In this prophetic message from the Third Lausanne Congress in Cape Town (2010), Dr. Chris Wright delivers a call to the global Church. Drawing from the sweeping narrative of Scripture, he argues that the greatest hindrance to God’s redemptive mission is not external resistance but internal idolatry among God’s own people. He names three seductive idols—power and pride, popularity and success, and wealth and greed—and calls the Church to radical repentance marked by humility, integrity, and simplicity.

The greatest obstacle to God’s mission is not the world, but God’s own people.

Idolatry remains the central threat to authentic Christian witness.

Three seductive idols distort and corrupt Christian mission:

Power and pride

Popularity and success

Wealth and greed

Jesus himself resisted these same temptations in the wilderness.

The Church must undergo ongoing reformation, beginning with repentance.

There is no biblical mission without biblical living.

The marks of Christlike mission are humility, integrity, and simplicity.

Before we seek to change the world, we must return to the Lord ourselves.

After listening, take time to pray and reflect:

Where might power, recognition, or comfort be shaping your ministry more than Christ?

What would humility, integrity, and simplicity look like in your leadership?

Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast and share this message with a ministry leader or team who needs this challenge.

Theology and Mission: A Conversation with Dr. Chris Wright and Dr. Ivor Poobalan on The Lausanne Movement’s Theological Influence on Global Mission

Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together: Dr. Patrick Fung on the Theme of the Fourth Lausanne Congress

Training Christlike Leaders for the Harvest

Dr. Christopher J. H. Wright is a missiologist, Anglican clergyman, and theologian, and one of the leading evangelical voices on the theology of mission and Scripture. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he holds a Ph.D. in Old Testament economic ethics from Cambridge University and has served in global theological education and leadership, including teaching at Union Biblical Seminary in India and serving as principal of All Nations Christian College in the UK. Dr. Wright currently serves as the Global Ambassador and Ministry Director of Langham Partnership International. He has written extensively on biblical theology and mission, including The Mission of God and Old Testament Ethics for the People of God. Within the Lausanne Movement, he chaired the Theology Working Group and played a pivotal role in developing the Cape Town Commitment at the Third Lausanne Congress in 2010.

In this powerful talk from Cape Town 2010, Antoine Rutayishire reflects on reconciliation, healing, and the church’s role in mending nations broken by violence and division. Drawing on his experience from Rwanda’s tragic history and Christian renewal, Rutayishire reframes wounds not as weaknesses but as invitations to participate in Christ’s reconciling mission.

Here are links to episodes from the Lausanne Podcast Archive that relate to themes of reconciliation, mission in broken contexts, and the global Church’s role in healing:

Rev. Canon Dr. Antoine Rutayisire is a Rwandan Anglican minister, theologian, and survivor of the 1994 genocide, widely known for his gospel-centered preaching and leadership in healing and reconciliation in Rwanda and beyond. He has served the church as a pastor and Bible teacher, contributed to Rwanda’s National Unity and Reconciliation efforts, and speaks and writes internationally about forgiveness, peacebuilding, and Christian discipleship.

As cities continue to shape the future of culture, influence, and innovation, what does faithful gospel witness look like in an increasingly urban world?

In this Lausanne Movement Podcast archive episode, we revisit two landmark talks by Tim Keller from the Third Lausanne Congress in Cape Town 2010. Keller first unpacks why cities matter so deeply for God’s mission, then offers a practical and theological framework for how the church can faithfully engage and reach them.

If this episode encouraged or challenged you:

This episode is part of the Lausanne Movement Archive, featuring historic messages from key moments in the global mission movement. These two talks were originally delivered by Tim Keller at the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town (2010).

Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization (Cape Town 2010)

https://lausanne.org/cape-town-2010-the-third-lausanne-congress-on-world-evangelization

Lausanne Issue Networks:

Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive

https://lausanne.org/podcast-series/lausanne-movement

Timothy Keller (1950–2023) was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and a widely influential pastor, theologian, and author. Alongside his wife Kathy, he helped plant Redeemer in 1989 and later co-founded Redeemer City to City, which has supported the planting of more than 1,000 churches in over 150 cities worldwide. Keller authored 31 books, including The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, and The Meaning of Marriage.

Have we grown too familiar with the wonder of Christmas?

In this Advent conversation, Jason Watson is joined by theologian, author, and apologist Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing to explore why the incarnation is not only wondrous but reasonable—and why Christmas remains one of the church’s greatest evangelistic opportunities. From Mary’s courageous “yes” to the credibility of miracles and the cultural openness of Advent, this episode invites leaders and believers to rediscover the depth, wonder, and missional power of Christmas.

