General Assembly 2011 European EA Loving the Lord in a secular age EXPLANATION OF THE PROGRAM TABLE GROUPS Each morning we come together in little groups of 6. We stay in this group for the whole morning to a short Bible manuscript study (from the book of Daniel), discuss the lectures and pray together. Table groups come together for the first time at Monday evening for personal introduction and exchange of expectancies. BIBLE EXPOSITIONS on the book of Daniel will be presented by Daniel Bourdanné (General Secretary of IFES) at 18,19 and 20 Oct. Daniel explains Daniel! Here are the themes connected to the conference Bible readings: 17 October, evening opening service Daniel 1 For Him we live! 18 October, morning Daniel 3 Keep your freedom! 19 October, morning Daniel 4 Our God reigns! 20 October, morning Daniel 7 Power in weakness! 20 October, evening closing service Daniel 9 A prayer that transforms the world! MORNING LECTURES, 10.45 12.30 give a follow up of the Bible expositions concentrate on key issues in church and society in and around Europe: cultural and spiritual changes indicate how the church and how national EA show visionary leadership and care. Lecturers: Revd. Stephen Cave, dr. Os Guinness, dr. Evert Jan Ouweneel, dr. Greg Pritchard, dr. Thomas Schirrmacher. Each of the lecturers is asked to give a keynote presentation of 20 minutes (25 minutes maximum) and each lecture is followed by a table group discussion of 10 minutes. We ask you to prepare two questions for the table group discussion. Although the subject of the lectures concentrates several times on Europe (east and west, north and south), speakers are aware that we have a fair number of participants from Turkey, Israel and Central Asia in our midst as well. Tuesday 19 October Evert Jan Ouweneel: The rules of today s Babylon. Europe is a melting pot of all kinds of traditions, religions, cultures, languages. Nevertheless there are patterns in Europe s cultural and social developments. What is most striking in it? How does it challenge Christians and Christian churches in the priority of witnessing the love of Christ and serving the neighbour? Questions for table groups 1. Which point(s) do you want to pass on to others? 2. What question(s) do you want to raise?
Os Guinness (1): Towards a new Christian Renaissance. What are dominant idols of (post)modern societies in Europe, both in the East and the West? How can we discern and challenge these idols? How can we make explicit in our local (national) situation that we will not bow before idols of our time. Can we speak about a new Christian Renaissance in our time? Questions for table groups: 1. Do your people have the tools for recognising and the resisting the challenges of today's world, or are they more worldly than they realise? 2. What would it take for our generation of Christians to surmount all the talk of doom and decline, and commit ourselves seriously to a "third mission to the West"? Thomas Schirrmacher: Serving in unity. The three young man (Daniel 3) spoke with one voice. What is the greatest calling for the church of today (in Europe and in Central Asia)? To proclaim, to serve, to suffer, to unite? Although there is only one church-of Christ, we have to face the reality of many churches and many church traditions. Is it possible to speak with one voice in today s society? What is the non-negotiable in a hostile environment? How instrumental is the recently launched 'code of conduct on cooperation in mission' in the church s calling in the region? Questions for table groups 1. Which do you consider the most important point of this lecture? 2. In what aspect(s) do you disagree? Wednesday 20 October Greg Pritchard: A Global Vision of the Gospel: Europe's Strategic Importance Summary: In the last 100 years, the evangelical church has experienced exponential growth in the Two-Thirds World. Not so in Europe. Many Christian global strategists argue that the church should prioritize the developing world versus Europe. This session reviews why Europe is strategic for the Gospel s advancement worldwide. Questions for table groups, to be asked before the lecture: 1. Why has the European Church struggled in the last 100+ years? 2. What priorities should the European Church address in the 21 st century? Os Guinness (2): First freedom First. Freedom is an essential value in society. Freedom is multifaceted. What do we mean by freedom(s)? Do we move from a Biblical connotation in today s Western societies? How Christians and non- Christians can share both their longing for freedoms and cooperate in shaping a public space of freedoms? Questions for table groups: 1. What are the major threats to religious liberty in your country/region? 2. Are Christians in your region known for their struggle for the common good, or just for Christian interests? Why is this so?
