As we look at trying to reach the cities of Europe, we have to go back to the Apostle Paul for our framework. Paul did everything with a purpose. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he traveled as a missionary to the influence centres of his day. And when he went to these cities, he always did several things:

1. First he went to the synagogue.
2. He tried to connect with future leaders who could continue the work.
3. He connected with the "gate-keepers," that is, those who could open doors and influence others.
4. He created some sort of scandal! In other words, something happened to bring awareness that the gospel had arrived.

Here in Western Europe, we have chosen six "mega-cities" as our top priority. These cities (London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Rome and Athens) have influence beyond Europe. Working in these cities is difficult, for they contain many diverse cultures, and are very complex. Yet we believe that as God works in these cities, the results will be felt throughout the country.

 

When we go into mega-cities like Madrid, we have three main priorities: First, build multiplying disciples among future leaders. This would include work in the universities.

Next we try to connect with the gate-keepers of society—the current leaders and influencers. They fall into five main categories:

1. Religious leaders, which includes Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox.
2. Next we have politicians, the rulers of our cities. Classical music concerts like that of Sam Rotman connect well with them.
3. Then we have people in business, who often wield great influence.
4. We also include the mass media as gate-keepers.
5. And we must never forget the people who create the culture, such as artists, writers and musicians.

Our final priority in a city is to mobilize the Body of Christ. We believe Agape can be a bridge between different religious traditions, for we consider ourselves a Christian movement with an ecumenical heart.

This city strategy is a new paradigm. Our ministry worldwide has always been about evangelism, with staff members tending to develop their own ministries. But we are trying to change this in Western Europe. In each city, we want to build a team that has a sense of family. Our goal is only one plan for the entire city, and everybody contributes to the plan based on their own gifts, skills and interests. Each staff person knows the city plan, and his or her part in it.

This approach is not just for the mega-cities. What we are trying to do here, we want to see replicated in every city of Western Europe. Within the next 15 years, by God's grace, we hope to see Him raise up movements in more than 100 additional European cities, so that every European might know somebody who truly follows Jesus.