Workshops
Workshops take place Sunday - Wednesday of ELF. Please register for the Workshops you would like to attend by following the instructions below:
Saturday, 16 May - 17:30 CEST
Welcome Newcomers! We invite you to this meeting for any Newcomers to the Forum, where you can learn how to make the most of the Forum and connect with other new participants. After the meeting, we encourage you to go to dinner together and continue the conversation. We hope to… Read more
Sunday, 17 May - 14:45 CEST
Great scientists, artists, and athletes continually invest in their skills and knowledge. How much more should those entrusted with the spiritual gift of teaching? This workshop will provide motivation for lifelong development and a template for designing a personalised plan.
Is it possible to question faith without losing it? How can we faithfully disciple and love young people who wrestle with hard questions about God, the Church, and their faith? Deconstruction of faith and addressing doubts one has, especially in the church, can feel like walking… Read more
How should Evangelicals respond to ever-declining rates of both marriage and fertility in Europe? How do we encourage Christian young people to marry, while also honouring and valuing single Christians? In what ways is responding to the decline in marriage a missional… Read more
According to Matthew 18, unforgiveness puts us in prison and deeply impacts our relationship with God. But how can we know if we have really forgiven or not? What if the other person does not acknowledge what they have done or ask for forgiveness? Is forgiveness always possible… Read more
Drug abuse floods the world. Opioids are claimed to have lowered the average life expectancy of the white US population, a line of cocaine has become almost as cheap as a beer in Germany, and amphetamines are reported to be a major source of income for some governments. What do… Read more
Our modern Bibles are translated from the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament. The first was written over a period of over 1,000 years, the latter within a single generation. These two parts of Scripture have quite different transmission histories, and, as with… Read more
A church without a true biblical witness led by well-trained, Christ-like leaders will surely flounder. This workshop will speak to the need for well-organised leadership training for future pastors and elders and will provide a working model that can be incorporated into… Read more
In our globalised world, we are increasingly rubbing shoulders with people from other cultures, ethnicities, and countries. Many business and ministry leaders used to take months to learn the culture of a country in order to engage effectively. In this session, we will learn… Read more
The Apostle Paul gives us four important rules to effectively reach our world for Christ. These rules apply to one-on-one personal evangelism, church-wide efforts of outreach, as well as parachurch organisations focused on evangelism. Paul models and teaches us a very important… Read more
The ceremonial laws, and frankly most of Leviticus, are on any short-list for neglected passages in the Bible. Prohibitions of certain foods are stellar examples of why the Law has nothing to do with our ethics. We will attempt to read them within both the big sweep and the tiny… Read more
Across Europe, religious tradition often functions not only as a system of belief but also as a powerful marker of identity and belonging within historic faith communities such as Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Islam. In such environments, encountering new expressions of the Gospel… Read more
Films speak truth-claims about reality and morality, but what are nihilistic, award-winning movies saying? From No Man’s Land on the Bosnian/Serbian war and Melancholia, Lars von Trier’s film about a planet colliding with Earth, to Everything Everywhere All At Once, regarding an… Read more
In this session, we will examine the key elements and proven methods to raise funds and build lasting donor relationships. We will discuss strategies, tactics, and practical tools to achieve your resourcing objectives. Whether you are part of a limited staff with no fundraising… Read more
How do we successfully understand and respond to the LGBTQ/Pride movement in the public arena without being rejected as homophobic? Based on the example from The Clapham Institute’s report “The Colourful Darkness”, this session provides practical examples on how to uncover the… Read more
Sunday, 17 May - 16:15 CEST
Communicating what you do as a ministry is critical, yet many organisations struggle to create effective communication. In this seminar, Keith Ogorek will share five simple principles you can apply to make your communications more impactful as you work to help others know what… Read more
What is biblical leadership? What qualities must Gospel leaders possess? The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12 include the essential teaching from our Lord Jesus about the hearts and actions of people living out the Kingdom reality. This session will outline who we are to be as… Read more
