Gro14: A New Vision

Is this the future of a revitalized, outward-focused, disciplemaking Danish church? This past weekend, nearly 200 Christians from a variety of church backgrounds gathered in Aarhus to find out.

Worship at Gro14 brought together believers from all over Denmark.

Months in the making, “Gro14” (Grow14) brought together leading international voices on church growth and renewal, with encouragement from the UK and the US.

The gathering kicked off with a video greeting from Mike Breen, the US-based leader of the 3DM movement who presented a cross-denominational focus on discipleship and mission in a post-Christian world.

Another American, Aaron Keyes, brought his own perspective on leading worship: “Developing worship leaders is good,” he told them, “but discipling them is critical.”

One of the weekend's highlight speakers was Keld Dahlmann, lead pastor at Aarhus Valgmenighed and an inspiration to the European church planting movement. His church sees encouraging signs of growth through outreach groups called “klynger.”

As one participant put it, they were “immersed in the discipling culture of one of DK’s largest churches.”

Levi Dørken, a leader in the Danish Alpha outreach movement, shared his passion for reaching Danes who normally remain outside the reach of traditional Christianity.

And from England, Toby Flint and Mick Woodhead presented their take on discipleship and missional communities -- an outward focus that is gaining more and more acceptance in Danish churches.

“We are all asking questions,” tweeted Thomas Willer, a pastor from København. “Let’s ask them together and find out how Jesus is answering them.”

PRAY for every person who attended this landmark event -- that God would stir their hearts and encourage them as they return to their churches and ministries.

PRAY for the missional movement in Denmark, that God would equip more and more small, outward-focused groups to reach areas of society beyond the usual church influence.

PRAY that Gro14 would be another step to greater cooperation, unity, and revival in Danish churches.

PRAY that Danish believers would adapt this encouragement from other countries to their own unique culture.

PRAY for the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into His church in Denmark, today, through worship leaders, pastors, and ordinary Danish believers.

“I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (1 Cor. 6:2)

Open-faced Sandwich Evangelism

They love their city -- and its people. Through a monthly outreach called “Elsk Aalborg” (Love Aalborg), believers at Aalborg’s Valgmenighed church are demonstrating the love of Christ in very tangible ways.

Like making hundreds of delicious (and lovely) Danish-style open-face sandwiches. Last month, families at this growing evangelical church became a sandwich factory, bringing together some of their best family and traditional recipes. Once done, they delivered heaping trays of their handiwork to people in need of a good meal at the city’s “varmestue” (“warm den”) centers. These church-sponsored storefronts offer food and a caring hand to anyone off the street.

But this unusual fellowship isn’t stopping there. Their contemporary worship services fill a large commercial loft in downtown Aalborg every Sunday, and they’re still looking to grow. In fact, they have a vision for planting other “missional” fellowships -- new, vibrant churches designed to make disciples through focused outreach and faith lived out in community. As part of the financially independent “valgmenighed” branch of the state Lutheran church, they want to be a model for church growth throughout their region of northern Jylland. 

Pray especially for their energetic young pastor, Jesper Fodgaard. Among other things, he makes good use of social media, inviting members (and would-be members) to join them through creative weekly videos.

PRAY for the families of Aalborg Valgmenighed, that God would show them new ways to reach out in the name of Christ as they “Love Aalborg.” From sandwichmaking to… ?

PRAY for Pastor Fodgaard and his family, for continued vision and God’s Spirit.

PRAY that this church would become a new model for growth and outreach throughout northern Jylland.

THANK GOD that He is doing new things in Denmark.

Happy Birthday Hillsong Denmark!

Members of the Australia-based Hillsong church recently celebrated their first year in Denmark with a special celebration of praise in central Copenhagen’s 650-seat Bremen Theater.

