Date and Location

May 6-9, 2025 at the Youth Hostel Frankfurt, Deutschherrnufer 12, 60594 Frankfurt/Main, Germany

Conference Theme: Seeking Peace in Uncertain Times

The conference topic will be represented in eight sub-themes that will be addressed in cluster-groups throughout the conference.

Conference Sub-Themes

Peacebuilding and conflict transformation (David Couzens, Julia Prigge)

„Conflict is normal in human relationships, and conflict is a motor of change.“ This quote from John Lederach is an invitation to look at conflicts from a new perspective. And that is what we will do in this cluster in an interactive and creative way. We will look at what can make conflicts destructive, how people from the Bible and we ourselves deal with them and what constructive conflict transformation can look like.

De-polarisation and bridging the divide (Betty Pries, Bethany Serengheu)

Transforming polarized conversations is challenging – especially when we miss the wisdom polarized perspectives are longing to reveal. Transforming polarized societies is even harder, as people groups divide against one another and as common ground becomes increasingly hard to find.
This workshop theme considers the dynamics of polarities, while considering strategies for transforming deeply entrenched differences, and embracing the power and possibility of reaching across the chasms that divide.

Reconciliation between conflicting parties (Maaike Machiels, Joel Zantingh)

Reconciliation as a Christ emulating and decolonial practice for conflict transformation in the context of Israel and Palestine. You will be guided to reflect upon Conflict, Identity, Power Imbalances, and Historical and Theological Narratives as concrete steps toward reconciliation relevant to the Holy Land and beyond.

Church as agent for peace & reconciliation (Petra Macher, Liviu Tudosie)

The Church holds both a privilege and a responsibility. We are called to step into the role of Jesus, who, as the Word made flesh, „moved into the neighbourhood“ (John 1:14). In this way, the Church is invited to actively engage with the world, bringing peace and reconciliation where there is division and conflict.
How we define the world around us in these times will directly impact how we respond to it. If we see the world through the lens of compassion and love, we will act accordingly, stepping out in faith to bring healing and hope to those in need.

Network approaches for seeking peace together (Ulrich Nitschke, Judith Gebbe)

There are many networks out there, but what really draws us closer to our mission and enables us to build peace together? Drawing from 25 years’ experience in founding and accompanying global and local networks, Ulrich Nitschke will take us to the heart of network-building: The power of reciprocity.

Peace education (Matthias Scheitacker, Cornelia Reimer)

In a world full of tension and increasing polarisation, we need to rethink our attitude towards overall good relationships and to educate ourselves and others. Christian peace education has the strength to create a mindset of togetherness. How can we unlock this potential in our churches and communities, and what models do exist? This will be our focus at the workshop.

Mental health and trauma healing (Sonja Brink, Naomi Enns)

What if we learn to foster teams where personal mental health can be addressed openly, to better serve the broken communities the Lord has called us to? You will be participating in interactive and creative exercises, and we will be drawing insights from one another’s experiences. During this cluster we will take time to reflect on God’s Word to find wisdom and healthy practices to equip us to be instruments of hope, mental peace, and trauma healing during uncertain times.

Disaster response in humanitarian crisis (Thematic Lead, Manuel Heinemann)

Methodology

Interactive and Collaborative Spaces for Transformation

Tuesday: Opening (14:30h)
Opening, introduction to the theme, the conversations and the conference method and expectations.

Following from that, participants will engage in an immersive, three-day process designed around the „See, Discern, Act“ methodology to collaboratively explore and address key topics.

Wednesday: See
The journey begins with focused observation and understanding. Participants examine the realities, challenges, and contexts surrounding two of the forementioned sub-topics, building a shared foundation of insights and awareness.

Thursday: Discern
In a reflective, prayerful setting, participants engage with their observations, seeking deeper understanding and insights on the topic. This stage encourages thoughtful contemplation and dialogue, fostering a collective discernment process to seek insights and guidance to develop effective responses to the issue.

Friday: Act
Equipped with new insights and a shared vision, participants co-create actionable strategies and define concrete steps to implement their insights within their communities and initiatives. This phase emphasizes practical planning to ensure that ideas translate into meaningful, on-the-ground change.

This structured methodology ensures that each session moves from reflection to tangible outcomes, fostering not only profound understanding but also impactful, collaborative action.

SPECIAL OFFER:

Pre-conference course Basics of Christian Community Development, 5-6 May 2025

Target Group: People who are new to the field and topic (entry level course)

In the past this course was offered at CCD conferences as the Basics Track.

Faciltiator: Mark Galpin

Start: Monday May 5, 2025 – 15:00 h

End: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – 12:00 h, followed by the main conference

Location: Conference Venue – Youth Hostel Frankfurt

Cost: 50 €, with optional accommodation available (add this option at registration)

Limitation of 20 Seats!