Lausanne Movement Podcast

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. Key Takeaways The Christmas story invites honest questions and skepticism rather than suppressing them The incarnation is presented in Scripture as extraordinary—but grounded in evidence and eyewitness testimony Mary’s voice in Luke’s Gospel reveals agency, consent, and profound theological insight Early Christians reframed—not compromised—culture to proclaim Christ as the Light of the World Advent creates unique spiritual openness marked by longing, memory, and reflection Christmas is not just a celebration—it’s a strategic moment for gospel proclamation Preachers and leaders are called to recover awe, not sentimentality, in telling the Christmas story 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. Links & Resources Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing – Website: https://www.amyorr-ewing.com/ Advocate Collective: https://www.advocate-collective.org/ Book: Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Rediscover the Wonder of Christmas - https://a.co/d/detPL9U  YouTube: Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing (apologetics resources, including an 8-part series on God and suffering) - https://www.youtube.com/@amyorr-ewing  Upcoming Book (Pre-order): Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear (releasing 2026) - https://a.co/d/g0Y4maN    Guest Bio: 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. 🔑 Main Points — Key Takeaways Dan’s Journey to Faith: How discovering Yeshua (Jesus) through Old Testament prophecies transformed his life, calling, and understanding of Jewish identity. Messianic Identity Explained: The difference between Jewish ethnicity and Judaism as a religion, and why following Jesus does not erase Jewish identity. Contextualized Evangelism: Why Jews for Jesus prioritizes cultural understanding, deep relationships, and addressing the felt needs of each community they serve. Discipleship Begins Before Belief: Dan emphasizes that discipleship starts with presence, hospitality, and community—not after someone says “yes” to Jesus. What Messianic Jews Offer the Global Church: Insight into the Jewish roots of Christian faith, the “one new humanity,” and a renewed passion for evangelism. Responding to the Israel–Palestine Conflict: Dan urges Christians not to pick political sides but to embody Jesus’ way of peacemaking, compassion, and prayer for all who suffer—Israelis and Palestinians alike. Hope Amid Crisis: Despite devastation following October 7th, Dan shares surprising signs of gospel openness and why the Church must pray for salvation among both Jewish and Palestinian communities. 👉 Call to Action 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. 🎧 Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive – Related Episodes 1. The Ministry of Reconciliation: Bridging Divides between Israelis and Palestinians — Salim Munayer 👉 https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-ministry-of-reconciliation-bridging-divides-between-israelis-and-palestinians-with-salim-munayer 2. Arab Women Transforming Theological Education — Grace Al-Zoughbi Arteen 👉 https://lausanne.org/podcast/arab-women-transforming-theological-education-with-grace-al-zoughbi-arteen 3. The Art of Preaching in Times of Crisis — Anne Zaki 👉 https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-art-of-preaching-in-times-of-crisis-anne-zaki-on-sharing-the-hope-of-christ-when-it-matters-most 🔗 Links & Resources Jews for Jesus-  https://jewsforjesus.org Lausanne Jewish Evangelism Network (LCJE) - https://www.lcje.net/ Lausanne Movement – Jewish Evangelism Issue Network - https://lausanne.org/network/jewish-evangelism Articles by Dan Sered on Jewish Festivals https://lausanne.org/about/blog/understanding-your-jewish-neighbour-yom-kippur http://lausanne.org/about/blog/understanding-your-jewish-neighbour-rosh-hashanah Dan Sered Bio: 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? 📘 Episode Summary 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. 🔑 Main Points & Takeaways Gen Z is open to faith. Jasper unpacks Barna’s research on The Open Generation and why young people today are spiritually curious and receptive. Programs don’t reach youth—relationships do. Simple, authentic, consistent presence is more powerful than production or hype. Youth won’t just “walk in” anymore. Churches must go where young people are: schools, sports fields, community spaces, and relational environments. Don’t wait for crowds—start with two or three. Faithfulness with a few young people can spark multiplication. Discipleship must be lived, not lectured. Young people thrive when they are known, included, prayed for, and given real ways to serve. The church must rethink Sunday-centric models. Creating welcoming, relational environments beyond Sunday services is essential for new generations. God is already moving. Jasper shares stories of young people encountering Jesus unexpectedly, from YouTube videos to worship nights. 🙌 Call to Action 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. 🎙 Related Episodes — Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive 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 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned Christ in Youth (CIY Europe) — Youth ministry, research & resources: https://ciy.eu Barna Group: The Open Generation Report - https://www.barna.com/the-open-generation/ Finding Faith in Ireland (Barna + CIY research) - https://www.ciy.eu/assets/files/resources/finding_faith_in_ireland.pdf Jasper’s Email: [email protected]

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. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Relational mission is the key challenge and opportunity — discipleship begins with open homes and open hearts. Church planting in secular spaces requires contextual creativity, from coffeehouse churches to “messy church” family gatherings. Revitalization starts small — even “five old ladies praying” can spark renewal. Collaboration across traditions matters — Pentecostals, pietists, and free churches are learning from one another through the M4 network. Simplify discipleship — cut fruitless programs and focus on relationships that bear gospel fruit. Hope for Europe — though traditional structures are declining, God is still at work awakening His church in Germany. 🎧 Related Episodes: Revival & Renewal: Seeking Awakening Among Europe’s Younger Generations with Sarah Breuel - https://lausanne.org/podcast/revival-renewal-seeking-awakening-among-europes-younger-generations-with-sarah-breuel Explore how God is stirring revival among the next generation in Europe and what it means to pursue prayerful renewal in a post-Christian context. **Pioneer Church Planting: Establishing Churches on the Frontlines (and Why Discipleship is the Ultimate Goal) with Ron Anderson -** https://lausanne.org/podcast/pioneer-church-planting-establishing-churches-on-the-frontlines-and-why-discipleship-is-the-ultimate-goal-with-ron-anderson Learn from pioneering church planters in Spain about long-term mission, discipleship, and leadership in secular societies. **Planting Churches, Transforming Cities with Guna Raman -** https://lausanne.org/podcast/planting-churches-transforming-cities-with-guna-raman Discover how church-planting movements in Asia’s major cities are transforming culture and equipping leaders for gospel impact in secular and urban environments. 📚 Links & Resources: Gnadauer Verband (Gnadauer Movement): https://www.gnadauer.de M4 Europe Church Planting Network: https://m4europe.com Joel Comiskey Group Resources on Cell Churches: https://joelcomiskeygroup.com Lausanne Movement Podcast: https://lausanne.org/podcast Guest Bio: 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. ✨ Summary 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. 🔑 Main Points 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. 🙏 Call to Action Pray for the city of Salem this October—that Christ’s light would pierce the darkness and draw many to Himself. Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast for more stories of global mission, discipleship, and hope. Leave a review and share this episode to help others discover how the gospel is advancing in unexpected places. 🔗 Links & Resources 📰 Steven White on Pastoring in a Spiritual Battleground 👥 Guest Bios 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.