Godly fear and cooperation were the themes of the volunteer weekend

18. September, 2023

By: Berit Hustad Nilsen / Photo: Kristijan Sokac and Didrik Baak

This sets the tone for how the volunteers from 22 countries meet for a weekend of focused work on many different projects. Conversation flows easily around the tables, and it is an expectant gathering that is presented with the diversity of topics to be worked on.

With purpose as motivation

In addition to an exhortation to live a life of personal godliness, where we humbly esteem each other higher than ourselves, there is also an important reminder that everything we work on here is about the church’s important purpose:

– It is to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission, to reach out with the gospel to all people, and to teach those who wish to do so, to keep all that Jesus has commanded us,” says Tore Aslaksen from the secretariat,

– And that’s quite a purpose to work for!

People from many different professions make their capability, energy and expertise available to support this purpose. Although there are many topics and tasks, it is precisely the joy of being able to use what you have been given to bless others that motivates you.

In the joint kick-off, we get a small insight into some of the more than 50 different work sessions that will be carried out by volunteers during the weekend.

Johanna Halvorsen and Jermund Pedersen will be working with over 200 youth workers this weekend.

Development in the work for all age groups

An important part of BCC’s purpose is the focus on creating a good framework and meeting places for children and young people. Over 200 youth workers are working all weekend to map out what works well today, what can be done better, and which topics should be investigated further when it comes to the work in the youth clubs.

Johanna Halvorsen from the youth committee and Jermund Pedersen from Brunstad Youth Club (BUK) give a compelling presentation on why this particular initiative is important and what they will be working on this weekend.

– “There’s a lot we can do better, and we’re looking forward to hearing the participants’ input and ideas,” says Johanna.

Arild Ådalen shows pictures from the latest volunteer trip, where over 40 people aged 60+ helped to renovate a property in Spain. The property is owned by a company under BCC Facilities.

At the other end of the age scale is the 60+ committee. Committee leader Arild Ådalen talks with enthusiasm about the first volunteer trip that has just been completed and makes it clear that this age group does not want to just ask for or work for their interests in the community.

– “We want to be a resource group that contributes to the churches,” says Ådalen.

He explains that this weekend they are working on a guide for how the focus on 60+ or seniors can be better implemented in all local churches. Both so that everyone is included, and so that there are opportunities to serve with the capability that they have.

Long-term financial plan provides predictability and security

An important topic is the long-term financial plan that will be updated and will apply for the coming year. Tore Aslaksen, Head of Finance, explains how the plan paints an overall picture of the finances.

– “The plan describes both income and costs, investment limits, borrowing and lending and risk assessments,” says Aslaksen and continues: – “It sets the framework for the annual business plans that are prepared in all of the BCC Federation’s organizations.

The finance committee in the BCC Federation is an important resource that helps to ensure the quality of the long-term financial plan. They meet to work on various issues, discuss key topics in the plan and advise the secretariat in the process. They then write a statement to the Supervisory Board before making their decision.

– “The plan is intended to provide predictability for both local churches and members regarding matters that affect their finances, so we work thoroughly on this,” says Aslaksen.

Miriam Hartje Oommen from BCC Event talks about the processes and projects that volunteers contribute to.

Event planning with a long horizon

This is the third volunteer weekend this year. BCC Event, which organizes all the international events, has many different workshops during the weekend. Some have courses in managing volunteer resources, while others have workshops on health, safety and the environment.

Miriam Hartje Oommen explains the plans and thanks the volunteers who help to make the conferences and camps versatile, rich in content and good for all participants.

– “We are now working on planning the eleven upcoming events, and many local churches have volunteers here, so thank you very much,” she says warmly.