Highlights from the Lausanne Europe Gathering in Cullera, Spain, from 16-19 October 2025

At the recent Lausanne Europe National Movements Gathering in Cullera, leaders from across the continent came together to explore what it means to collaborate, i.e. to listen, lead, belong, reconcile, work, be challenged and be sent—together. Several speakers gave powerful messages and testimonies.

Petra Bohall opened with a call to listen together to God and to the other. Jim Memory and Usha Reifsnider talked about leading from a place of hope, warning against the corrosive effects of cynicism. They highlighted the potential of Gen Z and emphasized the importance of genuine relationships over project-driven collaboration.

Joshua Bogunjoko reminded participants that belonging to the global church requires humility, especially from those in positions of power. Drawing on Paul’s teachings, he emphasized that grace and shared weakness are the foundation of true unity.

On Saturday morning Sasa Nikolinovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina opened with the importance of reconciliation when working, with personal stories and testimonies. Alexander Hirsch echoed the theme of hopeful leadership, underscoring the value of personal calling and the necessity of building trust for effective teamwork. In the evening Tanya van Horne gave a presentation on challenges that teamwork have to face.

Jaume Llenas explored on Sunday morning the theological depth of unity, noting that institutions can express—but not create—unity. He emphasized that evangelism and even suffering are collective endeavors, rooted in the character of Christ.

Miki Kamberovic shared powerful stories from the Roma community, illustrating how collaboration and the “language of love” can overcome discrimination and foster growth.Finally, Peace Ashenafi pointed to the diverse leadership of the Antioch church as a model for today. She urged churches to prioritize both the Word and the Spirit, and to embrace intergenerational and multicultural collaboration for greater mission impact.

Together, these voices painted a compelling vision: the church is called not only to go, but to go together—with hope, humility, and love.

EEA General Secretary Jan Wessels with the two Regional Co-Directors of Lausanne Europe, Usha Reifsnider and Jim Memory)

It was really a privilege to be there and participate in beautiful Cullera, next to the Mediterranean Sea. Around 150 participants from all over Europe were here together for 3 days, representing the National Lausanne Movements in their country. All these nationalities were beautifully represented in the different languages that were used for the Bible readings from several letters of the Apostle Paul.

Very interesting were also the Bridging Sessions for which the group was divided into four regional groups. I tremendously enjoyed the discussions in our North Western group with presentations from men and women, younger and older leaders. They were many times very personal and emotional. What made it really good that there was a good time for these conversations. Conversations that of course also spilled over in the times for the meals.

By Jan Wessels, EEA General Secretary