Programme elements

"Home groups", daily plenaries, a "synaxeis", and liturgical events are the central elements of the Mission Conference programme.

"Home groups" are groups of ten participants meeting in in- or outdoor locations. The groups, led by facilitators, meet every morning for Lectio Divina - meditative Bible study around carefully selected Bible texts - and evening to share the experiences of the day and to prepare for the following day.

Daily plenaries, consisting of interviews, panel discussion, performances and music as well as small group discussions will focus on thematic emphases corresponding to the overall Conference theme.

"Synaxeis" is a Greek term for a "gathering of people", often used in the sense of "gathering around a theme". Using film, drama, drafting groups, panel discussions and discussion forums, ten parallel synaxeis are scheduled at two separate times each afternoon, with an expected total of 50-60 synaxeis over the eight-day period. The synaxeis will be grouped thematically according to the plenary themes, and conference participants will be free to attend synaxeis according to their own choice.

Space for spiritual life is offered by morning prayers, healing services, an outdoor chapel open at most times, pastoral counselling, spaces for silence, prayers and meditation. On the last day of the conference, participants will attend local services, worship and prayers in Athens, and meet in the evening at Areopagus, where the apostle Paul spoke to the Athenians, for the conference sending service. 

Draft programme