In an era of increasing disruption, mission leaders around the world face unprecedented challenges. To navigate these turbulent times, leaders need more than theoretical knowledge—they need practical, gospel-rooted guidance. Recognizing this need, the Leadership Development Issue Network has released Leading Well in Times of Disruption (Langham Global Library, 2024), a comprehensive resource aimed at equipping leaders to fulfill their calling with resilience, wisdom, and Christlike character.
Book
Leading Well in Times of Disruption
A comprehensive resource aimed at equipping leaders to fulfill their calling with resilience, wisdom, and Christlike character
A Timely Resource for Mission Leaders
Leading Well in Times of Disruption gathers insights from seasoned leadership development specialists and practitioners across the globe. The book provides actionable guidance for leaders seeking to grow in their Christlikeness while addressing the practical challenges facing mission organizations today. As Jessy Jaison, regional director of United World Mission and Overseas Council for South Asia, commends,
“This invaluable resource brings together astute voices from around the world, offering profound insights on fostering flourishing churches and confronting pivotal challenges in discipleship and leadership on a global canvas.”
At its core, the book emphasizes collaborative, Christ-centered leadership—leadership capable of navigating crises and driving global mission efforts forward.
So much of what passes for leadership development today lacks interpersonal investment, life upon life.
Asia Williamson (Editor, “Leading Well in Times of Disruption”)
A Global Focus on Leadership Development
The Leadership Development Issue Network operates within the larger framework of the Lausanne Movement but focuses specifically on equipping leaders to mentor and guide the next generation of mission-minded Christians. Leadership development, in this context, is not just about cultivating skills but also about shaping Christlike character.
Reflecting on the book, Ajith Fernando, teaching director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka, notes:
“It is refreshing to read a book on leadership that focuses on fulfilling the mission God has given the church, rather than primarily on what we learn about leadership from ‘leadership experts.’ This is a much-needed perspective from those whose lives testify to their authenticity as God’s effective ambassadors in this age.”
Leading Well in Times of Disruption affirms that true leadership is rooted in Christlike values that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. This is particularly crucial today as leaders face political instability, technological advancements, and the ongoing task of sharing the gospel with unreached people groups.
It is the responsibility of mature members of the church to help new believers grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Abigail Abok, Sarah Breuel (Contributors, “Leading Well in Times of Disruption”)
Addressing Critical Gaps in Leadership Development
The book reflects extensive global collaboration, with contributors representing diverse contexts, generations, and perspectives. Key sections focus on developing leaders in unreached areas, mentoring emerging leaders, and equipping leaders to face the unique challenges in their local contexts. These insights are designed to address critical gaps in leadership training, particularly in regions where resources are scarce and the need for strong, Christ-centered leadership is urgent.
In the foreword, Lausanne Movement’s global executive director, Michael Oh, writes:
“Each chapter in this book—whether discussing the Lausanne Movement’s history or exploring strategies for disciple-making and leadership development—echoes our collective call to be Christ’s hands and feet in every corner of society. In times of disruption, our response must be grounded in resilience, innovation, and unshakeable faith.”
No matter how long we pray for peace, we will not have peace unless we work to make peace happen, and this has great rewards.
Gideon Para-Mallam (Editor, “Leading Well in Times of Disruption”)
A Global Call to Action
The release of Leading Well in Times of Disruption comes as the global church prepares for the Fourth Lausanne Congress in Incheon, South Korea, from 22–28 September 2024. Leveraging this pivotal moment, the Leadership Development Issue Network is drawing attention to the growing need for leaders who can guide the church in times of disruption. The network remains committed to equipping these leaders with the wisdom, resilience, and love needed to serve God’s global mission.
The network’s vision is clear: to raise up leaders who will collaborate across diverse contexts, bridge gaps, and create sustainable, Christ-centered leadership structures within their regions. This publication, with contributions from 50 global leaders including Doug Birdsall (A3), Mary Ho (All Nations), Allen Yeh (International Theological Seminary), Ramez Atallah (Bible Society of Egypt), Patrick Fung (OMF International), Esther Chengo (African Enterprise), Hwa Yung (Methodist Church in Malaysia), and Sarah Breuel (Revive Europe) captures this vision and provides tools to make it a reality.
Leading Well in Times of Disruption serves as a foundational resource for leaders who will gather to shape the future of global mission. During the Congress, collaborative action teams will be launched, uniting leaders from every region to address pressing missional gaps, many of which are highlighted in the book. These teams will work together to equip the global church for the challenges and opportunities of the coming decade.
Leading Well in Times of Disruption is available through Langham, and Amazon.
About the Lausanne Movement
The Lausanne Movement is a global movement that seeks to accelerate global mission. Birthed from the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization held in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1974, Lausanne exists to bring together Christian leaders from across the world to collaborate on addressing the most pressing issues in global mission.
The Movement is built around a fourfold vision: the gospel for every person, disciple-making churches for every people, Christlike leaders for every church and sector, and kingdom impact in every sphere of society. With leaders, events, and networks spanning nearly every country and territory of the world, Lausanne serves as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation, seeking to inspire and equip the global church to engage in God’s global mission. The Fourth Lausanne Congress will be held in Incheon, South Korea, from 22–28 September 2024.
About Langham Publishing
Langham Publishing is a ministry of Langham Partnership whose vision is to strengthen the global church. Through Langham Publishing, we publish books for Christian leaders, preachers, and scholars that represent a diverse church around the world, furthering our understanding of scripture, our mission as God’s people, and our love in Christ.