Institute for Missional Engagement

The School of Christian Ministry will host Philip Zimmermann’s MindShift on Tuesday, Oct. 25. MindShift is a training event that focuses on five paradigm shifts necessary for fruitful ministry in what is quickly becoming a post-Christian context.

In Germany, only 1-2% of the population attend church on a regular basis. Philip and others started church in action in the Rhine-Main region of the country. They wanted to see the Kingdom of Heaven breaking into lives, the city, and the world. They knew that people would not come to a church, and thus decided to go to them. They began to meet for worship services in pubs, theaters, bars, and coffee shops.

They organized themselves in Communities on Mission (CoM) — small groups that meet to study Scripture and pray, but also minister among the homeless, organize meetups, serve in refugee camps, visit elderly in the hospital, and serve and befriend prostitutes in brothels. The team connects with people where they are and invites others to join in service to their city. These groups operate with the goal of inviting people who don’t know Christ to belong before they believe.

During the seminar, you will learn more about the ideas that shaped the work in Germany; the struggles, and victories they encountered along the way; and the vision of God that fuels them to engage in their communities to see more of Heaven on Earth. This training will challenge you and inspire you — not to copy what is happening in Germany – but to empower you to think outside the box and help you start dreaming about what is possible in your own community.