What role does theological education and training play in the Great Commission?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Michael Ortiz, International Director of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) to talk about the impact of theological education and training for the global church. We explore the pivotal role of theological education in missions, the importance of elevating diverse voices, and the future of global church leadership.

Main Points:

• Role of the Local Church: How local churches engagement in theological training can lead to profound personal and community transformation.

• Diverse Voices in Theology: Understand the importance of including diverse global voices in theological training to reflect the true nature of the global church.

• Preparing Students for the Future of the Church: Discover strategies for equipping students with sound theological frameworks to address the future needs of the global church.

• Reinforcing Formal and Non-Formal Training: Learn about the importance of reinforcing both formal and non-formal theological training to meet the diverse needs of the church.

• Global Partnerships: The significance of collaborative efforts in ministry.

Links & Resources:

• ICETE (International Council for Evangelical Theological Education) - https://icete.info/

• Dallas Theological Seminary - https://www.dts.edu/employee/michael-ortiz/

Guest Bio:

Dr. Ortiz was born in New York City to Cuban immigrants. After earning a law degree from SMU in 1988 and establishing his practice in Florida, he committed his life to Christ. This newfound faith sparked a deep interest in biblical and theological studies. He received his ThM from DTS in 2008, and in 2015, he earned a PhD from Seminario Teológico Centroamericano (SETECA).

Currently, Dr. Ortiz serves as the International Director of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education, positioning him as a key leader in global theological education. He also works at Dallas Theological Seminary as the Vice President for Global Ministries and Associate Professor of Missiology & Intercultural Ministries.

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Curious to know how God is at work on university campus’ across the United States?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we hear from Tom Lin, President and CEO of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, about his remarkable journey from discovering Christ through varsity ministry to leading one of the largest campus ministries in the U.S. We delve into the strategic importance of university ministry, hear leadership insights, and the impact of global collaborations through movements like Lausanne.

• Tom Lin's Journey: From aspiring economist to faith-driven leader, Tom shares his inspiring personal story and the pivotal moments that shaped his path.
• Foundations of Leadership: The significance of building strong foundations in faith, making risky decisions for Christ, and the essential role of community.
• Revival on Campuses: Hear about the spiritual awakening among students and the profound impact of recent revivals on secular and Christian campuses alike.
• Current Trends in Campus Ministry: Addressing key issues like mental health, diversity, and sexuality while presenting the gospel as good news to today's students.
• Global Partnerships: The importance of collaborative efforts in ministry, exemplified by initiatives like EveryCampus and the Lausanne Movement.

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• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
• EveryCampus Initiative
• Urbana Student Missions Conference
• Lausanne Movement

Since 2016, Tom Lin has served as president / CEO of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Previously, he served as pioneering missionary and country director of campus ministry in Mongolia and vice president of missions and director of the Urbana Student Missions Conference. He has also served as a trustee on the boards of Wycliffe Bible Translators, Missio Nexus, and the Leadership and Legacy Foundation. He currently serves on the boards of Fuller Theological Seminary, The Crowell Trust, and the Lausanne Movement.

Tom is the author of Pursuing God’s Call (2012) and Losing Face and Finding Grace (1996), a coeditor of the Urbana Onward book series (2012), and a contributor to Still Evangelical? (2018)—all published by InterVarsity Press. He is also a contributor to Uncommon Ground (2020, Thomas Nelson). He has a BA in economics from Harvard University, an MA in global leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and an honorary doctorate in public service from Taylor University. Tom and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters.

What role can business play in accelerating Global Mission?

Join Jo Plummer as she shares her two decade journey in 'Business as Mission' (BAM), a movement integrating business and mission for global impact. From personal anecdotes in China and the remote villages of Nepal to inspirational stories of innovative business initiatives in Nigeria and beyond, Jo shares how business can address pressing global needs.

Learn about the BAM Global Summit, the significance of biblical foundations in business, and the importance of mobilising, equipping, and connecting people for effective mission work.

Main Points:

• Personal Journey: Jo's passion for BAM began during an outreach in China, where she realised the potential of business solutions in mission contexts.

• Business as Mission Concept: Business as mission integrates business practices with mission goals to provide sustainable solutions in underserved areas, benefiting both people and the gospel.

• Global Summit: The annual BAM Global Summit connects the BAM community, fostering learning and collaboration through storytelling and resource sharing.

• Biblical Foundations: BAM is deeply rooted in biblical principles, with historical examples like Paul the Apostle's tentmaking demonstrating the integration of business and mission.

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Links & Resources:

• BAM Global

• Business as Mission

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In this special episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Leighton Ford, former CEO of the Lausanne Movement, to commemorate and celebrate Lausanne’s 50th anniversary.

On this day, the 16th of July 1974, more than 2300 evangelical leaders, from over 150 countries gathered together for the first Lausanne Congress for World Evangelisation.

