When Values are Tested: Following Christ in Public Life 

Julia Doxat-Purser

Socio-Political Representative & Religious Liberty Coordinator

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12. NIVUK.

That’s a challenge! How can we make sure that our societal engagement will truly be that strong witness, bringing glory to God?

In this hope lab, we will consider the values we need and share examples of excellent engagement that inspire us. But we will also examine together the pressures that make it harder to stick to biblical ‘values anchoring’. Finally, we will reflect on how to handle those pressures so that we can be better ambassadors of Christ.

Church through societal change, past and present: learning how to respond well to change 

Tatiana Kopaleishvili

EEA’s Brussels Representative

Exploring societal upheaval faced by the Church throughout history and recognizing patterns of polarization across the centuries helps us understand and respond to that which is fracturing society and church communities today.

In this Hope Lab, participants will recall real historical moments of church division while delving into recurring patterns and responses to change. They will draw out principles for recognizing polarization early and responding to it faithfully in the present.

How to engage difficult topics and remain in Christ’s love: having a depolarizing conversation.

Bethany Serengheu

Participants will learn how to become depolarizing people by applying a methodology for having a depolarizing conversation using current polarizing issues of their choice.