From 2021, the members joined forces and established a cooperative to collect long-term accommodation agreements from different periods – some agreements gave the right to use cabins, others hotel suites. These agreements have helped to finance the development of Brunstad.
The cooperative arranges all accommodation during the conferences, and most people who use these facilities have become co-owners. In this way, Samvirk is a strong customer voice in Oslofjord, which is run commercially. In order to distribute costs fairly, Samvirk is based on a cooperation principle that regulates who must have an accommodation agreement and who can stay as a guest with others without paying.
Naturally, there is a difference in how often different members wish to or have the opportunity to physically attend conferences. When you can’t or don’t want to participate physically, you can follow the conferences digitally. The cost of streaming is also covered by the donation model.
In order to register for a conference, you must have accommodation on site
The conferences run over several days with participants from all over the world. Registration for the conference is therefore initially only open to those who are registered with accommodation on site, either with their own reservation or as a guest.
Adults between the ages of 30 and 70 who wish to physically participate in the conferences must in principle pay for accommodation, regardless of whether they have their own accommodation or are guests of others.
More people can be guests without paying
At the church’s conferences, there are several groups who can stay as a guest with friends and family, without paying for their own accommodation, and this applies to the following member groups:
- All children and young people up to and including 29 years
- Elderly over 70 years and their spouse
- People who are under guardianship
- People living in countries outside Western Europe
- New BCC members, and people moving to Norway or Western Europe from other parts of the world, for a transition period of two years
Those who need assistance get assistance
There may be situations or periods in life where some members have less financial leeway. This is why Samvirk adapts its products and offers several different options, and BCC has established good support programs to ensure a solidary and fair solution.
Each local church has a support program for members who are financially disadvantaged. Anyone who needs to apply for this should contact their local elder or coordinator for the support program. If a member does not receive help locally, it is also possible to contact the Elders centrally to have their case reconsidered.
The support program for low-income countries will continue
The church has always had a support program for conference participants from low-income countries, primarily outside Western Europe and North America. This will continue, and people in this group will be given the opportunity to choose discounted prices in Samvirk when needed, so that the cost is adapted to their income level. The BCC Federation covers the cost of the discount as missions support.
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News about changes in the conference calendar and accommodation agreements
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