 

In many ways, the gathering resembled other lively services throughout the Hillsong family of churches now scattered around the world, from London to Moscow, South Africa to Paris. On the front platform, a 10-piece band (volume cranked up) headed by well-known worship leader Reuben Morgan led a crowd of young worshippers in the words to “Your Love Has Set Us Free.” Colored light projectors illuminated the scene.

“We’re gathered here because of one name,” said lead pastor Thomas Hansen, taking the platform. “Christ alone. Not because of anyone else, and not because it’s in the Bremen Theater. If that’s why you came, you’ll be disappointed. This church isn’t an event, it’s a family.”

And apparently the family is growing in this unusual (for Denmark) church. Certainly unusual for the numbers: They’ve already had to expand to three services each Sunday, and claim hundreds of first-time decisions for Christ -- people from a variety of backgrounds who have decided to follow Jesus. With services in English, the church attracts a mixture of both Danes and internationals.


One Egyptian immigrant said she wasn’t sure she would encounter young people in Danish churches, but found plenty of them at Hillsong.

“It’s good to be here,” she told Udfordringen online magazine. “I forget my worries. People are friendly, relaxed, and accommodating -- even if you come here alone.”

Signe Frederiksen has been with the young church from the start, and has attended both the sending church and its associated Bible school in Australia. Over the past several months she has seen the fruit of her commitment.

“Only when you get involved in the church do you seriously grow in your faith,” she told Udfordringen. “That’s how it’s been for me. Five years ago I was much more shy, and I would often hide in the background. If you had met me back then, you wouldn’t recognize me today. I’m a completely different person.”

Given its origin and its language, Hillsong might not be considered a typically Danish church. But they’re organizing what they call “Connect Groups” all over the city, where all are invited to share a meal, get to know people, and talk about their faith. Wednesday nights are for “Basic,” where seekers can ask questions about Jesus, or just dig a little deeper. No matter their mother tongue, people here are becoming disciples of Christ. They’re being baptized. Isn’t that what the church is all about? 

PRAISE God for lives changed in Copenhagen through the Hillsong ministry. 

PRAY for continued growth, that people of all ages and nationalities would find new life in Denmark -- even where they might least expect it. 

PRAY that God would use this movement to touch other churches throughout the country, and that revival would begin here.

An American in Aarhus

For months, Amy Emerson wasn’t sure if she could even stay in Denmark. As a young American volunteer with Youth for Christ, she had arrived in the country back in the summer of 2011, full of hope that God would use her to help disciple Danish students. Though her new home in Aarhus was a world away from her Minneapolis upbringing, she was ready to tackle the challenges of learning Danish, making new friends, and reaching out to strangers from another culture. She had already prayed through many obstacles, not the least of which was raising her monthly support from friends and family back in the States. Still, none of that is easy. And it’s especially not easy for someone like her to secure a visa. 

Today Amy helps lead a team of YFC volunteers who are enrolled in an 11-month discipleship program. Together they learn more about Christian leadership, and then in turn minister to middle school students. Amy reports that she and her team share God’s love with 6,000 students throughout the year. 

Among other things, Amy also organizes YFC-sponsored outreach and music events. She’s active in her bilingual church, Eurolife Kirke, in their outreach and ministry to university students. 

And yes, her visa application was accepted last November -- a clear answer to prayer. That means she can now renew her visa yearly for the next five years, then apply for permanent residence.

“I am overwhelmed with the excitement of this process being over and being at peace with my life here in Denmark,” she writes in her blog. “Tomorrow I can go through my day without worrying if it is the last day at my job or in my home. I feel extremely blessed by the many people that have taken the time to pray for and also trust in God’s plan for my life and ministry. Above all, I am humbled by this place and life that God has given me and the fact that this journey has only just begun.” 

Still there are challenges ahead. A major outreach effort, the “Volontør” (“Apprentice”) program, has the potential to reach thousands of Danish teens – but needs qualified leaders to make it happen. It’s slated for a relaunch in 2014, and Amy asks for prayer and wisdom.

