Conferences

Pentecost—a meaningful occasion 

"We thank Thee, God, that by grace and fire, In Jesus’ blood we come to unity.” The song, a hallmark of our conferences, resounds through the large auditorium. It’s a special occasion when we gather for the Pentecost Conference at BCC.

27. May 2026
Text: Berit H. Nilsen, Photo: BCC

Participants from 26 different countries, totaling more than 7,000 members, gathered at Brunstad to celebrate Pentecost this year. It is a tradition that has been preserved since the early 1900s.  

Many volunteers pitch in to help make the Pentecost Conference a good experience for all the guests.
The conference offers a variety of activities for all ages.
The pleasant summer temperatures enabled participants to enjoy being together outdoors.
A group of friends having a good time at “Festplassen.”
Participants enjoying an evening meal together around festively decorated tables.
A Pentecost Conference that brings people of all generations together.
The children enjoy the summer evening with all the activities that are on offer.
The musicians set the mood and create a memorable evening.
A better view from up high.
The children play with chalk and skipping ropes in the playground.
Participants gather in the evening to enjoy each other’s company in the conference village.

What is Pentecost? 

Pentecost is an important occasion celebrated by Christians around the world to commemorate the day Jesus sent the Holy Spirit down to His disciples in Jerusalem. 

The first Pentecost took place ten days after Jesus had ascended to heaven. At that time, about 120 disciples, both men and women, were gathered together in prayer in the “Upper Room” in Jerusalem.  

The disciples received the Holy Spirit

In the Book of Acts, chapter 2:1–4, it is written that “… suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4) 

This marked a turning point in history.  

Now all the disciples—all those who were willing to obey Jesus’ commands—could receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent as an Advocate, and together with the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit works to lead people to salvation and guide the disciples toward growth in Jesus Christ. 

This is the central message our conferences are built on.  

Actors from the local church in Oslo and Follo perform a song from the musical Joshua in the Magazine broadcast.
Kåre J. Smith and Gary Fenn, guests on Magazine, here in conversation with host, Judith Grimes.
Warming up for a bonfire night during the youth Summer Camp.
Children’s choir singing with great enthusiasm during Sing Along.
The audience join in at the Sing Along.
The audience follows along intently with what is happening on stage
Jan-Hein Staal, from the Netherlands, spoke at Sunday morning’s meeting.
Thousands of people are seated in the hall, listening intently and following along in their Bibles.
The children, sitting in the front rows, show great interest in the children’s meeting.
At the children’s meeting, Bible cards are placed on all the seats for the children to collect.

The Holy Spirit—a gift that offers help and strength 

The chapter titled “The Holy Spirit” in the document describing BCC’s Statement of Faith provides further insight into what receiving the Holy Spirit can mean for us in our lives. 

Full lyrics:
Thanks, loving God, Thou hast called together

 1.Thanks, loving God, Thou hast called together
A little faithful flock from west and east.
And rooted deeply in truth and Spirit
With Christ, o God, our life is one long feast.

2. We thank Thee, God, that by grace and fire,
In Jesus’ blood we come to unity.
This is a myst’ry: we serve each other
And thus as worthy vessels honor Thee

3. Let songs of gladness, like many waters,
Burst forth to glorify the Son of God,
That joined to Him we with many others
Shall be His joy, reward of His dear blood.

4. So may the singers, the music makers,
And they who minister God’s holy word
Grow up as pillars in God’s assembly,
That we become just as our precious Lord.

5. So send Thy Spirit, O loving Father;
O may He come, our hearts and minds to fill.
A happy flock of like-minded brethren–
By Thee made one, we’ll love and serve Thee still.

Number 101 in the Ways of the Lord songbook
Written in 1922 by Johan O. Smith (published in 1929)
Likely a Swedish folk tune
Text. © Stiftelsen Skjulte Skatters Forlag

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