Getting informed and getting inspired - Presencia '14Nick Beasley - 11 Sep 2014

This is an opportunity to grow practically and spiritually...to become better practiced and better informed as you face the challenges of living a life for God in the 21st century, learning from some of the most remarkable and inspirational voices in the modern church.

15 years in and 24-7 Prayer have been incredibly blessed by the wealth of wisdom and commitment from so many of those who have been caught up in the movement - and at this year's EuroGathering, we've got the chance to meet with and learn from many of them.

From Alan Scott, the founder of the Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast church - who've seen 1500 people saved so far this year - to 24-7 Prayer’s own Pete Greig: we’ll see missionaries, politicians, activists, entrepreneurs and monks join with us in El Escorial this October. These inspirational men and woman will be coming from all over the world to teach, share and learn as part of the 24-7 Prayer community.

We will be covering crucial, contemporary topics from women in leadership to religion in politics and education. This will be an opportunity to grow practically and spiritually in your faith and become better practiced and better informed as you face the challenges of living a life for God in the 21st century, as we hear from some of the most remarkable and inspirational voices in the modern church.

24-7 Prayer Gatherings are always one of the highlights of our year. So check out what’s in store over the weekend in more detail below. And if you want to know any more, leave a comment at the bottom and we’ll get back to you...

FRIDAY:

Seminar 1: What we can learn from our monastic heritage
The life-giving roots of 24-7 are found in many of the movements, prayer disciplines and practices that have nurtured the church for centuries. This seminar, led by Punk Monk author Andy Freeman and Jill Weber, who leads a New Monastic/24-7 Community in Hamilton, Canada, will help you understand and engage with the ‘ancient paths’ of the Holy Spirit

Seminar 2: The theology and practice of women in leadership
Women are called, equipped and anointed to lead in the church. However, in working this out we must engage with many theological, biblical and practical questions. Maggie Ellis will host this seminar, which will involve theological input from Roger Ellis and also draw on the journey and experience of a panel of women leaders within 24-7 Prayer. 

Seminar 3: Presence, Politics and Power
God is calling a growing number of Christians to engage with the political sphere in both national and local contexts. This sort of involvement, at the heart of decision making, is an exciting privilege but also a minefield of pitfalls and dilemmas. UK politician Gavin Shuker and his wife Lucie will talk about how God lead them into politics and how they are addressing some of the key issues they are facing.

Seminar 4: God’s presence in pioneer mission
The primary missionary impulse is to go and make disciples in places where Jesus is not yet known. Within 24-7 we have repeatedly seen how, as we move into pioneer situations, God works in remarkable ways. Tommie Naumann is a veteran pioneer and church planter in the Balkans and Middle East; and Drew Caldwell, who is working amongst Syrian refugees, will host this seminar

SATURDAY:

Seminar 5: Cultivating the presence of God in your church or community
We understand that without God’s presence we will be ineffective in seeing His Kingdom come. However, in reality, it can be easy to lose the sense of expectation that Jesus is among us and able to do more than we can ask or think. Jeremy Jennings and Alain Emerson will share some keys in developing the heart for prayer and cultivating the presence of God. 

Seminar 6: God is on the move in education
Prayer Spaces in Schools has been a phenomenon in recent years with over 1000 schools encouraging pupils to explore Christian spirituality and experience prayer. From the UK base there are now prayer spaces in Malta, Germany, Austria and South Africa. Beyond this, a growing number of groups are searching for something fresh on our University campuses – particularly through prayer. Phil Togwell (UK) and Edwin Hamelink (NL) will host this time and also bring perspectives from different ministries and nations.

Seminar 7: Seeing breakthrough through prophetic ministry
If we do not embrace and engage with prophetic ministry we are always in danger of stagnation. The prophetic brings encouragement, impartation and fresh vision to keep us moving into new areas. Bill Cahusac and Christine Westhoff are prophetic leaders who have worked in many different contexts. The seminar will inspire and equip you.

Seminar 8: Finding God’s presence living alongside the poor
Ralf Neumann (Neubrandenburg, Germany) and Pete Portal (Manenberg, SA) have both found themselves being the answer to their own prayers as they live, befriend and minister in poor communities – in Germany and South Africa. They will outline key principles for long-term engagement and survival in urban ministry, as well as some of the keys for seeing prayer, discipleship and community established.