Curbs with the European Baptists

Sara Barron participated in the European Baptist Federation (EBF) gathering in January with her 'children in urban situations' specialist hat on.  She writes:
What a privilege to spend time with inspiring, enthusiastic youth and children workers from across Europe. Very different contexts with various sized unions and churches coming together to explore what God might be saying and how we can best join in. One of the conversation threads that emerged was around how young people feel alone in their faith despite the more global feel to our lives in other areas. We asked: how do we help young people to discover others with similar values and with a passion for Jesus that will broaden their connection? In what ways are young people wanting to connect with spirituality in our communities? 
In all our conversations and reflections we held space for one another recognising that relationships are key in all the strands we explored. Where we know people we are more likely to find peace ways, more likely to see others views favourably and we have more opportunity to speak into each others lives. Learning from one another.

The presence of so many young leaders felt encouraging both for the future children and young people's work but also for the innovation of the church. Many are asking questions about how and why we do church in the way we do. Many are asking about church planting amongst the youth. Many would like to see thriving churches which connect with community in social action as part of sharing the good news message of Jesus. ​