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SLC2010 - Unlocking The Really Big Questions For The Church
30 June 2010
'Most conferences I attend try to give me answers,' said a European church network leader attending SLC2010.
'But SLC is unique: it's the only event I know that actually teaches me the right questions to ask!'
The Strategic Leadership Consultation has established a solid reputation for being a powerhouse event for thought-provoking content and the generation of new approaches to Christian influence in Europe.
In its thirteenth year, SLC 2010 was a great success, with leaders gathering from across Europe for sessions on edgy subjects including: 'City On A Hill: The Church As A Model for Social Cohesion', 'Muslims & Jesus: The Muslim Situation in Europe' and 'Recapturing Europe's Christian Heritage'.
Speakers included Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali (Anglican Churches, UK), Tim Costello (CEO World Vision, Australia), Dr. Tony Campolo (EAPE, USA) and Mal Fletcher.
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali is renowned as one of Britain's foremost and most articulate evangelical voices. The former Bishop of Rochester and at one time candidate for Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Nazir-Ali is not afraid to voice strong opinions in the face of public criticism.
As a former member of the House of Lords and one-time chairman of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's ethics and law committee, the Bishop has occupied positions of great influence in areas of hot debate.
His position as one of Europe's leading Christian authorities on Muslim beliefs, along with his highly researched perspectives on the European Christian heritage and its role in shaping law, politics and more, gave SLC members are unique insight into these areas. Many expressed complete admiration at the depth of information which was so obviously at his very fingertips.
Dr. Michael recently stepped down from the bishopric to devote his life to the defence of persecuted Christians worldwide, a position for which he will need great prayer and financial support.
Tim Costello, OA is the CEO of World Vision Australia and a leading Christian statesman on social justice issues. He plays a prominent role in national debates on issues such as gambling, urban poverty, homelessness, reconciliation and substance abuse and he is often heard via the media and in government circles challenging leaders and communities, in a very prophetic way, to engage with global issues.
His live video-conference interview with Mal Fletcher, provided wonderful insights not just into the needs of the world in areas of poverty and injustice, but a solid theological apologetic for Christians taking a leading role in meeting them. His theological understanding raised some powerful points of discussion among SLC members, provoking a re-think on some aspects of eschatology, for one.
Dr. Tony Campolo is professor of sociology at Eastern University in the US and one of the world's best known evangelical campaigners on poverty and justice issues. As well as being a renowned speaker, Tony is a prolific author and the founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education. Tony was at one point an advisor to President Bill Clinton and remains in contact with highly placed US political figures, whom he often challenges to commit more in the fight against global poverty.
Dr. Campolo featured in a specially recorded TV interview with Mal Fletcher, prepared for SLC, in which he dealt with the opportunities the exist for the church in areas of political and social influence. In typical fashion, his ideas were inspiring, encouraging and yet very thought-provoking.
The response to SLC2010 has been very positive indeed.
The host and founder of the event, Mal Fletcher said: 'In terms of content, this SLC rates as highly as any we've ever hosted. In the minds of many, it's the best yet.'
'I love that idea of raising questions, rather than answering them. SLC isn't designed to be another leadership conference, where preachers come to pick up new sermons, or magic-button responses to the challenges of local church life.'
'SLC is a different beast - it's about getting us to think, not just about how to grow churches, but about how to extend the Kingdom in our cities, from the base of strong churches.'
SLC2011 is scheduled for May 5-7, once again in the south of Spain.
(SLC is an invitation event, but we welcome suggestions re who might be invited. For this, or other inquiries, please email: networks@nextwaveonline.com)
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