Islam and the Gospel a weekend for learning and reflection at your church Sponsored by Galilean Fellows and Christians Meeting Muslims Led by Philip Friesen and John Spaulding
The resurgence of worldwide Islam, and especially its growth in Europe and North America, challenges all followers of Jesus to deeper faithfulness. God has brought us many new neighbors from Muslim backgrounds, and Christians are often frightened and confused by what they see of Islam in the world today. Can we learn to know Muslims as people God loves, and to see Islam not as a vague menace but as a gospel challenge? And then what? What is the good news we have to share with them?
Suggested topics Christians Meeting Muslims: The Basics What Do Christians Have To Say To Muslims? -- a series God Loves You Jesus is Lord The Holy Spirit Changes Hearts What God is Doing in the Muslim World Today Fright, Fight, or Friendship? Choices in Christian-Muslim Relations Our Muslim Neighbors in Today's Environment Islam: An Evangelical Challenge to the Church Why Should A Muslim Listen To What You Say About Jesus?
Possible schedule can be adapted
Saturday- Two lectures and a discussion on Islam and the Gospel led primarily by John Spaulding Sunday: Message Sunday morning by Philip Friesen. Final lesson during adult education led by John Spaulding.
References from within our conference The weekend of input with John and Philip helped our congregation to understand our own faith in a deeper way and to reflect on how our Christian witness might be coming across to those whom we hope to minister. Nathan Ramer, pastor, Wellman Mennonite Church Our rural congregations benefited from the variety of learning opportunities in our ‘Christians Meeting Muslims’ weekend with Rev. Spaulding. In addition to Saturday workshops and a Sunday sermon, the head-knowledge was bookended with relationship-building! We began with a visit to an area mosque for Friday prayers and then, in turn, were able to receive local Muslim guests for our Sunday worship and Sunday School session. We have been privileged since then to have these local relationships continue to grow. Nick Detweiler-Stoddard, pastor, Salem Mennonite Church, Freeman, SD
Galilean Fellows is a Central Plains Partner in Mission, and Christians Meeting Muslims is a ministry of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.