Lausanne Movement Podcast

Why do gifted Christian leaders fall—and what kind of formation helps us finish well?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Malcolm Webber about why so many Christian leaders fall—and why the answer is not simply better information, stronger gifting, or more ministry activity. Malcolm invites us back to Jesus’ way of forming leaders through union with Christ, accountable community, tested character, God-given calling, and Spirit-shaped competencies.

Main Points

Leadership failure is often a formation crisis. Malcolm argues that many leaders fall because the deep issues of their lives were never addressed.

Jesus shows us how leaders are formed. Jesus developed leaders through relationships, teaching, assignments, pressure, failure, and mission.

Union with Christ comes first. Healthy leadership begins with abiding dependence on Jesus, not gifting, platform, productivity, or ambition.

Leaders need an accountable community. Spiritual mothers and fathers, mentors, correction, nurture, and encouragement are essential for finishing well.

The 5Cs offer a framework for healthy leadership. Christ, community, character, calling, and competencies help leaders pursue holistic growth.

Finishing well requires intentional rhythms. Malcolm urges leaders to pursue personal growth, choose real accountability, practice spiritual rest, and receive wisdom from previous generations.

Call to Action
Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a pastor, ministry leader, mentor, or younger leader who is seeking to lead from a healthier place. Then take one practical step this week: name a spiritual mother, father, mentor, or trusted friend who can walk with you in honest accountability.

Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive

The Making of a Leader: How God Forms Character, Calling, and Influence Over a Lifetime with Richard Clinton

The Art of Whole Life Mentorship: An Interview with Ole-Magnus Olasfrud

Leading with Vulnerability & Humility: Delphine Fanfon on African Leadership, Identity, and Purpose

Links & Resources

LeaderSource

The 5Cs of Healthy Christian Leadership

LeaderSource Resources

LeaderSource Books

5C Checkpoint

LeaderSource App

LeaderSource YouTube Channel

Malcolm’s Musings on Substack

Lausanne Action Hub

Guest Bio
Malcolm Webber is the founder and executive director of LeaderSource, an international ministry focused on developing healthy Christian leaders and strengthening churches around the world. Originally from Australia, Malcolm came to Christ in 1980 and has spent more than 35 years working alongside Christian leaders globally, with a particular focus on Christ-centered, holistic leader development. He holds a PhD in organizational leadership, has written around 50 books, and is also the Founding Pastor Emeritus of Living Faith Fellowship in Indiana, USA. Through LeaderSource, his writing, teaching, and resources, Malcolm continues to equip leaders to grow in union with Christ, accountable community, character, calling, and practical leadership capacity.

What does it look like to lead in one of the least-reached nations on earth?

In this episode, Jason Watson speaks with Miho Buchholtz about following Jesus and serving the church in Japan, where Christians make up a very small minority and ministry often requires deep patience, humility, and long-term faithfulness. Miho reflects on her own story of depression and healing, the spiritual and cultural realities of Japan, the challenges of church planting in a secular context, and the quiet, resilient leadership needed to serve well in a place where visible fruit can come slowly.

 

🔗 Link to the Lausanne Podcast Community: https://collaborate.lausanne.org/share/FF0jv_MJcqEcpuoK?utm_source=manual 

 

Main Points

Miho shares how Jesus met her in a season of depression and gave her hope when her future felt closed off.

In Japan, many people carry hidden pain beneath outward stability, making grace and authenticity essential in the life of the church.

Gospel witness in Japan often grows through trust, patient relationships, and everyday faithfulness rather than quick results.

Ministering in your own culture can require relearning how to communicate, listen, and serve with humility.

Tokyo Life Church reflects a beautiful picture of mission from everywhere to everywhere, with Japanese and international believers serving together in one city.

Co-leading in ministry as a married couple can be deeply fruitful, but it also demands repentance, honesty, and the willingness to seek outside help when needed.

Faithful leadership in a least-reached context is often quiet, sacrificial, and marked more by endurance than visibility.

Younger leaders should pursue clarity of calling while remaining faithful in the local ministry God has already placed before them.

Call to Action
If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation with a ministry leader, church planter, or friend serving in a difficult context. Join us in praying for the church in Japan—that God would raise up faithful leaders, strengthen collaboration, and open new doors for the gospel.

Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive
Here are three related episodes from the Lausanne Movement Podcast archive that connect closely with this conversation:

Missional Insights from East Asia: Seth Kim on Mobilizing the Next Generation, Contextualisation, and Uniting the Church for Global Mission — Seth Kim explores how churches in East Asia are reaching their cultures and nations through contextualized mission, leadership development, youth mobilization, and collaboration.

Why Mental Health Matters for the Church and Global Mission with Gladys Mwiti — Dr. Gladys Mwiti explains why mental health, trauma care, burnout, and emotional health are not side issues, but central to the church’s witness and sustainable ministry.

Least Reached Peoples: How the Gospel Restores Dignity and Transforms Communities with Dr. Mary Ho & Lisa — This episode looks at ministry among the least reached, highlighting dignity, transformation, and the ways ordinary believers can participate in God’s mission among those with little access to the gospel.