Please pray with us for Amy, for the people she works with, and for revival among Danish teens. Hear more from Amy in this recent video interview from her church. 

PRAY for the right students to join the 2014/2015 Youth for Christ team. 

PRAY specifically for the Volontør program, relaunching this year – for just the right leadership and help, and for success as they reach out.

PRAY that Amy and her YFC co-workers will be used by God to introduce many Danish young people to new life in Jesus Christ. 

PRAY for Amy’s other ministry opportunities – from band tours and campus ministry to speaking opportunities at youth events. Pray for discernment and wisdom as she works with different people throughout Denmark… and even the rest of Europe. 

PRAY that Amy’s ongoing financial needs will be met, and that her visa will be renewed yearly.

Prayer Week 2014: Day 8

Finally on Sunday we come to Day 8 of “Bedeuge” (Prayer Week) in Denmark, which concludes with the admonition to “Serve One Another.” It’s a natural result of seeing, admonishing, caring, showing hospitality… all those things we’ve been praying for over the past week.

At the end of this concentrated week of prayer, Danes are now asking themselves, “How has God gifted me?” and then “How can I share that gift to serve others?” Because Christ came as a servant, so we follow his example. Not so that we can show the world how talented we are, or how much we can get from the deal. In this model, there is no expectation of return. We follow our Savior where he leads. And we’re simply told “through love, serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

THANK the Lord that he loves Denmark, and the Danish people, more than anyone.

ASK him to give you a renewed heart of compassion to pray for this country and its people.

PRAY that the Danish church would hear the call to servanthood, and that as it grows, Danish believers would follow Christ’s servant model. (It’s one to which we can all aspire, in his strength.)

PRAY that God would open the hearts of Danes, also through his Spirit, in generosity and mutual service. Pray that outsiders will see the difference and be drawn to the Savior as a result.

PRAY that the Danish church would continue not only to open its doors in service to those within its borders, but also to needs worldwide.

Prayer Week 2014: Day 7

Now it’s Saturday, Day 7 of “Bedeuge,” (Prayer Week) in Denmark. We’ve been praying often for unity across denominational lines, and that seems to be a deeply felt need there. Keep that in mind as you continue to pray for revival there. Jesus prayed this prayer himself. God hears this prayer.

Meanwhile, today’s theme is “Bear With One Another,” as described in Colossians 3:13. In other words, make allowance for each other’s faults. And the key here is “each other.” It goes both ways: We forgive those who offend us, and they forgive us. We remember that we have our quirks and weaknesses, just like everyone else. Following the example of Jesus, it’s one of the keys to keeping peace within the local (and larger) Body of Christ. It’s also a critical practice in a small country where many of the smaller churches are scattered, where believers can sometimes feel they’re on their own in small fellowships.

THANK God for the example he gives us, loving us despite our shortcomings.

PRAY that Danish Christians will put past divisions behind them, looking at each other afresh with the eyes of Jesus.

PRAY that the change will be so remarkable, that unbelievers will take notice, and that many will be drawn to fellowships where ordinary people bear with one another.

Prayer Week 2014: Day 6

It’s Friday, Day 6 of “Bedeuge” (Prayer Week) in Denmark. Today’s theme: Share the Mind of Christ With Each Other.

Getting along with other believers? How’s that working for you? Whether we’re talking about churches in the US or in Denmark, that’s much easier said than done. The Bible tells us to “have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” And then it goes on to describe the God who gave up his privileges, who came as a servant, and who demonstrated humility. His example is the foundation for unity in the church, all across Denmark.

Today, Danish Christians are being asked to –

THANK the Lord that he lowered himself to our level, in humility, for us.

LOOK AT issues from the perspective of other believers, in other Christian fellowships across Denmark.

PRAY for the mind of Christ, that Christians might experience greater fellowship and oneness with believers outside their local church.

Let’s join them in those prayers.