Dr. Ford shares personal memories from the first International Congress, provides insights into the movement's evolution, and discusses the importance of mentorship and intergenerational relationships. He emphasises listening to God, to others, and to the increasingly interconnected global Christian community while celebrating the impact of the Lausanne Covenant.

Join us as we look back on the Movement's legacy and discuss its future.

Resources:

• Book: Lifelong Leadership: Woven Together through Mentoring Communities by MaryKate Morse - https://www.amazon.com/Lifelong-Leadership-Together-Mentoring-Communities/dp/1641580178
• Book: A Life of Listening: Discerning God's Voice and Discovering Our Own by Leighton Ford - https://www.amazon.com/Life-Listening-Discerning-Voice-Discovering/dp/0830845739

Guest Bio:

Dr Leighton Ford is the president of Leighton Ford Ministries and a prolific author, speaker, and social activist. He was vice president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for 31 years, and has been featured on his own radio and television spots in the United States, Canada, and Australia. He has also served on the boards of World Vision US, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Duke University Cancer Center.

From 1973 to 1975, Dr Ford served as programme chair of Lausanne’s First International Congress on World Evangelisation. He continued this role from 1976 to 1992, as chair of the Continuation Committee for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelisation (LCWE, which would later become the Lausanne Movement). During this time, part of his focus was to challenge, encourage, and equip younger leaders for future leadership positions. In 1987 this vision grew into the first Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering (Singapore ’87), which convened younger leaders from 65 countries. In 1989, he was chair of the Second International Congress on World Evangelisation in Manila. Dr Ford was appointed honorary lifetime chairman of the LCWE in 1992.

How can workplace Christians be better equipped to transform their communities for the gospel?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement podcast, we hear from Chuck Proudfit, Founder and President of SKILLSOURCE about "At Work On Purpose," a citywide workplace ministry model that mobilises the Church at Work.

Chuck shares his journey from corporate America to a faith-based mission that empowers Christians to live out their beliefs in the workplace and mobilises them to make tangible impact in their communities.

Main Points:

• Integrating Faith and Work: The challenges and triumphs of expressing faith in a secular work environment.
• Purposeful Employment and Vocational Discipleship: Understanding God's design for work and equipping Christians to be faith-active in their jobs.
• Workplace Engagement and Impact: Building a community of believers and creating a transformative impact in the workplace.
• Advice for Aspiring Network Builders: Steps to start and grow a network of Christians in the workplace.
• Engaging Church Pastors: Strategies for pastors to better support and equip workplace leaders within their congregations.

After listening, subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and visit our website to join the movement of integrating faith and work. Share this episode with friends and colleagues to inspire them on their journey.

Links & Resources:

• At Work On Purpose - https://atworkonpurpose.org/
• Agents of Flourishing by Amy Sherman - https://a.co/d/bET18G6
• Biznistry: Transforming Lives Through Enterprise - https://a.co/d/h98A9wL
• SKILLSOURCE - https://skillsource.com/

Guest Bio:

Chuck Proudfit is the Founder and President of SKILLSOURCE®. With a rich corporate background from Procter & Gamble, Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery, and LensCrafters Corporation, Chuck brings extensive management experience. At Harvard University, he pioneered the undergraduate organisational development curriculum.

Since its inception in 1995, SKILLSOURCE® has grown into a nationally recognized firm, known for its flexible, project-based talent assembly. The firm has earned numerous accolades, including a Torch Award for business ethics from the Better Business Bureau.

Chuck serves on executive boards for Self Sustaining Enterprises, Nuway Foundation, and Good Cities. He co-founded NET (Neighbourhoods Embracing Transformation), is part of Transform Our World's Corporate Leadership Team, and is an Elder at Grace Chapel. He also teaches at the Great Oaks Institute and Cincinnati Christian University.

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What does it take to see a city transformed by the gospel?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we are joined by Guna Raman, CEO of City to City Asia Pacific. Guna shares the vision behind City to City Asia Pacific, his journey into church planting, and how his work is transforming cities across the region. From the cultural and religious landscape of Asia Pacific to the unique challenges and opportunities for gospel impact, this episode is packed with insights for church leaders and missional influencers.

Key Takeaways:

• Insights into the Cultural and Religious Landscape of Asia Pacific

• Challenges and Opportunities of Church Planting

• Identifying and Targeting Cities for Church Planting

• Thoughts on Leadership Development and Training

• Success Stories and Testimonies from Church Planting

Links & Resources:

• City to City Asia Pacific - https://citytocityasiapacific.com/

• Redeemer City to City - https://redeemercitytocity.com/

• Tim Keller's Resources - https://timothykeller.com/

Guest Bio:

Guna Raman, originally from Malaysia, transitioned to Singapore after completing his university education to teach biology. His journey in ministry began with the founding and pastoring of Agape Baptist Church in Singapore, a role he faithfully served for 30 years (1990-2019). In September 2018, he took on a new challenge as the CEO of City to City Asia Pacific (CTCAP), driven by a passion for planting gospel-centered churches and establishing healthy movements in the strategic and megacities of Asia.

