Workshop Inspiration Day “What do you mean equality?”

Rien van der Toorn will give a workshop during the Inspiration Day on November 11. The theme of the day is: ‘Gracism – growing as a church in equality’. The theme of Rien’s workshop is: ‘What do you mean equality?’…

Of course, everyone thinks equality is a good idea. But what do we mean by it? Isn’t our definition of equality colored by our cultural lenses? Are we perhaps selectively equal? Is the leader equal to the members, or are we served with a degree of inequality? Isn’t distinction necessary?

Enough to think about together in this seminar.

Rien van der Toorn is a non-Western sociologist and, together with his Iranian wife, runs a training and consultancy agency for intercultural work. He trains organizations, companies, government and churches in dealing with diversity. In addition, they have developed an acculturation method for newcomers in Dutch society for the municipality of Leiden. Rien lectures at Tyndale Theological Seminary, the Evangelical College and Foundation Academy of Amsterdam.

Have you already registered for the Inspiration Day?
On Saturday, November 11 from 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM in Veenendaal.
Do not miss it! You can register here.

On September 19 and 21, ICP organized regional lunches in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The regional lunch in Veenendaal, which was planned for September 26, unfortunately could not take place. This lunch will be organized at a later date.

In Amsterdam we were guests at Oase for Nieuw-West and in Rotterdam we met at ICF Rotterdam-Noord. It is very nice to set aside some time with fellow pastors and pioneers for meeting, conversation, encouragement and deepening. While enjoying a delicious lunch, we got to know each other better and exchanged experiences.
Here you can see some pictures 🙂

We hope to organize these meetings more often. Hopefully you will be there next time!

On September 18, the Day Conference “Migrant and Church – opportunities and bottlenecks” took place in Utrecht. An inspiring day with stimulating topics, courageous conversations and wonderful contacts.

Hans and Michele (ICP) were present. Here you will find a more detailed report, written by Hans. How do you enter into an interreligious conversation? Is a multicultural church a dream for later in heaven or a concrete goal here on earth? The conversation with Jurjen and Eric (see photo) was inspiring and stimulating.

Do you have any questions about this conference or Hans’ report or would you like to register for other similar activities? Please contact us by email or view our range of training and equipment.

God willing, we will again hold the annual ICP inspiration day on November 11, 2023, this time around the theme Gracism – growing in equality. It will be an exciting meeting for all leaders in the church; not only pastors and pioneers, but also elders and deacons, youth workers and speakers are more than welcome. Spread the word …

Gracism was coined as a term by David A. Anderson, an American pastor and author. He combines two words: grace and racism. We know racism as the negative assessment of others based on origin. Grace can be translated as mercy or grace. Gracism is giving positive affection (favor) to other people regardless of and sometimes because of their color, class or culture.

It should be self-evident, but unfortunately we discover all kinds of resistance, prejudice and discrimination in ourselves and in others. Where does that come from and above all: how do we get rid of it? The subtitle of the book Gracism is: The art of inclusion. Inclusive thinking is an art that requires practice.

In that respect, intercultural churches are beautiful places. In a tense society, they form safe havens to put God’s grace into practice. It is precisely there that multi-colored wisdom becomes visible (Ephesians 3:10). So do not be discouraged, but continue to encourage each other to love across cultural boundaries, so that we grow in equality as true gracists.

Come to the ICP Inspiration Day on November 11 in Veenendaal and be inspired, refreshed and encouraged!