Links & Resources

Tokyo Life Church — Miho and Grant Buchholtz’s bilingual church in Tokyo.

Lausanne Diasporas Network — Miho mentions her involvement in Lausanne’s diaspora work and the importance of collaboration between Japanese and internationals in mission.

Lausanne Issue Networks — Referenced in the conversation as a place where younger leaders can better understand the needs and opportunities facing global mission today.

Younger Leaders Gathering (YLG) — Mentioned in the episode as a catalytic space for younger leaders to discern calling and grow in mission.

Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking — Miho references Buechner’s well-known idea that calling is found where deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.

Scripture references mentioned in the episode: 1 Peter 5:10, Psalm 23, and John 14:6.

🔗 Link to the Lausanne Podcast Community: https://collaborate.lausanne.org/share/FF0jv_MJcqEcpuoK?utm_source=manual

Bio:

Miho was born and raised in Yokohama.  She became a Christian through depression she suffered in high school.  Though she earned a business degree in college and has worked in the fashion industry, God completely reoriented her life to pursue full time ministry.  She received her Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has been serving in her home country as a missionary with her family. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago.  She is ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church. She is currently serving as the Chair of the Japan Lausanne Committee.  She is also an adjunct professor of ministry at Tokyo Christian University. She also serves as a Vision Time preacher on CGN Japan. Miho loves teaching the Bible and seeing people utilize their gifts to take part in God’s mission.  She enjoys getting inspiration while taking a walk, drinking coffee, traveling to new places, and seeing her two daughters grow.

What if the most important work God is doing in your leadership right now is not through you, but in you?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Dr. Richard Clinton about how God develops leaders over time through formation, testing, experience, and response. Drawing on leadership emergence theory and decades of ministry experience, Richard explains why the years between ages 25 and 35 are especially significant for character formation, mentoring, and learning to lead for the long haul.

Main Points

Leadership is both shaped by God and developed over time; it does not appear fully formed overnight.

God is often more concerned with who a leader is becoming than with what that leader is accomplishing.

The 25–35 stage is often a crucial season of inner life growth and ministry maturing.

Four core character foundations for emerging leaders are integrity, obedience, humility, and faith.

God uses tests and checks throughout a leader’s life to strengthen character and response.

Mentors are essential for helping leaders navigate difficult seasons, avoid burnout, and finish well.

Two stabilizing truths for every leader: God is with you and God wants to help you.

Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with an emerging leader or mentor who needs encouragement for the long journey of leadership.

Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive
Here are the top three related episodes I found from the Lausanne Movement Podcast archive:

The Art of Whole Life Mentorship: An Interview with Ole-Magnus Olafsrud - https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-art-of-whole-life-mentorship-an-interview-with-ole-magnus-olasfrud 

Discipling Future Leaders for Global Mission: Nana Yaw Offei Awuku on Building Generational Impact & YLG 2026 - https://lausanne.org/podcast/discipling-future-leaders-for-global-mission-nana-yaw-offei-awuku-on-building-generational-impact-ylg-2026 

Links & Resources

Clinton Leadership 2.0 — Richard Clinton’s website, which exists to continue the work of J. Robert Clinton and Richard Clinton by helping leaders finish well.

The Making of a Leader by J. Robert Clinton — the foundational book behind much of the conversation on leadership emergence and lifelong formation.

Connecting by Paul D. Stanley and J. Robert Clinton — a mentoring resource Richard specifically recommends in the interview.

Courses from Clinton Leadership 2.0 — Richard mentions courses and leadership development tools available through the Clinton Leadership site.

Leadership coaching with Richard Clinton — coaching resources for leaders seeking help understanding their development journey.

“The Emerging Leader” article by J. Robert Clinton — a useful complementary resource on early leadership development.

Richard Clinton Bio
Dr. Richard Clinton is a leadership mentor, pastor, and co-founder of the Clinton Leadership Network, dedicated to helping leaders understand how God develops their calling, character, and influence over a lifetime. Building on the groundbreaking research of his father, Dr. J. Robert Clinton, Richard has spent more than four decades studying, teaching, and coaching leaders around the world.

He has served in a wide range of ministry roles—including church planter, pastor, professor, consultant, and leadership trainer—and has worked with leaders across cultures and contexts globally. Richard also continues to steward and expand the leadership development insights behind The Making of a Leader, equipping emerging and seasoned leaders to grow in character and finish well.

Richard continues to mentor leaders, teach on leadership formation, and provide resources through Clinton Leadership 2.0, helping a new generation discern how God is shaping their lives and leadership for long-term impact.

Mental health challenges affect millions of people around the world—but what if caring for the mind and emotions is not just a pastoral concern, but a critical part of the church’s mission?
 

Summary

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Dr. Gladys Mwiti, a Kenyan clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and founder of Oasis Africa Wellness. Drawing from over three decades of ministry and counseling experience, Dr. Mwiti explains why mental health care is essential to God’s mission of restoring the whole person. The conversation explores how addressing trauma, burnout, and emotional health strengthens evangelism, discipleship, and Christlike leadership in the global church.

