Over the next several blog posts, let’s visit some Danish
churches, get to know the people there, and pray for them.
First stop: Åbenkirke (OpenChurch), a lively, growing family
church with branches in both Herning and Copenhagen, as well as a sister church
in Zambia.
While the worship services at Åbenkirke might remind you of
a similar evangelical church in the US, this church isn’t quite typical for
Denmark. Services are led by a band up front, and the worship is thoroughly
contemporary.
There’s also a strong emphasis on outreach here. Stop by their website this month, and you’ll
see links to recent sermons, an invitation to a singles Christmas feast, a
signup page for an Alpha (seeker’s) course, and more about joining a small
group. There’s something for everyone, with ministries for children, young
people, and adults. The church runs a café, and employs six pastors—also
unusual for Danish churches. And since this fellowship was planted in 2007,
there’s been an emphasis on building a welcoming atmosphere for all.
“Who says church has to be sad and boring,” says their
Facebook page, “with no room for smiles and dancing?”
There’s plenty of both at Åbenkirke. Watch this short video,
with English subtitles, called “Se Min Kirke” (“See My Church”):
And then let’s:
PRAY that many
unchurched would come to faith in Christ this holiday season through the
outreach of Åbenkirke.
PRAY for renewal
among those who regularly attend, that they would come to know Jesus better.
PRAY for the
pastoral staff: Lars Bo Olesen (lead pastor), Niels-Peter Hedegaard, Allan
Høyer, Andreas Jørgensen, Esben Dulwich Engholm, and Jens Erik Asmussen. Ask God
to given them wisdom and a heart for ministry, and to keep them safe.
PRAY for revival
in the cities of Herning and Copenhagen, and that God would continue to use the
believers in Åbenkirke in new and exciting ways.