Northern Europe Leaders' Conference

By Mike Betts

Lowestoft Community Church

UK

Over 60 leaders from six nations in Northern Europe came together in Copenhagen Denmark in October. This was the second Newfrontiers conference specifically for leaders and church planters in the north of Europe, and followed a similar event held in February in Estonia.

The six nations represented were Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Estonia and Latvia. Relationships with leaders have been developing across these nations in recent years and we are hoping for connections to be made in neighbouring countries as the momentum grows. In fact, there have been prophecies encouraging us to expect to find existing churches and plant new ones in such places as Iceland, Finland, Poland, Norway and further into Germany. We have even been encouraged to believe that one day we will be involved in planting a church within the Arctic Circle!

This conference was hosted excellently by Copenhagen Community Church. Worship was led by friends from Sweden, Denmark and the Philippines. Henk Kersten, Mike Betts and David Holden brought teaching at the conference, covering such themes as spiritual fathering, the development of apostolic spheres and leading by grace.

Keith Hazell’s dynamic prophetic ministry was hugely significant in a session devoted to prayer for Northern Europe. Keith (from Antioch ministries in Canada) has been a great encouragement and help to us as we have sought to advance in this area.

There is an exciting sense of God-given momentum as more and more people are finding each other and exploring relationships with us.

The future strategy involves more such gatherings. A developing apostolic sphere is emerging with Ephesians 4 ministries beginning to serve amongst the churches as relationships are built. We want to see church plants in towns and villages across many nations in Northern Europe, but especially in the large cosmopolitan cities.