations at scale—often leading people to Jesus.

• Tech That Builds Trust: From anonymous chats to church QR codes, Chase explains how AI lowers barriers and invites spiritual seekers into real community.

• Equipping Ministries with AI: Learn how churches, youth groups, and global missions are using AI to answer questions, disciple leaders, and connect people to local communities.

• Innovation with Integrity: Chase shares the values guiding his work—truth and love, prioritizing the gospel, and staying anchored in the local church.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 🌐 Faith Assistant – Try it out and see how ministries are integrating AI today - https://faithassistant.com/

• 🔗 GPT - https://huggingface.co/AiForTheChurch/ChristianGPT-base-full-precision/tree/main

• 📱 BibleChat.AI – A free, gospel-centered chat assistant trained on Scripture - https://biblechat.ai/

• 📘 Mission Drift by Peter Greer – The book that challenged Chase to stay rooted in the local church

• 🤝 Gloo – The tech partner bringing these innovations to scale - https://www.gloo.com/

• 🔗 Connect with Chase Cappo on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasecappo

We’re doing something different in this special episode—bringing you a feature from our friends at the God on the Move podcast.

God on the Move Podcast shares inspiring stories of faithful believers from the global church and will encourage you in your own faithful obedience to God’s global mission.

We will soon be switching to a new rhythm of releasing a Lausanne Movement Podcast episode every second week, with God on the Move publishing in the weeks between. We hope that this new rhythm allows you to enjoy both Podcasts.

Follow this link to God on the Move, where you can find links to your favourite podcasting platform and subscribe so you won't miss it when their episodes drop - https://lausanne.org/podcast-series/god-on-the-move

GOD ON THE MOVE

Josephine Munyeli, Director of Administration and Finances at the PEACE Plan Rwanda, shares her harrowing and inspiring personal story as a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. She recounts her experiences, the challenges of raising her children as a widow, and her instrumental role in Rwanda's healing and reconciliation process. The episode delves into how collective efforts involving the community, the church, and international NGOs have facilitated Rwanda's recovery from such a devastating event. Munyeli's insights into forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ongoing work of PEACE Plan Rwanda highlight a journey from unimaginable trauma to a symbol of resilience and hope.

📚 Links from the Interview

• Rwandan Stories: rwandanstories.org
• The PEACE Plan Rwanda: https://www.thepeaceplanrwanda.com
• World Vision Rwanda: https://www.wvi.org/rwanda

🔗 Join the God on the Move Community on the Lausanne Action Hub and be part of the conversation, see exclusive content and share your own testimony.

Josephine MUNYELI Rwandan, born in a strong religious family and a God-fearing environment, Josephine has been involved in the work of Healing, Peacebuilding and reconciliation since 1997 in different institutions and was leading healing and reconciliation initiatives. She was also involved in mobilizing Rwandans to embrace and participate in Gacaca processes that were to bring together genocide survivors, perpetrators and the population, in general, to tell the truth about what they saw, heard and did during that tragedy for the purpose of healing, confession, forgiveness, justice and reconciliation. From 2017 to December 2024, she worked with churches in Rwanda, coordinating capacity-building initiatives to Promote reconciliation, Equip servant leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation. Josephine has been involved in the course known as “Perspectives on the Global Christian Movement” since 2021 and currently serves as an Instructor not only in Rwanda but also in other French-speaking countries in Africa. Josephine retired in January 2025 but continues to serve in the Perspectives course and works on a voluntary basis with TUBASANGE, an agency that mobilizes, trains and sends missionaries. Josephine is a widow with two grown-up sons and a daughter-in-law. She holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration/Project Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

📝 We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

How could the global Church respond to the needs of vulnerable children in a way that leads to lasting gospel impact?

Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, especially those facing poverty, exploitation, and displacement. In this episode, Dr. Susan Greener—an expert in global human development—shares insights on how Christians can approach ministry to children-at-risk with a holistic, gospel-centered perspective. Drawing from decades of experience, she unpacks strategies for transformational community development and cross-cultural engagement that genuinely make a difference.

