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.

• Why cities matter for mission: Cities are cultural, economic, and spiritual centers where global influence is formed.
• God’s heart for people: In cities, there is ‘more image of God per square inch than anywhere else in the world’.
• The church must follow the people: Urbanisation is accelerating faster than the church’s presence.
• Contextualised churches are essential: Effective urban ministry requires cultural sensitivity, patience, and adaptability.
• Faith and vocation must connect: Urban discipleship integrates faith with everyday work and public life.
• From churches to movements: Lasting impact comes through cooperation, prayer, justice, evangelism, and citywide gospel movements.
• Hope grounded in the gospel: Christ’s righteousness empowers believers to serve, pray for, and sacrificially love their cities.

If this episode encouraged or challenged you:

• Subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast for more voices shaping global mission.
• Share this episode with church leaders, planters, and those passionate about cities.
• Explore Lausanne’s resources on cities, church planting, and urban mission at lausanne.org.

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:

  • Cities - https://lausanne.org/network/cities
  • Church Planting - https://lausanne.org/network/church-planting

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

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.

• 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.

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

• 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

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.

• 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.

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:

1. Engaging & Mobilizing Gen Z for Christ — with Jordan Whitmer

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

2. 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

3. 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

• 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: jasper.rutherford@ciy.com

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

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. 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.

• 📰 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

• Discipleship Defined – Helping people become their most Christlike selves in their unique God-given identity.

• Community Matters – Why discipleship thrives when stories are shared, gifts are called out, and people are empowered.

• Willow Creek’s Shift – Moving from an attractional model toward deeper formation and intentional mission.

• Three Pathways of Growth – Weekends, Teams, and Groups as Willow’s Discipleship Framework.

• The Rooted Experience – Seven rhythms (daily devotion, prayer, worship, generosity, serving, sharing your story, breaking strongholds) anchoring group life.

• Every Group on Mission – Small groups discerning their “heart song” and living it out locally and globally.

• For Any Church Size – Practical insights for small, medium, and large churches to empower leaders and multiply disciples.

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.

• RightNow Media – rightnowmedia.org

• The Bible Project – bibleproject.com | Bible Project Classroom | Bible Project Podcast

• Rooted Network – https://www.experiencerooted.com/

• Books Mentioned:

• How to Ask Great Questions by Karen Lee-Thorp

• Falling Upward by Richard Rohr

Guest Bio: Lindsey Jodts is the Groups and Compassion & Justice Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. She holds a Master of Leadership in Ministry from Judson University and has years of experience leading women’s communities, young adult ministries, and discipleship initiatives. Lindsey is a gifted teacher and communicator, known for helping people grow in authentic faith through formative experiences and biblical community.