Faithful Leadership, Purposeful Discipleship, and Addressing Gen Z’s Greatest Need: A Townhall Meeting with Phil Ryken

What does it take to shape the next generation of Christlike leaders, and how can we inspire a deeper love for the Church amidst a fragmented world?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason and Phil Ryken dive into a rich conversation about leadership, faith, and the legacy of serving the next generation. From personal stories of faith in the Ryken family to navigating the challenges of modern-day discipleship, Phil shares insights on how the Church can stay relevant while remaining rooted in biblical truths. Whether passionate about student ministry, leadership, or global missions, this episode offers profound reflections and actionable wisdom for today’s church.

Main Points:

Reaching & Developing Gen Z’s: Highlighting the hunger for genuine relationships and peace, Phil addresses Gen Z’s spiritual needs through meaningful gospel engagement. Why the next generation’s greatest need is Jesus, and how we can authentically reach them.
Beauty, Brokenness & The Gospel: A discussion of how beauty is intertwined with the gospel and why God’s redemptive work makes the church beautiful, even amid brokenness.
Christlike Leadership: Lessons from the Apostle Paul’s servanthood inform Phil’s approach to leadership with authenticity, humility, and collaboration.

Call to Action:

After listening, we invite you to reflect on how you can inspire and mentor the next generation in your community. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others passionate about equipping future leaders for the Kingdom!

Links & Resources:

God on the Move Podcast – Phil’s recommended episode featuring Jerry White.
- Demonstrating Godly Character in the U.S. Air Force: https://lausanne.org/podcast/demonstrating-godly-character-in-the-u-s-air-force
The Cape Town Commitment – https://lausanne.org/statement/ctcommitment
Wheaton College Website – https://www.wheaton.edu/
Book: Beauty Is Your Destiny: How the Promise of Splendor Changes Everything by Phil Ryken – https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Your-Destiny-Splendor-Everything/dp/1433587726

We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

Listen and Subscribe

For more inspiring conversations about global mission and leadership.

More Episodes

View All

54:46

Revival & Renewal: Seeking Awakening Among Europe’s Younger Generations with Sarah Breuel

52:35

Discipling Digital Natives: Lucas Pegoraro on Gen Z, Social Media, and the Gospel

50:59

Discipling Future Leaders for Global Mission: Nana Yaw Offei Awuku on Building Generational Impact & YLG 2026

36:16

Least Reached Peoples: How the Gospel Restores Dignity and Transforms Communities with Dr. Mary Ho & Lisa

Guests in This Episode

Philip G. Ryken

Member, Board of Directors

Dr. Philip Graham Ryken is the eighth president of Wheaton College, where he studied English literature and philosophy. Dr. Ryken earned a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary and a doctorate in historical theology from the University of Oxford. He preached at Philadelphia’s historic Tenth Presbyterian Church from 1995 until his appointment at Wheaton in 2010. President Ryken has published more than 50 Bible commentaries and other books and serves as a board member for The Gospel Coalition and the National Association of Evangelicals. He has traveled to more than 30 countries on 6 continents to teach and preach the gospel.