The month began with an intensive study week at the ETF in Leuven (Belgium) for all our doctoral students and faculty. Jack lectured on “Reimagining Church Leadership” and participated in many presentations and discussions. He also encouraged his PhD student in his research on new Christian communities in Muslim countries.
Immediately following this week, I travelled to Germany for a 3-day conference with German evangelical theologians on the topic of “Hirte – Manager – Leiter” (“Shepherd – Manager – Leader”). The conference confirmed to me that German believers also wrestle with the same changes in church leadership as in many other countries. Pastors function less as authoritative teachers and more as spiritual guides.
A few ‘quiet’ weeks working at home (Netherlands) were filled with consultations about research and internships (including two students in Israel).
Just last Monday, the ETF semester began with a festive “Opening of the Academic Year”. Jack and a colleague will, however, miss this event, for they took the train to Lucern (Switzerland) to prepare a conference on church leadership with Swiss theologians.
This has been Jack’s most international year ever, with research trips to Pittsburgh, PA and London as well. It is exciting as well as humbling to contribute in so many ways to fresh thinking about and practice of church leadership. Thank you for your partnership in support and prayer, since these efforts also take a lot of energy and concentration.
Give-Away Events on the Home Front
We are amazed at the many contacts that the Give-Away Cupboard at our local church creates. The idea arose during corona time, from one of our very practical members. Dozens of people from the community stop by regularly to pick something up or drop something off, leading to many conversations. Some cupboard-visitors have also visited the church’s coffee/tea mornings on Wednesday or the evening neighborhood meal on Tuesdays. We even had a special Give-Away day on Saturday, September 23, with activities for the whole family. In this way, our church participates in the national “neighbor-day” in the Netherlands.
Two churches in our area have started an Alpha course, an evangelistic course used by many churches in the Netherlands and even worldwide. Pat contributes by cooking a one-pan dish for 8 people at least twice (every evening starts with dinner together), Jack contributes by doing the ‘talk’ for one session. Altogether, about 20 unchurched folks participate in these two Alpha courses, so please pray for the Spirit’s work to turn their hearts to Christ.
Our small back yard vegetable garden has LOTS of cherry tomatoes and carrots! Our children and neighbors are also benefitting from lots of tomato sauce! The carrots are delicious! It took awhile, but Pat’s zinnias are just gorgeous!!
Your faithful support and prayers keep us going. We thank God for every remembrance of you. Check out our prayer page for other little updates.
Passing the Baton 
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