Iceland

Challenges for Prayer

The Lutheran and the smaller, but similar, Free Churches are suffering the same challenges as much of Europe – declining and aging congregations, low attendance and a general lack of spiritual vitality. There is, of course, a segment of Lutherans who faithfully follow Jesus; pray that their numbers might multiply. And, there is actually a surfeit of young trainees – so much so that churches may “export” them to serve in Lutheran or Anglican congregations abroad! Pray for a surge of new life in the congregations and the leadership. Pray also for the theological faculty where all pastors are trained.

Evangelical believers are not many (3.8%), but their numbers are growing. In particular, Lutheran Free Churches, Pentecostals and charismatic churches are increasing and displaying admirable unity and cooperation. The Pentecostal Church, together with World Horizons, runs a short-term discipleship ministry, and the ex-YWAM training centre is now a residential Christian training community. Several congregations use the Alpha Course to good effect. Pray that the living faith and unity of evangelicals might open the hearts of many to the good news.

     For an additional 4 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.