Guna finds immense joy and honor in witnessing the growth of gospel-centered communities and movements across the region. His leadership at CTCAP reflects his deep commitment to fostering collaborative and thriving church networks.

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In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Gina Zurlo, co-director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity and a leading expert on global trends within Christianity. Dr. Zurlo shares her groundbreaking research on the vital yet often overlooked contributions of women to the global church.

Together, we explore the historical and contemporary roles of women in Christianity, the challenges they face, and the significant impact they continue to have on the spread of the faith. Dr. Zurlo's insights shed light on the importance of recognising and valuing the work of women in all areas of church life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Historical Contributions: Women have played a central role in the spread of Christianity from its earliest days, often serving as the first converts and primary evangelists in their communities.
2. Modern-Day Impact: Women continue to play crucial roles in the global church, from grassroots evangelism to leadership in various ministries, despite facing significant challenges and underrepresentation in leadership positions.
3. Practical Advice for Leaders: Dr. Zurlo emphasises the importance of listening to women within the church, creating safe spaces for them to share their experiences, and actively championing their contributions.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast. Leave us a review, and share this episode with your network. Visit our website for more resources and to stay updated on future episodes.

Links & Resources:

• Dr. Gina Zurlo’s Website: https://ginazurlo.com/
• “Women in World Christianity: Building and Sustaining a Global Movement” by Gina Zurlo - https://www.wiley.com/en-sg/Women+in+World+Christianity%3A+Building+and+Sustaining+a+Global+Movement-p-9781119823773#download-product-flyer
• Center for the Study of Global Christianity - https://www.gordonconwell.edu/center-for-the-study-of-global-christianity/
• World Christian Database - https://www.worldchristiandatabase.org/
• "The Rise of Christianity" by Rodney Stark - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-rise-of-christianity-rodney-stark?variant=40923443814434
• "World Christianity as a Woman’s Movement" by Dr. Dana Robert

Dr. Gina Zurlo Bio:

Dr. Gina A. Zurlo is co-director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and her research focuses on the demography of religion, World Christianity, sociology of religion, and women’s studies. She is also a visiting research fellow at Boston University’s Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs, where she works on the World Religion Database (Brill). Her most recent books include Global Christianity: A Guide to the World’s Largest Religion from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe (Zondervan Academic, 2022), Women in World Christianity: Building and Sustaining a Global Movement (Wiley-Blackwell, 2023), and From Nairobi to the World: David B. Barrett and the Re-Imagining of World Christianity (Brill, 2023). She was named one of the BBC’s 100 most inspiring and influential women of 2019 for her work in quantifying the religious future.

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In what ways can nonprofit and church leaders harness the power of innovation to accelerate their mission?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast we sit down with Dave Raley, founder of Imago Consulting and co-host of the Purpose and Profit Podcast. They explore the importance of innovation in nonprofit organisations; the myths surrounding it; and practical steps leaders can take to foster a culture of innovation.

Dave shares his journey, insights on organisational life cycles, and tips for leveraging current trends to stay relevant and impactful.

• The Organisational Life Cycle Curve: Understanding the stages of growth, plateau, and decline, and how to create new opportunities for growth.

• Innovation Myths Debunked: Innovation is not just about new technology or ideas; it's about doing the right things in the right way and leveraging both big and small improvements.

• Practical Steps for Leaders: Identifying bright spots, using the Working Genius model to understand team dynamics, and focusing on being faithful in small tasks.

• Emerging Trends: The impact of the subscription economy on donor behaviour and the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing nonprofit operations.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast. Leave us a review, and share this episode with your network. Visit our website for more resources and to stay updated on future episodes.

• Imago Consulting - https://imago.consulting/

• Purpose and Profit Podcast - https://purposeandprofitpodcast.com/

• Working Genius Model - https://www.workinggenius.com/

• 12 Ways to Leverage AI in 2024: https://www.imago.consulting/12-ways-to-use-ai
• Subscribe to the Wave Report: https://www.imago.consulting/wavereport

Dave Raley is a consultant, speaker, writer, and founder of Imago Consulting, Dave works with leaders who recognize the importance of innovation as a path to profitable growth. Over the past 20 years, Dave has worked with, spoken to, and inspired hundreds of nonprofits to grow, develop strategies, and launch new products and initiatives. He’s the author of The Wave Report, a weekly report on waves to watch – trends and lessons leaders can learn from and apply to their leadership. He’s also the co-founder and host of the Purpose & Profit Podcast – a show about the intersection of nonprofit causes and for-profit businesses.

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