Athens Intensive Schedule

The mornings will focus on the following topics.  The afternoons will be spent interviewing local church planters.

Day 1

September 2

  • Sashko and David

    Just a brief introduction to the conference.

  • Glotis Kantarkzis

    Gospel-centered ministry starts with a clear understanding of what the gospel is and is not. Understanding the richness and the outlines of the Biblical gospel is the starting point and the power for all of life and your ministry. The gospel is not just the ABCs but the A to Z of the Christian life. It is inaccurate to think the gospel is what saves non-Christians, and then Christians mature by trying hard to live according to biblical principles. It is more accurate to say that we are saved by believing the gospel, and then we are transformed in every part of our minds, hearts, and lives by believing the gospel more and more deeply as life goes on.

    Recommended Reading:

    Center Church, Timothy Keller, part 1&2 (Chapters 1-6)

  • David Stoddard

    In considering if someone should plant a church, the foundational question is this: “Is he called to do so?” The great need of a city, the leadership skills of the candidate, even the urgency of the Lord’s command (Matthew 28:16-20), while essential elements, do not in themselves constitute a call. So what are key elements of this call and what are essential characteristics of a called church planter? Additionally, since we are focusing on teams in this cohort, what are key DNA factors for healthy church-planting teams?

    Recommended Reading:

    Authentic Ministry, Michael Reeves

  • At the Greek Evangelical Church of Exarcheia (Emmanouil Benaki 83, Athina 106 81, Greece)

Day 2

September 3

  • Sashko Nezamutdinov

    Theological vision is how we see our culture in light of our doctrine, and examining it will likely result in a ministry that serves others rather than ourselves. Differences in theological vision explain why two churches in the same denomination with the same creeds will look completely different to an outsider, or may even vehemently disagree with each other's choice of music, liturgy and programs. It is also why a first-time visitor may feel instantly alienated or embraced. The concept of "theological vision," or "middleware" between doctrine and ministry decisions.

    Recommended Reading:

    Center Church, Timothy Keller (Introduction)

  • Tim Coomar

    Is the current culture redeemable and good, or fundamentally fallen? Should we be pessimistic or optimistic about cultural change? Why all models of approaching the culture are right and… wrong? This biblical understanding of our fallenness — cursed yet still sustained by non-salvific grace — is crucial for relating Christ to culture. The world is sustained by common grace —yet it is cursed. Christians are redeemed and saved — yet they are still filled with remaining sin. The battle line between God and idols not only runs through the world; it runs through the heart of every believer. How should we then relate to the world around us and to the culture we are called to?

    Recommended Reading:

    Center Church, Timothy Keller (part 5, chapters 15-18)

  • At Kypseli Church (Kastalias 17, Athens)

Day 3

September 4

  • Alexandros Pipilios

    You must somehow submerse yourself deeply into the context you want to serve. Of course, the best way to do this is to live with the people: learn their idioms, study their humor, enjoy their foods, listen to their stories, sing their songs. This takes time. A short cut is to learn to observe with spiritually sensitive eyes, like Paul when he visited Athens. This module helps you do this through explaining how various types of research help and how to summarize your findings in people profiles.

    Recommended Reading:

    Center Church, Timothy Keller (chapters 19-21)

  • Sashko Nezamutdinov

    Perhaps no other topic apart from the gospel itself is so central to church planting as the art of contextualization. This ability to adapt the truth of the gospel to a sub-culture without over-adapting is essential if listeners are to “get it”. As soon as you choose a language to preach in and illustrations and humor, you've contextualized. You are closer to some people and farther from others. How far can you go with this and how to find the right balance without compromising the gospel?

    Recommended Reading:

    Center Church, Timothy Keller, part 3 (Chapters 7-10)

  • At the Greek Evangelical Church of Exarcheia (Emmanouil Benaki 83, Athina 106 81, Greece)

August Intensive Info

Athens, Greece

WHEN

SEPTEMBER 2-4

WHERE

First Greek Evangelical Church (Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 50, Athina 105 58, Greece)

Participants are on their own to buy appropriate tickets to/from airport, as well as transportation over the 3 days.   We wll be traveling to differen church-planting sites each afternoon so you will need a ticket.

WHERE TO STAY

First Church recommends https://www.acropoliselect.gr 
(it is 5 min walk to the First Church).

GETTING AROUND

Getting to/from the airport

Taxi – should cost 40-60 Euros to downtown Athens.  Note that you will need CASH (in EURO), as taxis don’t typically accept credit cards.  This will be the fastest and most convenient method.

Metro – may involve one or more line changes, depending on where you are staying.  Tickets can be purchased from machines at the airport using either cash or credit card.  This will take longer than a taxi.

Getting around Athens

You will need to figure out what transportation card fits your need best. We will be taking public transportation at least once per day.  Feel free to share findings or recommendations with this group (or via WhatsApp group).  (One website for reference is https://www.athenstransport.com/english/tickets/)

WHERE TO EAT

Here is a list of recommendations

David Pervis writes, "There’s lots of good food in Greece, and we’ve included an attachment with a few places we like in the areas around the Acropolis, Monastiraki, the Plaka, Syntagma Square, and Sigrou Fix.  But there are literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from!  Our advice would be to check Trip Advisor for recent reviews as sometimes the touristy places can be “tired.”  Even better, ask your Greek colleagues where they would recommend.  Καλή όρεξη!

SNACKS

We ask that participants bring any snacks they want during the day.  Lunch and dinner is on your own, or hopefully with others in the cohort.