Stephen Cave: Jerusalem or Babylon? Whilst we are sure about being 'citizens of heaven' we are not always so sure about our earthly citizenship! However, the answer to the question of whether we believe we are living in Jerusalem or Babylon determines how we go about engaging with our society. Having long term experience as an Alliance leader Stephen Cave explores ways of engagement without losing our Christian identity. Questions for table groups: 1. What is according to you the main conclusion of this lecture? 2. What question(s) you want to raise? SEMINARS Following seminars will be organized at EEA General Assembly Tuesday 18 and repeated Wednesday 19 October. Developments in Church Planting In nearly every (big) city in Europe initiatives have been taken to plant new churches during the last 10 years. At least 20 pan European networks are involved in it. Last two years dr. Martin Robinson (UK) did a big survey to get a European perspective on church planting. Results have been presented at European Leadership Forum (ELF) in May of this year. In September a European network consultation has been organized in Oslo. In this seminar you will be informed about the most recent data. We will also think about EEA s role in bringing together needs and resources, as well as the role of national EA s in it. Seminar leader: Jiri Unger Evangelicals and traditional churches The relationship between Evangelicals and traditional churches, like Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches is complex. In some countries you find a lot of contacts and even cooperation. On global level WEA signed in June 2011 a document of Unity in Mission with World Council of Churches and with Roman Catholic Church. EEA produced a basic paper in the relationship with RCC in 2007. In several countries evangelical churches suffer discrimination and lack full freedom. At the same time: new movements in traditional churches stress evangelical values. What about contact and cooperation with these movements? You will hear different voices in this seminar. Welcome at this seminar to focus at practical conclusions! Seminar leaders: dr. Thomas Schirrmacher, with the assistance of other EA leaders. Encouraging younger leaders This seminars deals with counselling and encouraging younger leaders to help them grow toward a bigger responsibility in church and society. How can younger leaders bring their enthusiasm and missionary zeal into wider bodies (church and EA) bodies? What -at the other hand- helps younger leaders to be more influential in EA working groups or board? What can make EA attractive for them? In this seminar a wide range of experience is brought together in encouraging and coaching young leaders on a personal level, in the church and in particular to look for a greater contribution of younger leaders in the local and national EA s. Seminar leaders: Derek Copley, Vincenza la Porta and Evi Rodemann.
That they all may be one There is only one body of Christ, one Christian church. Nevertheless there are many expressions of it, locally, nationally and globally. Today s church seems to be fragmented by theology and traditions, nationalism and racism, issues and personalities. So how can a diverse body like this achieve the sort of unity that God desires? How do we work practically for it? While triumphalism hinders healthy dialog and cooperation, humility and proper use of our diverse gifts for the wider body of Christ always enrich unity. How is it possible to differ in opinion on theological and ethical issues and still respect and love one another (within a denomination and within the wider church body)? The body of Christ should resemble a jigsaw puzzle where every different piece has a specific place, thus completing the final picture. (A special interesting case study will be presented by the results of a recent survey among Evangelicals in the UK.) Seminar leaders: Rev. Catalin Croitor (Suceava, Romania) and (proposed) rev. Steve Clifford, Gen. Sec. of EA UK. Christ like approach We want to follow Christ in the midst of society. But how do behave in the public arena? As we are called to do this in a Christ like way, it doesn t mean that we simply love people without advocating for truth. But if we are not able to do more than criticizing secular persons, organizations and institutes, we fail to do our job. The challenge is to go the narrow way of a Christ-like approach. EEA has produced an important document on this matter as well as a Code of conduct. This socio-political approach will be launched officially at the GA. But before that it is presented in this seminar and you can ask all your questions here! Seminar leaders: Julia Doxat-Purser and Christel Ngnambi TRACKS Three Parallel tracks will be organized Tuesday, Wednesday afternoon (16.30 17.45) and Thursday (13.30 14.45). They meet three times in consequence: 1. Thinking through visionary youth work (with senior youth leaders): by Colin & Melissa Piper, Jim Brown, Vincenza la Porta and Evi Rodemann. This track is by invitation only. 2. Developing Leadership Skills by Jaap Ketelaar (X-pand) 3. Round table meetings on 6 practical topics. Track 1. Visionary Youth Work Purpose: To gain a continent wide perspective of youth ministry in order to plan more strategically and utilize our resources more effectively. To report back to the General Secretaries of the national Evangelical Alliances and other national and continental leaders and subsequently to dialogue with them on the development of youth ministry nationally and continent wide. Methodology: The evaluation will include: 1. A round table discussion of 10-15 senior leaders from across the continent hosted by Colin and Melissa Piper, and chaired by Jim Brown of Exodus.