Main Points

Mental health is central to holistic mission. The gospel addresses the whole person—spiritual, emotional, relational, and social healing.

The global church faces a growing mental health crisis. Mental health disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Ignoring mental health weakens the church’s witness. Trauma, anxiety, and depression affect families, communities, and ministry leaders.

Pastors and ministry leaders often carry hidden burdens. Many leaders experience stress, burnout, and isolation while caring for others.

Burnout develops gradually. Warning signs include emotional fatigue, decreased motivation, cynicism, and social withdrawal.

Young leaders face increasing pressure. Social comparison, high expectations, and limited mentorship contribute to rising anxiety.

Healthy leadership begins with inner health. Emotionally healthy leaders are better equipped to demonstrate humility, wisdom, and compassion.

Sustainable ministry requires intentional rhythms. Rest, Sabbath practices, journaling, peer accountability, and counseling help leaders finish well.

The church can respond through community care. Congregations can train members to provide basic support and referrals through collaborative mental health ministries.

 

Links & Resources

Oasis Africa Wellness - https://www.oasisafricawellness.co.ke

 

Connect with Dr. Gladys Mwiti

LinkedIn: Oasis Africa Wellness

Email: [email protected]

Admin contact: [email protected]

 

Lausanne Articles by Dr. Gladys Mwiti

Turning the Church’s Attention to Mental Health - https://lausanne.org/global-analysis/turning-the-churchs-attention-to-mental-health

Task Shifting for Mental Health and Trauma: Implications for the Global Church- https://lausanne.org/gathering/task-shifting-for-mental-health-and-trauma-implications-for-the-global-church

 

Guest Bio

Dr. Gladys Mwiti is a Kenyan clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and founder and CEO of Oasis Africa Center for Transformational Psychology and Trauma in Nairobi. With more than three decades of experience, she has equipped churches, leaders, and communities across Africa to respond to trauma, mental health challenges, and leadership development. Dr. Mwiti has served as chair of the Kenya Psychological Association, co-chaired the Lausanne Congress Mental Health and Trauma Advisory Group, and has written several books and articles on Christian counseling and holistic care in mission.

What if the true measure of your leadership isn’t how far you go — but how far the mission goes after you?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Ian Conolly explores how organisational health — rooted in servant leadership and Christlike character — determines whether ministries flourish across generations. Ian shares insights on strengthening leadership, teams, and structures so that mission impact outlasts any individual’s tenure.

🔗 Link to the Lausanne Podcast Community:
https://collaborate.lausanne.org/share/FF0jv_MJcqEcpuoK?utm_source=manual

Main Points & Key Takeaways
• Impact over tenure: Leading with longevity in view reshapes priorities beyond personal legacy.
• Health as mission strategy: A healthy organisation better sustains vision, people, and Kingdom work.
• Servant leadership anchors culture: Christlike leaders shape teams by humility, clarity, and shared purpose.
• Systems support sustainability: Governance, processes, and clarity fuel organisational resilience.
• Generational thinking expands influence: Leaders think beyond seasons to generational outcomes.

📚 Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive — Related Episode
Building Healthy Ministries for Kingdom Impact: Neil Hart on Leadership and Organizational Health
Discover what it takes to build ministries that endure — including leadership as the foundation, organisational health frameworks, long-term thinking, and tools like the 9D assessment from FiftyFour.
👉 https://lausanne.org/podcast/building-healthy-ministries-for-kingdom-impact-neil-hart-on-leadership-and-organizational-health

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
• FiftyFour (Organisational Health Tools): https://www.fiftyfour.global
• Mergon Foundation: https://mergon.co.za/
• Lausanne Podcast Community: https://collaborate.lausanne.org/share/FF0jv_MJcqEcpuoK?utm_source=manual

🎧 Call to Action
If this conversation challenged or encouraged you in your leadership journey:
❤️ Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast on your favourite platform.
⭐ Leave a review to help more leaders discover this episode.
💬 Share this conversation with leaders, pastors, and ministry teams who need encouragement toward sustainable mission.
📍 Join the Lausanne Podcast Community: https://collaborate.lausanne.org/share/FF0jv_MJcqEcpuoK?utm_source=manual

👤 Guest Bio: Ian Conolly
Ian Conolly is the Executive Director of the FiftyFour, an initiative founded by Mergon, Maclellan, and 3W Foundations to equip ministry leaders worldwide in building healthy, thriving organisations. Ian previously led his own consulting practice, strengthening leadership capacity and operational effectiveness across ministries. He has led the launch and growth of FiftyFour, developing organisational assessment tools and resources to help leaders navigate challenges and scale their impact. FiftyFour has been accessed by over 20,000 leaders from every country in the world. With a passion for leadership development, Ian brings expertise in team building, strategic planning, financial stewardship, and organisational transformation. He finds deep fulfilment in walking alongside ministry leaders, enabling them to maximise their impact and build sustainable, mission-driven organisations.
🌐 Find out more: https://www.fiftyfour.global/en