I wanted to tell you about an exciting new work in Europe. I’ve recently been in touch with my friend, Larry McCrary, about some really cool stuff that he is leading. If you’ve not heard yet about Upstream Collective or the Skybridge Community, let me be the first to introduce you. His passion and this kind of ministry really connects with the postmodern generation and our efforts at Threads. Read more from Larry below.
Why Europe?
I have lived in Europe for almost eight years. We were involved in church planting ministries in Madrid, Spain, and now we live in Southwest Germany near Basel, Switzerland. As I travel and speak in various places I am often asked: Why Europe?
Many people think of Europe as a place of vacation or a place to find your ancestry roots. But the spiritual condition of Europe has been in decline for generations. We believe it is a great place to get involved in ministry by simply being yourself, working or studying in your field, and living life intentionally in your new host culture. But just in case, here are some reasons we’ve found for why Europe should be just as much on your spiritual radar screen as other places:
- Emerging People Groups. The urban centers of Europe are the new frontier of missions. The global worldview shift away from modernistic thought, combined with the flood of immigration, have given birth to new subcultures and people groups.
- Need. Less than 2 percent of the population of most European countries claims to have a personal relationship with Christ.
- Innovation. In societies so numbed to the institutional church, cultural rituals and historical Christendom, being a “missionary” often calls for something totally different than the traditional face of North American missions.
- Opportunity. Despite the apparent rejection of Christianity, the peoples of Europe are more open than ever to spiritual discussions and experiences.
- Relevance. Europe’s post-Christian worldview is coming (and has come) to North America. By participating in what God is doing in Europe, you’re preparing yourself for the challenges of ministry in a postmodern North America.
- Obedience. God is raising up people from across the country (and around the world!) to get involved in Europe. He already has key people in place: Christians living in Europe, working real jobs and committed to relational ministry to the people around them. Join God where He’s at work!
For more information on getting involved in Europe, please e-mail Larry McCrary and check out the two networks mentioned above.