There is no better training manual for Christian leaders than the Bible itself, abounding with good and bad leadership models that are relevant, dynamic, and practical. Using biblical leadership principles and examples illustrated by (sometimes painful) lessons from his own… Read more
I was living in a way that would have messed up my marriage or family – or both. My mentor told me this and helped me learn how to follow Jesus more faithfully and change. Many leaders struggle in isolation, unaware of the damage that can result without wise guidance and… Read more
This workshop explores Jesus through the lens of His original Jewish context, inviting participants to see Him more clearly as the Son of David and Israel’s promised Messiah. Reading through the glasses of our own tradition, culture, and history can blur our understanding of… Read more
This workshop will teach you principles and models for relevantly sharing Jesus and making disciples among young people who would not usually walk into the church. How can we communicate the Gospel to them when they have such a negative view of God? When you have the boldness to… Read more
Studies show that 88% of parents believe it is harder to raise children today, and 75% place the blame on technology, video games, and social media. Many parents feel disheartened as they see their children becoming more irritable, more defiant, or simply more forgetful and less… Read more
AI’s capabilities are advancing quickly. This practical session explores discerning, God-honouring uses of AI across many facets of daily life— analysis, writing, and everyday tasks (e.g., notes, summaries). We’ll highlight best practices and prompts, avoiding common pitfalls (… Read more
Paul was described by God to Ananias as, ‘A chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel’ (Acts 9:15). During his time as a leader of his denomination, John Kirkpatrick was afforded many opportunities to stand before the… Read more
The experience of pain and suffering is a universal experience that transcends culture, language, age, ability or disability. Although it is a difficult topic to consider, only Christianity can give true meaning to suffering and a pathway to understand not only how to overcome… Read more
The story of Christ and His Gospel is the story of the Bible. How do we see this in the Old Testament? What is the biblical basis for connecting the Old Testament to Christ, and how can we do it faithfully?
This workshop will briefly lay out the importance of the authority of Scripture and the benefit of that to the church, before considering the full extent of the authority of Scripture, and then the ways in which the authority of Scripture can be undermined, including by invoking… Read more
This session focuses on developing leaders for long-term, sustainable impact. There is no shortage of stories of leaders who fail to finish their ministries well because they have not cared for their own mental and spiritual health. Why is this so, and how can leaders prepare… Read more
The movement for sexual liberation claimed that children have the right to sexual pleasure. More recently, proponents of gender ideology claim that children have the right to live out their own personal gender ideology. God’s good design for humanity gives us a solid foundation… Read more
Monday, 18 May - 13:30 CEST
The Open Art Studio is an opportunity for participants interested in art and creativity to gather together for a relaxing time of painting, drawing, music, reflection, and interaction.
Monday, 18 May - 16:15 CEST
Out of a desire to go deeper in their walks with God, many Evangelicals are adopting an understanding of spiritual disciplines and spiritual direction that is grounded in asceticism and mysticism. In this workshop, we will seek to understand and evaluate the mystical and ascetic… Read more
Sometimes we view ministry as a threat to our family – our marriages or our kids. But is it possible to do ministry for the long-term and have a thriving family as well? How do we keep our kids 'on our team,' nurture their faith, and yet protect them from harsher… Read more
Thousands of euros are spent every year on events and conferences organised by churches and para-church organisations. We all are convinced that our organised events are necessary and helpful, but we often fail to analyse the results to see if our goals and objectives have been… Read more
Why do some messages begin in very localised communities yet go on to influence much wider audiences? In this session, we will reflect on this phenomena by considering Hip Hop’s surprising movement from a neighbourhood cultural expression to a global force of communication. We… Read more
The cultural temperature is rising, and new issues – like Identity Politics, Critical Race Theory, Cancel Culture, and most recently Christian Nationalism – provoke heated debates and often create new lines of conflict. Is there a way we, as Evangelicals, can deal with these… Read more
How many of us have been at a crossroads of a decision and wondered what God really wanted us to do? How are we supposed to know God’s will? This session will explore practical principles for discerning God’s will in our lives.
