Stronger Together

The interdenominational “Women in Leadership Conference” of the European Evangelical Alliance was held in Schladming, Austria, from November 21 to 24, 2019, organized by the „Hope for Europe Network“ and „Prisca Team Austria“.
About 160 women from 28 nations and various Christian Confessions united under the motto STRONGER TOGETHER. These conferences are organized every two years in different countries and are meant to build a network for Christian women, strengthening and encouraging each other reciprocally. Representing the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Angelika Pfaller, Director of Women’s Ministries in Germany, and Dagmar Dorn, EUD Women’s Ministries Director, were in attendance.
The first of two main speakers was Dr. Kate Coleman, a Baptist Minister, who has over 30 years of leadership experience in the church, charity and voluntary sectors and is a mentor and coach to leaders. She is also author of “7 Deadly Sins of Women in Leadership”. The other main speaker was Sabine Kalthoff, who serves as Secretary for Scripture Engagement in IFES (International Fellowship of Evangelical Students). Coleman showed how leadership principles were put into practice using biblical examples (even of women) and how we can transport these principles to our time. Her motivating and enthusiastic style is inspiring. Kalthoff presented inter-active Bible study which touched the hearts of the participants in a special way.
Reports from the various countries showed the diversity of what women initiate and how they live their Christian faith. In several countries religious freedom and freedom of opinion are endangered and cause concern. These instances were subjects of special prayers during prayer times.
In the “European Village” the participants were able to present their projects. Women’s Ministries presented the enditnow project with a small exhibit.
Breakout sessions were offered on Friday afternoon with relevant topics: Abuse, Reconciliation, women in leadership, Mentoring, training for women etc. The program of the prayer night was stirring. Prayers in words and music, prayer stations for personal prayer as well as for the countries with their prayer requests.
The conclusion of the conference concentrated on the „Celebration of female heroes from our countries”: the participants had been invited to present a woman from their country who has accomplished something extraordinary. This made up a big colorful bouquet of female heroes – some well known, others completely unfamiliar. Among them were women from different centuries. Katharina von Bora (Germany), Matilda Wrede (Finland), Ewa von Thiele-Winkler (Poland), Corrie ten Boom (Netherlands), Marie Dentière (Switzerland), Sabina Wurmbrand (Romania) and many more. All of them had in common their passion for furthering God’s work, even risking their lives, in order to be the salt and light in their community. They are great examples for us.
Our conclusion of the conference: It was a good occasion to create contacts with other Christian women from other countries, to hear of their challenges and learn how they are working. We identified much common ground and it was an enriching and blessed experience.
Reported by Dagmar Dorn, EUD WM Director Photos: WM EUD