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Church In Centre Of Tech Innovation
26 March 2008
Finland ranks first in the world for mobile phone and Internet use, with 67% of internet penetration. It is the home of Nokia and Linux and ranks third, after Singapore and Iceland, on the ‘networked readiness’ index, according to the World Economic Forum.
Helsinki, the capital, is developing a reputation for its creativity and its pursuit of research and development.
Most people probably wouldn't expect a church to be an example of Finnish innovation and technological savvy, but the Greater Helsinki Church is just that.
Over Easter the church sponsored a conference designed not so much simply to encourage Christians in their faith, but to challenge and equip them to take their real world influence to another level.
The conference focussed on Christians growing in their role in society - impacting the mainstream culture. It featured concerts with well-known Finnish artists, plus high-tech worship and teaching sessions.
The keynote speaker was Mal Fletcher, director of Next Wave International and author of The Church of 2020 and Five Big Ideas.
'We invited Mal because we knew he would not be an "easy" speaker,' said Pastor Rauno Kokkola, leader of the church. 'We knew he would challenge and stretch us - which he did!'
Rauno is a member of the SLC (Strategic Leadership Consultation) Network which is hosted by Next Wave International each year and focusses on influencing Europe's future through networks of local churches.
After the conference, Mal Fletcher said: 'Finland, like most of Europe, is at a cultural and spiritual turning point right now.'
'The EU has adopted Beethoven's Ode to Joy as its anthem, but nobody seems to be able to agree on the words! Europe can't quite work out where it is headed. The voice of the church has never been more important.'
'This is a new event, which I believe could become a major influence not just in Helsinki but throughout the Nordic region. The focus is on more than a "Christian bless-me" session; it's about strategic influence and generational impact on a city and beyond.'
'Rauno and his young team are establishing something that will stand the test of time - and produce some really lasting fruit.'
The Greater Helsinki Church is made up of approximately 600 people, and is pushing the boundaries of creativity and new expressions of the Christian message.
Where is Europe heading? What part does Christian faith have to play in Europe's future?
Check out the preview clip from 'Europe: The Next 50 Years', from the forthcoming series 7 of EDGES with Mal Fletcher.
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