2. Preparation for a comprehensive survey and analysis of European youth ministry to be carried out by One Hope. We will launch the research with a presentation to the plenary session of the General Assembly and hope to reconvene in 12 months time to review the results and present the strategic plan at the GA in 2012. Outcomes: 1. The round table discussion should lead to a report and presentation to be put to European senior leaders on the consultation, and subsequent dialogue on the way ahead for youth ministry in European nations. 2. Defined parameters of a 12 month research program including a Europe wide survey 3. Improved relationships between senior European youth leaders Track 2 Developing Leadership Skills In our changing times the church in Europe has to reflect on its mission and strategy. How do we live and minister from the margins in a more and more postmodern, postchristian and secular time? As leaders our challenge is resilience, pro-activity and a pioneering spirit. But how do we do that when we we are pulled apart by 24/7 streams of information and developments? How do we lead in a healthy way on the long run, when we see people in responsible positions fail in dealing with power, money and sex? Why and how would I succeed? We need to be dependent and live out of the power of Christ. Being involved in the Missio Dei in Europe asks a life of personal discipleship to know and experience the will of God. What about spiritual disciplines in our own life? And then we don t mean this as an evangelical obligation, but as a way to peacefully and integrally live out of our relation with God in the crucible of life and ministry. Daniel is thé example for us in his leadership. Join us in three parts of this practical and personal leadership track: 1. Staying in balance when change is the only constant choose for a life of balance 2. Being in tune with the Holy Spirit choose for a life of discipleship 3. Making the difference as a people of hope choose for a life of risk Track 3 Round Table Discussions Round table groups (6 people) choose a topic and have an open discussion for 45. They draw conclusions and present one or two questions to the plenary part of the session. A forum will answer questions for 30. Members of EEA Ex. Committee and staff of EEA partake in the forum. Subjects: 1. How to make a better use of the prayer week? ; 2. Building fruitful partnerships with other EA s ; 3. Engaging younger leaders in EA s ministry ; 4. How EA can enforce the missional church? ; 5. Strengthening the face and the voice of your national EA. 6. How better use socio-political experience & resources within EEA? MEMBERS MEETING & PARELLEL PROGRAM On Thursday morning 10.45-12.30 hrs the EEA Members meeting (for representatives of National EA's and affiliated organizations) will take place. Representatives will receive a separate file with necessary documents like Staff Report, Strategic Plan, Budget, (Re)election proposals. Parallel program: Os Guinness lectures on "Impossible People - facing up to the challenges of the advanced modern world." And room for more discussion! EXCURSION On Thursday afternoon 14.45 18.00 hrs excursion to the Liebenzell Mission Centre and the city of Calw.
EVENING SESSIONS Monday evening session and Opening Ceremony includes Songs of praise and prayer First meeting of table groups Welcome by local authorities and church leaders Introduction of General Secretary Words of encouragement by Rev. Hartmut Steeb (Gen. Sec. German EA) en Rev. Niek Tramper, EEA s Gen. Sec. from Daniel 1 For Him we live Tuesday-Wednesday evening sessions include * Songs of praise and prayer * Presentations by EEA staff, Os Guinness and Thomas Schirrmacher on: European Freedom Network, Vision 2020, including Fundamental Freedom Project, Biblical approach in public arena and EEA s Code of Conduct Visionary Youth Work * National/regional presentations from different parts of Europe and Asia * Prayer for the nations Thursday evening * Presentations (idem) * Closing service wit Holy Communion, Rev. Hartmut Steeb & Rev. Niek Tramper, Prayer that changes the world (Daniel 9) * Prayer for the nations DISPLAYS We provide tables where you can have a small display and put interesting materials, brochures, books, dvd s, posters etc. We encourage you to bring interesting stuff from your EA, organization or church that might interest other participants, in particular when it is available in English, German, French, and Russian. MUSIC AND LITURGY The music group, leading us in songs of praise and prayer will be prepared and organized by Andreas and David Wenzel, München and Victoria Belova, Moscow. TRANSLATION Simultaneous translation of the plenary meetings will be provided from English into French, German and Russian. We seek to make translation arrangements as much as possible for the seminars and tracks. PRE GA CONSULTATIONS EEA staff retreat and business meeting. Staff will arrive Saturday 15 Oct. afternoon and have a retreat at Sunday 16 October. EXCO members have consultation and lunch at Monday 17 October (12.00 15.00 hrs) POST GA CONSULTATION Friday 21 Oct, 9.00-10.00 hrs, led by Niek Tramper and Os Guinness bring together conclusions from the lectures, seminars and tracks, to be summarized in -hopefully- some strategic headlines for the ministry of (E)EA and the church in and around Europe in the future. EEMA does not partake in the preparations this year (because of its involvement in WEA Mission Commission Conference two weeks later).