‘If we don’t shape the future,’ says Mal Fletcher, ‘the future is certain to re-shape us.’

With that in mind, Next Wave International co-sponsored the 2020Plus Focus on the Future European tour in November 2013. 

Following a successful event in the UK, the tour went on to Oslo and Helsinki. Future events are intended for other centres in Europe.

The Oslo event was hosted by Pastor Stephan Christiansen, leader of the thriving Jesus Church Oslo.

The half-day intensive event brought together church leaders from across the city and further afield, for keynote presentations from Mal Fletcher on the future of technology, human rights, social ethics and more.

The goal of the event was to equip pastors to understand likely future change and prepare for it – so they in turn can equip their people to proactively engage and, in some cases, overcome it.

Judging by feedback on the day, the event was a great success and really helped leaders to better understand the skills they will need to shape the future in their communities.

Our thanks go to Pastor Stephan and Pastor Anna, his wife, who are very good friends of this ministry. We're grateful for their invaluable support in sending invitations and bringing together the logistics of the event.

Whilst in Oslo, Mal also gave three one-hour lectures in the leadership training college attached to the church.