Free Church DNA: Priesthood of All Believers Decoded

Pre-conference, Oct 31, Thursday.
10.30 Gathering and coffee
11.00 Student presentations and discussion, group 1
13.00 Lunch break (not organised) - several restaurants available in 5 minutes walking distance
14.30 Student presentations and discussion, group 2
16.00 Coffee break
16.30 Discussion "Future of baptistic theological education" with faculty members and students together
18.30 Dinner and fellowship (organised on-site)

Conference, Friday, Nov 1st
9.30-11.30 Study trip in Old town of Tallinn focussing on the free church history – led by Toivo Pilli
12.00 Lunch break (not organised) - several restaurants available in 5 minutes walking distance
13.00 Opening. European Baptist Federation – Alan Donaldson, Estonian Council of Churches – Urmas Viilma and Estonian Free Church Theological Seminary – Einike Pilli
13.20 Interview with three "older brothers" – Catholic, Orthodox and Lutheran view of priesthood - Philippe Jourdan, Urmas Viilma and Tauri Tölpt, led by Meego Remmel
14.30 Coffee break
15.00 Plenary session with discussion and Q&A – Stephen Holmes and Teun van der Veel
17.30 Dinner (organised)
19.00 Jazz evening     

Conference, Nov 2nd, Saturday
9.00 Devotional
9.30 Plenary session with discussion and Q&A – Toivo Pilli, Olexandr Geychenko
11.30 Coffee break
12.00 Big interview with Dietrich Schindler, followed by discussion, led by Theo Bunescu
13.00 Lunch break (not organised) - several restaurants available in 5 minutes walking distance
14.15  Track Seminars
15.30 Plenary session - Gabriel Stephens and Helle Liht
17.00  Discussion groups and conclusion
18.00 Dinner and prayers together

Additional day, Nov 3, possible visit to local churches

Pre-conference (Oct 31) 25 euros, the main conference (Nov 1-2) 85 euros, two together (Oct 31-Nov 2) 105 euros. The price includes coffee breaks, dinners and the conference program. The price does not include accommodation and lunches.

If you would like to present a paper (15 minutes), followed by a discussion (10-15 minutes) for the track seminar, please send the abstract (appr 300 words) to rektor@kogudused.ee before September 25th, 2024.

Possible Thematic Areas

Biblical Sources of the Priesthood of All Believers:
Scriptural exegesis and theological reflections on passages central to the priesthood of all believers. Exploring the implications of this concept in both Old and New Testament contexts. 

Historical Perspectives on Free Church Ecclesiology:
Tracing the roots of the priesthood of all believers in the free church tradition. Examining key figures and movements that shaped this theological DNA. 

Ecclesiological Implications and Pastoral Applications and Challenges:
Understanding the impact of the priesthood of all believers on the structure and function of the church. Exploring how congregational autonomy aligns with this theological DNA. Addressing challenges in implementing a shared priesthood within congregational settings. 

Missional Paradigms:
The role of the priesthood of all believers in fostering a missional church.
Exploring ways to engage communities and cultures with this theological framework. 

Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities:
Adapting the concept of the priesthood of all believers to diverse cultural contexts. Addressing the issues of inclusivity and diversity within the free church tradition and in polarized societies. Navigating the intersection of the priesthood of all believers with contemporary issues such as ecology. Examining how this theological DNA shapes responses to societal changes and challenges in dialogue with wider societies.

Theological and Ecumenical Dialogues and Education:
Participating in discussions with other theological traditions on the concept of the priesthood of all believers, and addressing common societal concerns. Exploring opportunities for ecumenical collaboration and understanding. Examining the role of education in the context of free church DNA and the priesthood of all believers.

Stephen Holmes (UK)

Teun van der Leer (Netherlands)

Oleksandr Geychenko (Ukraine)

Toivo Pilli (Estonia)

Gabriel Stephen (Norway)

Dietrich Schindler (Germany/USA)

Register through this form.