Vienna – Austrian Baptists want revival in their country. The Union’s General Gecretary, Walter Klimt (Vienna), notes in the first issue of its new 'Baptisten.at-Magazin' that Austria has been known in the past as a land of the Counter-Reformation. It has prevented revival and combated mission movements. This issue was a primary concern in the Union’s annual conference, which took place recently in Vienna. This small Union consisting of 25 congregations and 1.400 members desires intensely to experience lasting growth. Klimt writes: 'We are concerned about quality growth, not about a quick and brief growth spurt.' For this to happen, love for God and humankind, gratitude, repentance and transformation are necessary. The General Secretary also mentions challenging objectives: the Union’s goal consists of expanding to 3.500 members in 45 congregations by the year 2025. In addition, his Union wants to make the voice of free churches louder through its work in the country’s association of evangelical free churches.

It was noted in a forum that Baptists have not achieved official recognition as a denomination due to their insufficient numbers. According to current legislation, a legal right to recognition only arises once 0,2% of the population (roughly 16.000 citizens) has become members. A Baptist appeal to the Constitutional Court was rejected in February 2010. The Union now wants to consult with other free churches on how best to proceed.

The conference’s climax was a festive worship service in a Marriott hotel centred on the passion for following Jesus. It was clear in this context that the young are not the future of the church – they are already a part of its present life. Walter Klimt stated: 'Youth have a specific view and longing for God’s movement in Austria.'

Alia Abboud, a staff member of the Lebanese Society for Education and Social Development, was one of the conference’s main speakers. She reported on spiritual revivals, miracles and social-humanitarian efforts as well as leadership education, church planting and respectful meetings with moderate Muslims in her country. She stressed that even in the Middle East and North Africa the church of Jesus Christ is growing.

Valere Schramm, this Union’s spokesperson for PR, introduced its new homepage. Elections made its board significantly younger. Its new, youthful members include the theologian Anita Carl (Bad Ischl), the student Hartmut Stieber (Vienna) and the native-Congolese theologian Ange Kunda (Salzburg).

The Austrian Missions Committee gathered after the closing of the conference. Representatives from 17 unions and mission organisations cooperating with the work of Baptists in Austria participated. Among the guests from Germany, Lebanon, Mexico, Mozambique and the USA was Hans Guderian (Berlin), Vice President of the European Baptist Federation (EBF). The assembly made clear that real growth can only occur if the Austrian Union meets three preconditions: that mission be the passion of its members; that an international atmosphere and a widening of horizons occur - for example through short-term involvement in world mission; and lastly, that the Union’s leadership possesses a clear vision. Guderian was highly-enthusiastic in his conversation with European Baptist Press Service: 'Austria may be a small union, but it is surely an encouragement for both our smaller and larger Baptist unions throughout Europe.'