What is strategic leadership and why is it vital to the future of the contemporary church? This is a question at the heart of a unique summit that will take place on May 10-12 in southern Spain.

The Strategic Leadership Consultation (SLC2012) will bring together key church, church network and national ministry leaders to look at how churches can influence the future of cultures and cities through strategic planning, under the insoiration of the Holy Spirit.

In contemproary church circles, there is a great deal of quality aspirational leadership,' says Mal Fletcher, host ofbthe SLC2012 event. 'There's a disconnect, though, between the numerical growth of some churches and cultural change in the city.'

'One of the reasons why we face major opposition to Christian ideals or lifestyle ideas in mainstream societies is that the church - and particularly the growing edge of the church - has not engaged in long-term strategic planning. We have not been good at engaging likely social change before it happens - even when there's been clear evidence of what's coming.'

'The SLC2012 summit will explore both the practicalities of true strategic leadership and the areas where we most need to apply it in today's environment.'

This will be the fifteenth anniversary of the SLC events which have been held in cities across Europe and have done much to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the Eurooean church as a whole. SLC has consistently brought in world class guest contributors to challenge and resource church network leaders in their thinking and planning. Guests have included evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, futurists Dr Patrick Dixon and Dr Tom Sine, apologist Professor Alistair McGrath, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, a world expert on Islamic culture and many others.

Also featured at the summit will be Jim Wallace, former head of Australia's elite anti-terrorism forces and now head of the Australian Christian Lobby. Jim is heading a team that represents Christian ideals and values in his nation's national and state parliaments.

The SLC2012 summit is an invitation event but we welcome recommendations about who should attend. If you would like to make a recommendation or perhaps receive an invitation yourself, please email: networks@nextwaveonline.com.