From Insight to Intercession | Jason Mandryk on Global Trends, Strategic Intercession, and the Future of the Church

The global Church is changing—but are our prayers keeping up with its needs? In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Mandryk, editor of Operation World, joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on the role of strategic, Spirit-led intercession in the age of global change. From his personal calling into prayer mobilization to the intersection of data, mission, and worship, Jason helps us reimagine prayer not as an obligation but as a joyful, global act of partnership with God. We explore current global trends shaping the Church, the challenges of Western influence, and why now more than ever, believers must pray with insight.   🔑 Main Takeaways Prayer as Calling and Delight Jason shares how God called him into a unique blend of prayer, research, and mission—and why prayer is meant to be joyful, not burdensome. The Story and Purpose of Operation World Learn how this powerful prayer tool was birthed in Southern Africa, and how it continues to mobilize believers to pray with focus for every nation on earth. Why Data Matters for Intercession Jason unpacks how information doesn’t replace prayer—it fuels it. When we understand the world, we can pray with greater clarity and compassion. Global Trends Every Christian Should Watch From the growth of the Majority World Church to the rise of hyper-politicized Christianity in the West, Jason highlights trends shaping the Church’s effectiveness. Decolonizing Mission and Sharing Ownership Jason calls for a shift in how Western churches relate to the rest of the world—not as controllers, but as co-laborers learning from others. 🔗 Links & Resources 🌐 Operation World – operationworld.org (includes contact form to connect with Jason or get the prayer Zoom link) 📱 Operation World App – Available in app stores, free and updated annually 🔍 International Prayer Connect – ipcprayer.org A global hub for prayer movements and initiatives 📘 Books & Authors Mentioned Missions and Money by Dr. Jonathan Bonk Shaped for Prayer Enjoyment by David Macmillan Dominion by Tom Holland Reflections from Dallas Willard and Andrew Murray 📊 Missions Research – justinlong.org - Mission trends and prayer intelligence 🧭 Lausanne’s State of the Great Commission Report - Includes Jason’s paper on Global Aging - https://lausanne.org/report/demographics/global-aging-population   Guest Bio Jason Mandryk is the author of the 7th edition of Operation World and helps to lead the Operation World team. He has been serving at the convergence point of the mission, research, and prayer movements for most of the last 25 years. Using data and Scripture to mobilize prayer and mission is his passion. A Canadian/UK dual citizen, Jason has an M.A. in Global Christian Studies from Providence Theological Seminary and currently lives in Seoul, South Korea.