EuroVitality meeting in Bryne, Norway
In mid June I joined our Serve Globally colleagues Greg Fauss and Katherine Choi-Lee for the bi-annual meeting of the EuroVitality network. This is a network of pastors and national leaders from around Europe who are leading revitalization initiatives in their denominations. Katherine has served as coordinator for EuroVitality for a number of years and has worked closely with the vitality team in France. (first row left) Greg has been mentoring vitality leaders in Berlin and was present with their team from Germany. (second row left)
Vitality is an initiative that began in the Covenant Church in North America and provides resource and coaching for local congregations seeking missional renewal. The resource was shared with mission partners in Europe 16 years ago and has since been translated into 8 languages and adapted to the European context. Local congregations are invited to take an assessment that helps to identify gifts and strengths as well as opportunities to change and grow. Over the course of several months or even a year, vitality leaders offer coaching and support as churches work through the process.
National teams from Finland, Germany, Czech Republic and Norway shared stories and resource from their local contexts that invited lively discussion and mutual learning. I was moved by how much these leaders love and care for their people and their desire to see Christ’s church renewed and energized for mission. It is such a gift to be among brothers and sisters who come with a humble and open hearts to share, listen and care for each other. These leaders are great examples to the church about coming together in our shared dependence on Christ and his work in our lives and communities. It’s a blessing to know they are out there serving and modeling the example of Christ!
Prayer points:
-for the Euro Vitality network in Europe and God’s encouragement and wisdom for these leaders.
-for more churches to engage with vitality and leaders who are equipped to accompany them in the pathway of renewal
-thanksgiving to God for the encouragement he provided to each person during this conference.
Our Norwegian hosts were amazing and it was inspiring to see how much they care for their local community and the innovative ways they are serving. The local pastor arranged a session with the mayor of Bryne who shared about ways the city and churches are working together for the wellbeing of the city.
The Finnish national team receiving prayer.
