P r a g u e – How does one in a globalised world effectively reach young people with the Christian message? This question stood at the centre of a five-day course in Prague’s International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS) attended by 22 youth pastors and theology students from 13 countries. The event was organised by Dr. Jeff Carter (Prague), Youth Coordinator for the European Baptist Federation (EBF). Co-sponsors of the sessions were IBTS, the Baptist Union of Canada and Nova Scotia’s Acadia Divinity College.

Carter drew a positive conclusion in conversation with the European Baptist Press Service (EBPS): “This is one of our most important short-term courses on both sides of the Atlantic. It changes the participants’ lives and has a positive influence not only on the youth leaders themselves, but also on the national Baptist unions.” Key speaker this year was Marv Penner (Caronport, Saskatchewan), a globally-known youth-work expert, author and conference speaker. He is also co-responsible for Canada’s largest youth gathering. In his lectures he underscored the importance of a holistic Christian lifestyle among youth leaders. Only that appears credible to young people of today.

Participants were highly enthusiastic about the course. Astrid Raja of Estonia stated: „I never before attended a course such as this one. I’m praying for wisdom to know how to apply what I have learned so that youth work in Estonia might become even more effective.” Rani Saba of Israel drew a similar conclusion: „It was a wonderful week. It became clear that youth workers everywhere struggle with similar problems and concerns. As leaders we must be ready to stand alongside our workers.” Canadian Youth Pastor Ben Trites (Moncton, New Brunswick) also drew a positive conclusion: “It became clear to me that we may use differing methods in our youth work, but the passion we share is the same.” The course has given him a new perspective on the world. Even though the conditions for youth work in Eastern Europe and the Middle East are far from ideal, he was strongly impressed by the innovative strength, the creativity and enthusiasm of its youth leaders.