News
EEA's General Assembly (Photogallery)
Keynote speakers were among others: dr. Thomas Schirrmacher, dr. Os Guinness, and Evert Jan Ouweneel. According to Thomas Schirrmacher Western Christian theology tends to become unbiblical, because it doesn't include a 'theology of suffering', while suffering is the usual pattern in the gospel, the book of Acts and the New Testament letters. Evert-Jan Ouweneel said that the established churches have to take a Sabbath, to reflect about their situation. 'It is time to be more silent, to pray and to confess our past.' Os Guinness emphasized that the Kingdom of God works in a different way as we are inclined to work. We need a radical critique and a radical return to the dynamism of the Holy Spirit to expect a new renaissance. Dr. Guinness also presented his thoughts about working together for a public space that guarantees freedom and equal rights for all, based on mutual respect and solidarity of all. We hope to be able to make the main lectures accessible through audio-files at the EEA website in the near future.
During the Assembly the delegates of Central Asia brought reports of the growth of the church there as well as the many forms of discrimination and suffering that they face. The EA leaders prayed for Greece and for the financial situation in Europe.
Significant event was the official launch of EEA's Biblical approach related to engagement in the public arena (see article below). In the meanwhile French, German, Russian and Spanish translations have been published. You can find these at WEA website. EEA is also confronted with financial challenges that might force us to cut off staff time. At the Assembly the EEA members did a strong plead to do everything to avoid that. Encouraging that many committed themselves to provide extra financial pledges.
Newsletter of GA 2011
Daniel Bourdanné (Gen. Sec. of IFES world) and Os Guinness will be main speakers at EEA's General Assembly in Bad Liebenzell, Germany, 17 – 21 October. The GA will bring together around 150 leaders of churches, EA's and organizations from across Europe, Turkey, Israel, Central Asia and North Africa.
Morning Bible studies in table groups and Bible expositions are concentrating on the book of Daniël, seeking new confidence in the truth of the Gospel, to live and to proclaim it joyfully in every corner of society.
The program includes a leadership training track and a senior youth leaders track. Round table meetings will deal with practical questions like building fruitful partnerships, engaging younger leaders etc.
Next to about 12 senior youth workers, the GA will welcome a number of younger leaders from across Europe. They fully participate in the program.
The conference centre in Bad Liebenzell belongs to the Liebenzell Mission. It is a very nice place, in the midst of the nature of the black forest, about 1 hrs from Stuttgart.
Read more about the program and the speakers in this newsletter or on the European EA website.
PDF
Pray for all preparations!
General secretary European EA,
Niek Tramper
To live and to proclaim it in every corner of society
The coming General Assembly of the EEA will take place from 17 – 21 October 2011 in Monbachtal, Bad Liebenzell, near Stuttgart, Germany. The GA will be located in a nice conference centre owned by the Liebenzell Mission on a beautiful spot in the northern part of the Black Forest, accessible through Stuttgart airport and train. Shuttle buses will bring the participants to and from the centre.
The theme of the GA 'Living with God in a secular age' concentrates on a new confidence in the truth of the Gospel, to live and to proclaim it in every corner of society.
It is the first of a three years sequence:
2011: Loving the Lord in a secular age
2012: Loving our neighbour in an individualistic culture
2013: Loving God's creation in a suffering world
The program includes daily Bible studies, plenary lectures, seminars and regional presentations. The GA welcomes delegates from Europe, Central Asia for the EEA members and Associates meeting at Wednesday 19 October. We also welcome young leaders from different parts of Europe, as well as delegates from North Africa.
Arrivals: 17 Oct. 14 – 18 hrs. The GA starts with dinner at 18.00 hrs. Opening service 17 October at 20.00 hrs.
Departures: 21 Oct in the morning. Closing service at 20 October 20.30 hrs.
Costs for this congress from € 295 – to € 395, depending on the facilities.
Early bird prices If you subscribe before 31st August 2011, you get the early bird rates. Notice that after 31st August 2011, you pay € 35,- more. There is a possibility to stay one day longer to enjoy the environment, also to bring your husband/wife (costs: € 275,- as long as enough rooms are available).
General Objectives of GA 2011 - 2013
- Providing an opportunity for meeting with God and with each other through a retreat, through Bible study, prayer, for being in the Lord's presence and seeking His guidance for the ministry.
- Providing an improved, efficient platform for contact and communication (network-function) within the whole EEA constituency;
- Providing an opportunity for strategic leadership development within EEA bringing together needs and resources;
- Providing a good opportunity for the participants to be trained and to receive a framework for engagement in church and society, presenting useful models, tools for action that can be used in national situations.
- Providing a platform for information and explanation of a revised Strategic Plan of EEA through acknowledging and accepting the conclusions of the Strategic Task Force.
- Providing an opportunity for making decisions related to main policy plans and reports (accounts and budget, contributions, strategic plans).