In Oslo with the Mission Covenant Church of Norway
It was such a joy to participate in “Plant Academy”, a three day gathering of church planters from around Norway hosted by the leadership of Mission Covenant Church. The goal of the gathering was to equip and encourage church planters and inspire those who are feeling a call to support a church plant. Over the past 10 years the Mission Covenant has emphasized three key priorities in their denomination. In Norwegian, Tro, Sende, Plante (trust, send, and plant). The next generation is responding to God’s call to share the love of Christ in new places all around the country! I met several young pastors who had left their homes to move to small towns in the northern most parts of the country because they felt a call and responded. As we sat around tables and reflected on Scripture, listened to speakers and joined in worship the passion and commitment to Christ was so evident.
One of the reasons I was invited to the gathering was to share from my experiences in pastoring multi-ethnic churches. We looked at some key scriptures in Paul’s letters, the Gospels and the book of Revelation reflecting together on God’s call to cross boundaries and welcome people who are from other backgrounds. There was lots of good discussion around their experiences of welcoming and learning from immigrants in their communities. I was deeply encouraged by their insightful questions and openness to follow Jesus to places and people he may lead them to welcome and include in their communities.
While immigrants and their children today comprise nearly 21 percent of Norway’s population of 5.6 million, immigration is relatively new. Generally limited until the late 20th century, immigration grew in part due to demand related to the country’s oil sector and the government’s commitment to humanitarianism. Norwegian society, including the churches are embracing change and the complexity that comes from living well together with people from many cultures and traditions. I feel hopeful that a new generation is seeking to love Jesus through intentionally learning from and welcoming ethnic diversity in their churches.
The Plant Academy was held at a church in the center of Oslo and on a major walking street. As part of the event we joined in a church plant that meets on a Thursday evening in this space. It was so encouraging to see how welcoming and open this group was to talking with people passing by on the street and answering their questions about what to expect in the service.
The service was led by a young pastor and a group of gifted musicians. We also had a moving celebration of the Lord’s Supper. After the service we learned that three new people joined for the first time. All of them were seekers with no previous experience in a church service. In conversation with one of the leaders they expressed how glad they were to find this community and wanted to learn more about Jesus and being part of a church.
Join me in praying for the church planters within Mission Covenant Norway. For deepening trust in God’s work in the areas they are serving, healthy balance in their work, and for Christ’s presence to be felt through their love and service in the community.