E l s t a l - Except for Judas, the disciples of Christ would have failed every modern management test. "But Judas didn't make the effort to take it." That is the conviction of British pastor Nick Lear (Didcot), head of the European Baptist Federation's (EBF) Youth Committee. Lear made his comments during a Bible study at the international course for Baptist youth leaders which took place at the Elstal church training centre near Berlin from 25 March to April 1. He described Christ's disciples as models for church leaders. Today's Christians would fail not a few management tests, yet Christ intends to build his kingdom precisely with these people. Of primary importance thereby is the inner connection to God's son.

The course entitled "Called to Lead, Equipped to Serve" brought together 22 participants from 11 countries. Pastor Christoph Haus (Elstal), Director of the Federation of Evangelical-Free Churches´ youth department (GJW), noted in conversation with the European Baptist Press Service (EBPS) that no less than 35 participants from 17 countries had registered to attend. But 12 of them were not given visas. He criticised the visa practices of German embassies: Although those refused a visa had possessed round-trip air tickets and an invitation to attend the course, German authorities had refused permission for them to come. Haus assumes: "They were rejected because they were young, unmarried and unemployed." Officials were apparently worried that participants intended to remain in Germany illegally. Haus is concerned that such visa practices may very negatively affect the Baptist World Youth Conference planned for Leipzig in Summer 2008. Eight-thousand young people from 120 nations are expected to attend the event.

Haus introduced the German "Up to You" youth educational programme to the course participants. It helps to understand both the Gospel as well as the environment of today's children and youth and attempts to search for new ways to live the Gospel in the every-day context. Due to its significant success, the programme will also be utilised for work among adults. Haus is convinced the programme is suitable for usage on a world-wide basis.

One participant, Khaloob Kawar from Nazareth in Israel, had words of praise for the course: "We were richly blessed.through devotions, Bible studies, lectures, worship services and workshops." He has learned that mission work among children demands self-denial and being a child to children in order to demonstrate God's love to them. Kawar is convinced that participants now have more knowledge and love, greater compassion and better tools for accomplishing their task.

The Baptists of Europe are reaching with their programmes roughly 180.000 young people aged 14 to 28 in more than 11.000 groups.