REFLECTIONS ON MICN, 2010

I am writing this in the airport on my way home from the recently completed MICN conference in Penang, Malaysia. 35 leaders from 18 different international churches in 13 different countries met together for four days for the seventh annual MICN conference. As my mind plays back over the conference, a collage of images and thoughts compete for my attention.

1.       Friends, both new and old. I have now attended six of the seven MICN conferences. Each year is a chance to reconnect with friends I have made at previous conferences, as well as to meet new people and make new friends. This is especially significant because other international church pastors are my true peers. When I meet with other pastors in my home (passport) country, they have very little concept of the challenges and opportunities of the international church. When I meet with other international Christian “workers”, they also have very little understanding of the unique role and stresses of the international church ministry. But the men and women of MICN are living it just like I am. What a wonderful relief it is to begin describing something and experience instant recognition, understanding, sympathy and often a helpful suggestion or discussion.

2.       Stimulating sessions. From the very beginning, the MICN planning team has determined to concentrate on learning from one another, drawing from the experience of other IC practitioners. This year, Warren Reeve, MICN visionary and founder, spoke at the keynote sessions. Whether drawing lessons from the church in Antioch in Acts 13 (every international church pastor’s favorite New Testament church), challenging us as pastors to set the example of personal evangelism, or discussing the challenges we face when we leave ministry in the international church setting, each session was thought-provoking, real, and creatively presented. One highlight was Warren’s interview with Jerry and Jacque Zandstra, drawing lessons from their 25 years of international church ministry in Kuwait. Each session was followed by discussion groups and discussion questions as we unpacked the principles we had heard and looked for ways to implement them in our unique settings. Michael Cusick from Colorado also led us in two sessions, challenging us to stay fresh spiritually by tending to our own “soul care”. Other workshops and electives rounded out the schedule. Each day started with a time of worship, followed by thoughts from John 20 by Graham Chipps.

3.       Networking. This one ties the first two together and is one of the primary benefits and most enjoyable features of the MICN conferences. The schedule wasn’t packed full. There was time to talk, visit and learn from each other. The ideas flowed back and forth and insight was gained from one another as “iron sharpened iron.” The beautiful setting (a hotel on the beach of Penang) helped create a relaxed atmosphere. There was also time to enjoy the local culture, whether wandering through a local night market or sampling Malaysian cuisine in the hawker’s food court. It was great fun with a serious purpose.

I am now heading home. The challenges I left behind will still be there waiting for me. But I am going back refreshed, inspired and with some new ideas to explore. Above all, like Elijah, I am going back to my international church ministry with the strong reminder that I am not alone.

Cam Arensen

Evangelical Community Church of Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates