7 Questions - Berlin

7 Questions - Berlin

Berlin – Axel and Hans Peter

Introduction

No city in the world was divided for 40 years and then came together. There were two completely different societies. In the last 15 years they have seen history in the making. 800 local churches including foreign churches and Catholics in Berlin which has 3.4 million people. Almost completely secularized city. 35% belong nominally to Christian denominations. Almost 60% belong to no church. 5% Muslim population in Berlin. 3 years ago they began a cooperative city reaching movement of churches. This was unprecedented. Axel is full-time with “Together for Berlin”. They are not separate but unified: together. They are not against but for Berlin.

What is right?

q Committed co-workers and good relationships between pastors.

q The movement of Together for Berlin has developed because of these open and transparent relationships between pastors.

q Good board and leadership for the movement.

q They have a good city wide prayer initiative. They pray for city requests. Once a year there is a prayer summit for pastors.

q They also have forums or working groups that focus on one aspect of the city (e.g. education and schools).

What is wrong?

What is confused?

q There are other networks that are not coordinated with Together for Berlin.

q They have prayer breakfasts but not well organized.

What is missing?

q Very few come from state church. Most come from independent churches and organizations. Only 3 from 180 state church pastors.

q Up till now there are no leaders from business and politics. Some growing relationships but need more.

q No financial support by local churches

q The public doesn’t know about the movement.

q No continuous theological work.

q No Models of Holistic Approach.

What is failing?

q They began a research group that failed.

What is succeeding?

q Prayers were answered last year.

q A public prayer an worship service prevented rioting on May 1 by anarchists and was recognized by the city.

q The love parade promotes free sexuality. It was cancelled last year.

q They city reaching effort is fulfilling the traditional role of the state or the state church, but doing it more effectively and with more passion.

What is our leverage?

q Several invitations from other German cities to learn how to unite pastors and begin a city reach movement.

q Transform conference helps lay a theological foundation for city wide ministry.