Christian organisations and churches are living, dynamic creatures. Reflected by board members or elders transitioning out, new board members or elders coming on board, staff changes, or volunteer rotations, your ministry is almost always in transition. And, every one of these… Read more
This workshop explores principles and practices to help young disciples flourish in a ‘dis-connected’ world. Jesus modelled a relational approach to discipleship, through engagement with the truth, shared experiences, and participation in God’s mission - an invitation ‘to be… Read more
Why does the Gospel of John begin Jesus’ public ministry with the cleansing of the temple, while the Synoptics place it at the end? Is this a historical variation—or is John inviting us to see something deeper? What if the structure of the Gospel itself is part of its message?… Read more
Sceptics have a variety of ‘knock-out’ arguments against Scripture. Often, these arguments are lingering questions in Christian minds, too, which is the basis for their persuasiveness. In this talk, we will dissect the various types of arguments against the Bible and how to… Read more
Your church has a heart for the nations, but will your church reach the nations moving in next door? It doesn't just happen. They won't just come. Churches that reach their entire community will need to intentionally reflect their community in order to reach their… Read more
Have you ever had those times when you wanted to quit? Have you hit those long, dark valleys where you wonder if you can keep going on? Every year, thousands of church workers resign from the ministry because the spiritual battlefield is so terribly difficult. The speaker of… Read more
Adolescent brain development is highly sensitive to particular inputs, including social media. Research has shown a decline in adolescent mental health since 2012, the same year that key changes occurred with the large social media platforms. This session will look at the… Read more
Tuesday, 19 May - 14:45 CEST
What is God's purpose for your life? How has He gifted you? How do you know what He has called you to do? These key questions are at the heart of the biblical understanding of faithful living. As we explore them together using the pages of Scripture, we will find some… Read more
We live in media-saturated cultures. This means that we have to relate to a wide spectrum of media messages and media technologies every day. How do we live as disciples of Christ in today's media world? How can we develop a pattern of double listening, cultural discernment… Read more
Leadership transitions are crucial points of vulnerability in every organisation, including ministries and churches. Come learn the foundational principles and strategies for successful transitions, so the Gospel continues to advance for generations to come. In this talk, our… Read more
Most of us don't have a gift of evangelism. How can we remain faithful in sharing the good news, even through the discouragement of mistakes and perceived failures? This workshop will offer encouragement for those struggling in their evangelistic efforts and discuss the… Read more
Popular media often state that there is no evidence for the Old Testament histories. How should we respond to these assertions? In this session, we will take a closer look at the Old Testament history of the Amorites and Assyrians. We will explain how historians study the past… Read more
Leadership is demanding. It requires us to develop a philosophy of ministry, a culture, a 'way of life'. It is not primarily a set of skills but a set of values that frame the functioning of our gifts and callings. How do we lead both ourselves and others well and… Read more
How can we turn our vision into reality? Defining clear, specific, and time-bound projects is essential for effectively advancing our organisation. In this workshop, we'll explore how to keep daily tasks aligned with our broader mission and develop practical strategies to… Read more
Perhaps the greatest need facing the church in Europe today is the need for more leaders. Quality leaders emerge rather than arrive. Training in a classroom context can be a significant component in the development of a leader. However, it is not enough on its own; something… Read more
Why is the workplace - where most of our waking life is actually lived - talked about so little in Evangelical circles? This workshop seeks to recapture a biblical approach to work that addresses our universal search for calling, purpose, identity, and legacy. Participants will… Read more
In recent years, reports of encounters with demons, ghosts, and spirits have risen across cultures. This seminar explores theological and evangelistic responses, seeking to provide a wise response to those dabbling in occult and New Age practices. We will consider how to… Read more
An important and data-driven concern around the globe is the substantial increase in mental health struggles (e.g. depression, anxiety, addiction, suicide, post-traumatic stress, etc.). The Gospel gives a foundation to make sense of troubling times, along with a charge to care… Read more
Christian nationalism has emerged as a significant movement over the past decade, gaining traction in some quarters of the church and more recently spreading from the United States to Europe. Grappling with Christian nationalism is complex as people attribute different… Read more
Tuesday, 19 May - 16:15 CEST
Recent decades have seen Evangelical theology express a renewed interest in the Church Fathers. This is all well and good. Rooted in the Bible, Evangelicalism at its best has always thought of itself in continuity with the apostolic gospel as it was proclaimed and taught in the… Read more
As members of Christ's body, Christians are called to collaborate, yet working in partnership with other churches or ministries can be difficult and painful. This practical workshop will take you through a simple framework for thinking through some of the most important… Read more
