The Legacy and Future of the Lausanne Movement

Former Lausanne leaders share their reflections on the legacy of the Lausanne Movement and its impact on global missions. Doug Birdsall opens the discussion, highlighting Billy Graham’s surprise at the movement’s growth and lasting influence. Valdir Steuernagel reflects on the mission modeled by Jesus, emphasizing that mission is God’s work, not something humans invent. Esmé Bowers shares insights on the significance of global gatherings like Lausanne 2010 in fostering collaboration and unity. Menchit Wong speaks on the importance of listening to marginalized voices, including children, and highlights the commitment to the Lausanne Covenant. The panelists offer advice to the next generation, encouraging them to steward the legacy of Lausanne through love, humility, and collaboration. They conclude by emphasizing the enduring spirit of Lausanne: a commitment to friendship, humility, and working together to fulfill the Great Commission.

Talk Outline

00:00 Introduction
00:45 Meet the Former Lausanne Leaders
01:43 Reflections on Billy Graham’s Legacy
03:18 The Significance of the Lausanne Movement
05:58 The Impact of Global Gatherings
08:08 Empowering the Next Generation
10:47 Passing the Torch: Advice for Future Leaders
14:04 The Spirit of Lausanne: Unity and Mission
17:28 Conclusion: A Call to Action

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This recording is from the Fourth Lausanne Congress, held in Incheon, South Korea in September 2024. This gathering brought together global church leaders to collaborate on mission strategies for advancing the gospel. Through plenary sessions, table group discussions, and collaborative workshops, the Congress focused on addressing critical gaps in global mission today.

Welcoming the Congress to Korea

25:39

Holy Ground: Living Out Faith in the Workplace

Julia Garschagen

26:28

Empowered for Mission: The Vital Role of the Holy Spirit

Femi Adeleye

19:11

Faith and the Future of Creation

Katharine Hayhoe

Speakers' Bios

Valdir Steuernagel

Senior Executive Advisor

Valdir Steuernagel is a senior statesmen in Latin America and provides counsel to the Lausanne global executive director / CEO, with discerning eyes on Latin American issues in global mission. Most recently he was World Vision International’s Theologian at Large, after having also served as the chair of World Vision’s board and as vice-president of Christian commitments. He is a member of the International Council of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and has served with IFES in Brazil. Today Valdir is pastoring a local Lutheran church while continuing his ministry within and outside of Brazil. Valdir is also a former Lausanne board member.

Doug Birdsall

Honorary Co-Chair

S. Douglas (Doug) Birdsall served as executive chairman of the Lausanne Movement from 2004 to 2013. He led the movement through a process of global revitalization, culminating in the convening of the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization: Cape Town 2010. A graduate of Wheaton College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Harvard University, and the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, UK, he is president of The Civilitas Group.

Menchit Wong

Co-Vice Chair, Board of Directors

Menchit Wong has been a member of the Lausanne Movement's international board since 2017. She also currently serves on the core team of the Lausanne Leadership Journey, a key strategic initiative of Lausanne's Younger Leaders Generation initiative.

Menchit has been actively involved in global advocacy for ministry to, for, and with children-at-risk for the last twenty years. Before she was invited to serve on the Lausanne board, she was a catalyst for the Lausanne Children-at-Risk Network.

Today she supports the leadership teams of global movements engaged in discipling and releasing the next generation for kingdom impact. Menchit is also a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach. Through executive coaching and leadership development training with managers serving in various industries and companies in the Philippines, Menchit has opportunity to bring Christ-centered influence to the workplace.