📚 Links & Resources:

Here’s your list of resources formatted properly:

• Children at Risk Issue Group - https://lausanne.org/network/children-at-risk
• [Article] State of the Great Commission Report Gap 3: Where are the Children? - https://lausanne.org/about/blog/state-of-the-great-commission-report-gap-3-where-are-the-children
• [Lausanne Occasional Paper] - Mission with Children at Risk - https://lausanne.org/occasional-paper/mission-children-risk-lop-66
• https://www.viva.org/
• https://www.max7.org/en
• [Book] Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ron Sider
• [Book] Children and the Theologians: Clearing the Way for Grace by Jerome Berryman

Connect with Susan Greener:

• LinkedIn: Susan Hayes Greener
• Email: shayesgreener@gmail.com

Guest Bio:

Susan Greener, PhD., has dedicated her professional energies to supporting children and families living in poverty in global context through holistic development. She formerly served as Catalyst for the Lausanne Children-at-Risk Issue Network. Most recently, Susan held the role of Vice President of Program Quality for the Chalmers Center. As Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies at Wheaton College Graduate School, she focused on intercultural communication, transformational community development, cross-cultural research, and children and families in global contexts. She has worked in human development for over 25 years in Christian non-governmental organizations and universities, including Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, One Child Matters, Compassion International, Early Head Start, and Yale University. Susan has trained Christian workers from over 70 countries and authored works on children-at-risk and global human development topics, including co-editing a special issue on children-at-risk for the journal Transformation (Summer, 2016).

We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

We’re doing something different in this special episode—bringing you a feature from our friends at the God on the Move podcast.

God on the Move Podcast shares inspiring stories of faithful believers from the global church and will encourage you in your own faithful obedience to God’s global mission.

We will soon be switching to a new rhythm of releasing a Lausanne Movement Podcast episode every second week, with God on the Move publishing in the weeks between. We hope that this new rhythm allows you to enjoy both Podcasts.

Follow this link to God on the Move, where you can find links to your favourite podcasting platform and subscribe so you won't miss it when their episodes drop - https://lausanne.org/podcast-series/god-on-the-move

God on the Move Show Notes

In this week's episode of 'God on the Move', Mainor Mora shares his inspiring journey connecting autism and faith. Mainor, a Bible translator from Costa Rica, opens up about his experiences of discovering his own autism after his son's diagnosis and how he navigated this new reality through scripture and acceptance. This episode dives deep into his ministry work in Equatorial Guinea and Mexico, his struggles and successes, and his sincere belief in God's purpose in neurodiversity. Mainor also discusses his book 'Jesus, the Samaritan Woman and Autism', community efforts, and how churches can be more inclusive of neurodiverse individuals. Join us to hear a powerful testament of vulnerability, understanding, and God's glory revealed through autism.

Mainor Mora Rodríguez is passionate about learning, service, and inclusion. Born in Palmares, Costa Rica, he overcame early challenges with speech and social interaction, finding solace in books and later in basketball. A career-ending injury led to a deep faith journey, shaping his mission to serve others. He has worked in Bible translation projects in Guinea, Ecuatorial, and Mexico and has trained indigenous leaders and translators. As the author of Jesus, the Samaritan Woman, and Autism, he advocates for greater inclusion of autistic individuals in the church, believing that a true Christian community embraces and empowers every person’s unique gifts.

Vivian Eberle-Cruz, Originally from Puerto Rico, has served in Mexico with SIL Global since 2000 alongside her husband. She is passionate about editing and translating exegetical resources for indigenous translators and linguistic publications, including dictionaries in Mexican languages and Spanish. She also helps lead the Potatoes Project, an initiative fostering self-awareness and unity in a multicultural community to glorify God in relationships. She enjoys interpreting and bridging connections between friends who speak different languages in her spare time.

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson sits with Ruslan Zagidulin, a Lausanne Regional Director for Eurasia, to explore the region's dynamic and complex spiritual landscape. From his personal story of faith—growing up in an interethnic Soviet family—to the unique challenges and opportunities for the church in Eurasia today, Ruslan provides deep insights into the region’s identity, mission work, and the next generation’s role in shaping the future.

If this conversation inspired you, take a moment to subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with a friend, and pray for the church in Eurasia. Want to get involved? Connect with Ruslan on social media and learn more about the work being done in the region.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Connect with Ruslan on Instagram - ruslan.learns (https://www.instagram.com/ruslan.learns/?hl=en)
• Learn more about the Lausanne Eurasia Region: https://lausanne.org/network/eurasia
• Find the Eurasia Regional Report: https://lausanne.org/report/eurasia

Guest Bio:

Ruslan Zagidulin was born and raised in an interethnic Soviet family in Kyrgyzstan. At 17, he converted to Evangelical Christianity. He graduated from Kyrgyz Technical University in 1998, majoring in cybernetics and engineering, then earned another bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from Bishkek Bible School in 2006. In 2013 he earned a master of theology degree specializing in Biblical Studies and Contextual Missiology. Ruslan is passionate about Intergenerational Leadership and Contextual Missiology, and is currently working on a PhD in Missiology at the International Baptist Theological Study Center at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Ruslan serves the Lausanne Movement as the Eurasian Regional Co-Director. He is married to Elena, and they have four sons: Roma, David, Robert, and Nathanael.