The effect of any ministry depends not only on what is said, but on how it is said. When Paul asked believers to pray for his preaching, he asked them to pray that he would 'make it clear' (Colossians 4:4). When Peter urged believers to explain the reason for their… Read more
Have you ever experienced a certain tension between programme and person-based discipleship, educational and relational discipleship, or simply between the content and the connection you share with those you disciple? During this session, we will consider the biblical principles… Read more
Have you ever wondered how the unchanging message can connect with an ever-changing world? This workshop will explore how the Gospel can be communicated clearly into various contexts. Reflecting on both biblical principles and practical examples, we will consider effective ways… Read more
The Psalmist says, 'The righteous will flourish like a palm tree... they will stay fresh and green' (Ps. 92:12-14, NIV). The challenges of life and the demands of ministry can suck the life right out of us. What is the secret to staying 'fresh and green'? In… Read more
This seminar offers a concise, historically-aware case for classical marriage and explains why the long public debate need not make Christians defensive. Instead, it can open a door to articulate the Gospel's vision of truth and grace - holding clear conviction about… Read more
Humans are wired to favour happiness over unhappiness. Yet, we were created with the ability to experience a number of negative emotions: sadness, anger, anxiety/fear, shame, and guilt. The purpose of these emotions in a fallen world will be discussed, along with some basic… Read more
Funding from foundations is a key part of many nonprofit organisations' annual fundraising goals. There are many generous Christian individuals and organisations that are eager to support the Lord's work in Europe and around the world. But interacting with foundations… Read more
Each person's worldview is a hidden network of beliefs that drives their lives. Understanding this is a key to decrypting every human being's perspective towards the world. In this session, we will discuss how to use a specific 'listening' process for… Read more
It is always discouraging to learn that a respected Christian leader has been disgraced, and even worse to find that their actions have been covered up for years or decades. This seminar will explore:
- Why and how leaders fall to the perennial temptations of money, sex, and… Read more
Wednesday, 20 May - 16:15 CEST
Our culture is full of entities concerned with their performance, their brand, and their image. As Christians, we face that same pressure: appear successful rather than focus on being faithful and fruitful. This workshop explores how we can build genuine authenticity into our… Read more
How does one communicate the reliability of the Gospels to non-believers? Defending the Gospels' reliability in part assumes someone is interested in that question. What happens if they have no regard at all for the biblical text? Apologetics today needs to give more… Read more
The purpose of this session is to understand the emotional needs and the mindset of single people. Singleness is sometimes a deliberate choice, but most often it is the result of undesired events, circumstances, or problems. Too often, the emphasis is put on their unfulfilled… Read more
The shape of our society tomorrow will depend, to a large extent, on how we relate to and care for our young people today. So, what do young people really need? How can we ensure that our youth ministries are caring for the whole person? What mistakes are frequently made? This… Read more
Our culture insists this life is all there is - so optimise, control, avoid pain - but that story quietly breeds anxiety, cynicism, and despair. Scripture offers a counterintuitive path: aim at heaven and you get earth 'thrown in'; face death honestly and your… Read more
There are currently five different generations in the workplace, or volunteering in a local church or organisation. While each generation provides a unique strength, there may also be some challenges. This workshop will explore how to use the strengths of each generation to… Read more
In many European countries, Christianity is associated mainly with the elderly, women, and children. Men, and particularly young men, do not find the Christian faith or the church attractive. Why is this and what should the church do to begin appealing to and reaching men?
The global hype surrounding top-selling Korean productions is both intriguing and puzzling. Why does Korean content resonate so strongly with audiences worldwide, including in Europe? Are they a better, more wholesome alternative to Hollywood? Some Korean works do portray… Read more
This workshop will practise the art of 'double-listening' as we relate the Bible to the world around us. We will examine the strange new world of gender fluidity, gender self-identification, and gender transition from a cultural and medical perspective, attend to the… Read more
In order to persuasively communicate the Gospel, we need to identify and expose the worldview assumptions behind the arguments and evidence presented against Christianity. Drawing from Acts of the Apostles and the Epistle to the Romans, this workshop will explore how Christians… Read more
The health of a ministry's board is one of the most important parts of Christian ministry yet it is the aspect of leadership that is rarely discussed. A healthy board can help ensure a ministry flourishes and is sustained and can protect the leadership in a time of crisis.… Read more
The Apostle Peter calls us 'to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.' We are always learning as the Holy Spirit works in our lives refining us. Our journey with God and in leadership is one of rich experiences, challenges, and snares. Looking back on… Read more
Tragically, several high-profile Christian leaders have fallen away from the faith in the last year. Why? How does someone go from being faithful to being faithless? C.S. Lewis wrote, 'Indeed, the safest road to Hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot,… Read more