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a pastor, leader, or friend preparing for Advent. Consider how you might intentionally use the Christmas season this year to invite others to encounter Jesus.

Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is an international author, speaker, and theologian who addresses the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian Faith. Travelling internationally, Amy is a regular speaker across university campuses, businesses, parliaments, churches, and conferences as well as on TV, radio, and podcasts. She is the author of multiple books, including ‘Where is God in All the Suffering?’ (runner-up Michael Ramsay Prize, 2023), bestselling ‘Why Trust the Bible?’ and ‘Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ.’

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Dan Sered, Chief Operating Officer of Jews for Jesus and Lausanne Catalyst for Jewish Evangelism, shares his remarkable journey from a secular Jewish home in Israel to discovering Jesus as Messiah while studying in New York City. Jason and Dan explore the meaning of Messianic Jewish identity, how the gospel can be shared in culturally meaningful ways with Jewish people, and why peacemaking—not political partisanship—is the calling of every follower of Jesus.

Dan also offers profound reflections on the Israel–Palestine conflict, the Church’s responsibility during times of polarization, and how Jewish and Gentile believers can together bear witness to the hope of the gospel.

If this episode encouraged or challenged you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone interested in global mission, Jewish–Christian dialogue, or peacemaking.

👉 https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-ministry-of-reconciliation-bridging-divides-between-israelis-and-palestinians-with-salim-munayer

👉 https://lausanne.org/podcast/arab-women-transforming-theological-education-with-grace-al-zoughbi-arteen

👉 https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-art-of-preaching-in-times-of-crisis-anne-zaki-on-sharing-the-hope-of-christ-when-it-matters-most

Born in Israel and raised in a secular Jewish home, Dan Sered came to faith in Jesus as a university student in the U.S. He and his wife Dinah joined Jews for Jesus and later returned to Israel to serve in ministry. Dan now serves as COO and Global Director of Jews for Jesus and is president of the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism.

Everyone says Gen Z is walking away from church. But growing research tells a very different story. Today’s teenagers are spiritually curious, surprisingly open, and eager for authentic relationships. The question is: are we ready to reach them?

In this inspiring and deeply practical conversation, youth ministry leader and evangelist Jasper Rutherford shares why Gen Z is being described as The Open Generation and what this means for churches, pastors, and ministry leaders today. Drawing on his personal story of encountering Jesus amid violence, fatherlessness, and brokenness in Northern Ireland—and from 20 years of youth ministry and research across Europe—Jasper explains why young people today are remarkably open to faith, and how the church can meet them with authenticity, genuine relationships, and hope.

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a pastor, parent, or youth leader who cares about reaching the next generation.

Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a rating or review, and explore more global mission resources at lausanne.org.

These episodes pair beautifully with today’s conversation on Gen Z and youth discipleship:

Engaging & Mobilizing Gen Z for Christ — with Jordan Whitmer

https://lausanne.org/podcast/engaging-mobilising-gen-z-for-christ-with-jordan-whitmer

Discipling Digital Natives: Gen Z, Social Media & the Gospel — with Lucas Pegoraro

https://lausanne.org/podcast/discipling-digital-natives-lucas-pegoraro-on-gen-z-social-media-and-the-gospel

Bold Faith & Creative Evangelism: Reaching the Next Generation — with Luke Greenwood (Steiger International)

https://lausanne.org/podcast/bold-faith-creative-evangelism-steigers-luke-greenwood-on-reaching-the-next-generation-in-todays-global-youth-culture

What does it look like to plant and renew churches in one of the most atheistic regions of the world? And how can relational mission bring new life to the church in Europe?

In this episode, Jason Watson sits down with Oliver Ahlfeld, head of Church Planting and Revitalization for the Gnadauer Verband, Germany’s largest evangelical movement. Together, they explore how the gospel is taking root in secular spaces, what’s working in church planting across Europe, and how a relational lifestyle of faith is essential for revitalizing the church today.

Oliver shares personal stories of transformation, practical lessons from revitalized congregations, and a hopeful vision for awakening in Germany and beyond.

Oliver Ahlfeld (born 1968) currently serves as Head of the Division for Church-Planting and Revitalisation at the Evangelischer Gnadauer Gemeinschaftsverband e.V. (Gnadauer Verband) where he coaches teams in urban and rural Germany in launching new faith communities and renewing existing congregations. His vocational journey—from plasterer, driver and welder, to youth-worker, teacher of religion and social-pedagogue—has given him a robust, cross-vocational insight into church-planting praxis. Since February 2020 he has been steering the movement of church-plants and revitalisation efforts in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond, helping leaders move from vision to actionable mission and vibrant community.

