More than 100 pastors and lay leaders converged on the campus of European Nazarene College (EuNC) in January for the Leadership Conference held annually for the past 20 years to provide continuing education for leaders in the college’s educational region.

Besides sessions equipping in the areas of practical ministry, the conference also provides space for spiritual formation, theological reflection, building relationships and worship, said Rector Klaus Arnold.

This year’s theme focused on “Being Transformed Transformers,” the latest in a sequence of themes that have built on each other for several years, starting with church planting in postmodern Europe, the person of the minister, and now spiritual formation.

“We want to offer a platform to discuss current issues for church and ministry,” Arnold said. “We feel this is not supposed to provide all the answers, but rather raise questions and share what is happening in Europe churches.”

Worship services each evening allow the leaders, who in their own churches must prepare and lead worship, to “come relax in the presence of the Lord and just enjoy it,” rather than on worrying about whether things are running smoothly.

The conference also provides time for former students and leaders to fellowship with their peers and to learn from one another.

Elisabeth Schermuly, of Berlin, Germany, makes a point to attend the conference every year.

“It is my personal time to be refreshed and inspired,” she told the college’s In Touch newsletter. “I knew I would see many familiar faces and that I would enjoy a good worship time. I also expected inspiration for my life and ministry through participation in many of the sessions.”

Martijn van Beveren, of Amersfoort, Netherlands, came for fellowship and a time of inspiration.

“I’ve learned more about the willingness of the Spirit to be in my life,” he said of the conference’s focus on discipleship and spiritual formation. “I liked the contemplation with others about the words we were listening to.”

Speakers included John Haines, Eurasia Region education coordinator, Clive Burrows, field strategy coordinator for the Commonwealth of Independent States (former Soviet Union), and Randy Beckum, professor of missions at MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) in the United States.

“Those who came to the Leadership Conference of 2010 went home blessed with inspiration, encouragement and a renewed sense of community that reaches beyond the borders of their individual countries,” said Lara Mohn, who attended from Zaanstad, Netherlands.

The next Leadership Conference will be 17-20 January 2011, and will focus on the church being missional, relational and incarnational.

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Click on the image to view more pictures of the Leadership Conference.  

 

 

 

 

  

 

— With thanks to the European Nazarene College “In Touch” newsletter for providing interviews and information.

— Photos courtesy Guus van Gunst.