Charis Europe (final report): creation process

As a starting point for the Charis Europe weekend, we adopted the theme, "Toward a love incarnate on mission." As people shared their hearts and thoughts, that evolved into "Good News incarnate and articulate on mission."

Creation processAlfredo was mandated by the representatives to take the next step toward common vision. He will draft a vision statement for Charis Europe based upon all that transpired during the Stuttgart weekend in February.

(See preceding four entries for details about this gathering of representatives from European Grace Brethren churches, Charis Partners and GBIM church planters.)

Fred and Alfredo (Charis Partners in Madrid & Lisbon respectively)

The members of the vision and direction workgroup will then refine the statement and submit it to the European Grace Brethren Churches for their modifications and approval.

Vision and direction workgroup: Marcus (left), Paul, Alfredo (yellow), Malcolm, Florent (right) and Rainer (behind the camera)

Once the vision is embraced by all, workgroups will begin fleshing out the concerted action that could possibly flow from the Charis Europe vision.

The various workgroups are:

Vision & direction
Where are we going & how will we get their together?

Discipleship, equipping, theological parameters & issues
How can we promote disciple reproduction (people who obey Jesus' teaching from a heart of love)? How can we share resources in order to equip more and more women and men in the European churches for apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, shepherding, teaching and other ministries? What are the pressing theological needs of European believers today? What constitutes the theological component of our identity (common beliefs & convictions)? What are the essential doctrines and what are the differing convictions about which we will choose to practice Romans 14 acceptance of one another?

Youth & communication
European youth are a key to the present and so must be part of the creation process; they communicate constantly and are technologically savvy. Our hope is that a select group of young people will promote frequent and engaging communication utilizing sundry media to promote connections across Europe.

Franck does the web page for the Dijon church and graphic work for various groups

Mobilization for missionThe great need of our day is to move out in the name of Christ, to GO. And in doing so we hope to cultivate deep relationships one with another across Europe, relationships nourished, purified and deepened by the Truth of God's Word. The Château of St. Albain, the Saint James Way, Serve the City, Life Project and other groups, provide opportunity to serve together in Jesus' name.

Alan at the computer heads up Serve the City Dublin

Personal & collective spirituality
Without love for God, one another, and the people of the world, we are nothing (John 13; 1 Corinthians 13; Revelation 3). How can we fan the flame in our hearts for God and people in the midst of the 21st century cacophony of time and financial pressures, and leisure distractions?

Representatives of Charis Europe seeking God for guidance toward collective vision leading to concerted action

All of the representatives believed God had called us together. All recognized that God gave us unity. Now may God be pleased to give us that clear vision that leads to concerted action for His glory on the European continent and beyond.