What does it mean to follow Jesus in a city famous for witchcraft? Pastor Steven and Sarah White share how their family and church bring the light of Christ into the heart of Salem, Massachusetts—especially during Halloween, when the streets overflow with spiritual seekers and darkness feels most tangible.

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson sits down with Pastor Steven and Sarah White to explore what faithful discipleship looks like in one of America’s most spiritually charged cities. From prayer walks through the Satanic Temple to welcoming thousands of visitors during Halloween, the Whites describe how God is using gentle presence, prayer, and joy to advance the gospel in Salem. They also open up about the importance of rest, marriage, and raising children amid spiritual opposition—and how light truly shines brightest in the dark.

Called to Salem: How God led Steven and Sarah to pastor in the spiritual epicenter of witchcraft.

Faith Over Fear: Learning to live and minister without fear, even in the midst of spiritual warfare.

Halloween Outreach: Why their church turns on every light, welcomes thousands, and embodies Christ’s presence during Halloween.

Power in Prayer: Insights from praying through Salem—including inside the Satanic Temple—and what it reveals about Christ’s authority.

Transformation Story: A moving testimony of a man delivered from witchcraft who gave his life to Jesus and threw his cauldron into the ocean.

Rooted in Christ: How daily rhythms of prayer, Sabbath rest, and Scripture sustain their family and ministry.

Marriage & Mission: How the Whites protect their marriage and nurture joy together in a spiritually heavy environment.

Pray for the city of Salem this October—that Christ’s light would pierce the darkness and draw many to Himself.

📰 Steven White on Pastoring in a Spiritual Battleground

Steven White has served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Salem (Massachusetts) since 2021, leading a congregation committed to embodying the gospel in its historic New England context. He holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology in Missiology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as well as a degree in Marketing from the University of Tennessee. Steven and his wife, Sarah, have two daughters.

Sarah White has served with the Lausanne Movement since 2014, where she oversees operations and logistics for global gatherings and consultations. Before joining Lausanne, she worked in higher education administration for six years at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where she also earned her Master of Divinity. She currently resides in Massachusetts with her husband, Steven, and their two daughters.

What if making disciples isn’t about running programs… but sharing your life?

And what if mission doesn’t start with strategy… but with resilient disciples formed through ordinary rhythms of church life?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Rick Hill unpacks:

✅ How Jesus formed disciples through stages of invitation (“come and see” → “follow me” → “go and make”)

✅ Why life-on-life formation is more powerful than programs

✅ How to build spiritual habits that create self-feeding, resilient believers

✅ Why mission is the natural overflow of discipleship

✅ How Ireland’s spiritual story reveals both the dangers of cultural Christianity and the hope of renewal

✅ What the global church can learn about humility, dependence, and crossing boundaries for the gospel

If you care about discipleship, mission, or the future of the church, this episode is for you.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

Rick Hill’s Book:

📖 Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples (available on Amazon & major retailers)

Connect with Rick:

📝 Blog: https://rickhill.wordpress.com 

📱 X / Instagram: @RickHillNI

Presbyterian Church in Ireland – Mission & Church Planting:

🌍 https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Mission 

Lausanne Movement:

🌐 https://www.lausanne.org

About Rick Hill

Rick Hill serves as the Mission Development Officer for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, where he helps plant and revitalize churches, cultivate a missionary posture, develop leaders, and equip communities to engage with the gospel. Based just outside Belfast, Rick is passionate about revitalizing churches and equipping everyday believers to grow as disciples of Jesus and live on mission in a post-Christian culture.

He is the author of Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples, a widely used resource exploring how followers of Jesus can develop a long-haul faith through intentional formation, community, and mission.

Rick has previously served in student and youth ministry, is an elder in his local church, and speaks regularly across Ireland on mission, discipleship, leadership, and church revitalization.

He is married to Sarah, and they have two young boys.

How can we get our people into small groups and involved in the mission of discipleship?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Lindsey Jodts, Groups Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, about how discipleship flourishes in the context of community. Lindsey shares her journey into ministry, Willow Creek’s evolving small group strategy, and why their vision is “everyone in groups, every group on mission.” This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for churches of every size seeking to form Christlike disciples who live for the sake of others

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with your pastor, small group leader, or ministry team. Be sure to subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave us a review, and join us in the vision of disciple-making churches for every people and place.