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Nordic-Baltic Initiative

International MinistriesEurope & the Mediterranean

Nordic-BalticID: 771219
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Reaching the least-reached of the Nordic-Baltic
The Nordic-Baltic region of Northern Europe comprises the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland; along with the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Despite a rich religious history, this region has shifted to a post-Christian era, marked by the dominance of secularism, humanism, and atheism in modern thinking. Just a few generations back, the believers of Sweden launched the Swedish Baptist movement in the United States. That movement has flourished and today is known as Converge. That foundation of church planting and missionary sending is still alive and well in Converge.

We estimate that only 2-3% of the 33 million people in the Nordic-Baltic region are active followers of Christ. Decades of former Soviet occupation have shaped the societal and spiritual landscape, particularly in the Baltic states. While we partner with many dynamic ministry leaders and gospel-proclaiming churches, their numbers remain small in relation to the vast spiritual need. In recent years, the region has seen a steady influx of immigrants—Africans to the Nordic countries and Russians and Ukrainians to the Baltics—creating new opportunities for multi-cultural outreach. At the same time, the region grapples with ongoing tension with its Eastern neighbor. The long, cold, and dark winters, along with these complex challenges, add yet another layer of difficulty to both life and ministry across these nations.

Despite the challenges, we believe there is hope and we see it everyday through impactful ministry efforts. Young people in Estonia are taking steps of leadership in the church. Finnish believers are assisting the Karen people who are refugees from Burma. We see vibrant churches being planted in Sweden. Latvian leaders are organized and full of vision to plant new churches. We wish to pour into these and other opportunities in order to see a thriving, multiplying gospel movement in this region.

God is using Converge churches, national partnerships, and our dedicated missionary force to make the Good News of Jesus known in the Nordic-Baltic countries.

The Place

The Nordic and Baltic nations have growing economies and modern cities, but in many areas, a simple rural life is still common. In the Baltic countries, decades of communist influence led to insular churches with little outreach to youth, causing an entire generation to be raised without knowledge of God or the Bible. In the Nordic countries, the rise of secularism and the resistance to the historical connections between the Church and government have resulted in discontentment with organized religion. With vast expanses of natural beauty, the Nordic-Baltic region is surrounded by the wonder of God’s creation. Whether its fjords and glaciers or the way modern urban cities intersect with medieval villages, the sights you experience are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Situated in very close proximity to Russia, Nordic-Baltic countries are cognizant of their neighbor to the East. Memories still exist of a past filled with occupation and brutality. Much compassion is shown to the Ukrainian people and is confidently on display.

The People

With the region situated near the Arctic circle, long periods of darkness and cold envelop the winter months. These seasonal aspects have deep effects on the culture resulting in a strong-willed, determined people who often disconnect from their brokenness. Depression, alcoholism and hopelessness are common realities. Often, relational connections can feel distant and cold in the beginning. It is then somewhat surprising to find Finland, Denmark and Iceland at the top "Happiness Index" of all countries worldwide (Sweden and Norway are 7th & 8th). Factors driving these results are national GDP, social support structures, life expectancy, freedom and generosity. Over the years, there has been a steady decline in church attendance and the percentage of people who identify as Christian. We estimate that today only 2-3% of the Nordic-Baltic region’s 33 million people claim to be followers of Christ. In addition, the number of gospel-proclaiming churches and leaders pales in comparison to the need.
The Impact

The Impact

There is hope and momentum in this area. We work to plant churches, care for pastors, develop leaders and raise up a generation of spiritual champions. Our workers gather local pastors and come alongside local leaders to help train, equip and encourage them as they share the gospel. Converge has already built relationships with the evangelical presidents in four of the eight countries, and we have sponsored and led regional church planting conferences in Estonia, Sweden and Latvia that drew in local leaders and others from surrounding nations. We partner with local ministries to reach the older generations who left the church during communism. We launch camps and ministries for youth outreach and systems for developing young leaders passionate about disciple-making. Through this, we are seeing young people become open to sharing their faith, and they are beginning to bring the gospel into their communities. In Tartu, Estonia, we now own and operate an apartment as a ministry center. Most Estonians hesitate to enter a church building. The goal is to use the apartment to introduce 2000 youth to the message of the gospel. The Refuge, as we call it, hosts multiple small groups throughout the year, using a variety of approaches including cooking. Multiple leaders are being discipled to lead these groups. In addition, the Refuge can host interns aiding in our efforts to mobilize more workers for the region. The Refuge ministry is led by an Estonian national.

Support Nordic-Baltic Initiative

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    Our vision is to establish a Converge team in all 8 countries of the Nordic-Baltic Initiative

Nordic-Baltic Initiative Projects

A project is one piece of a larger initiative. It has a defined focus, with goals to accomplish an end result. Some projects are short term in nature; others may last for many years. You can read more about projects within this initiative, including how you can be involved.

Nordic-Baltic Initiative Global Workers

Converge Global Workers are helping to start and strengthen churches together worldwide so people across the globe can meet, know and follow Jesus. Meet our missionaries and learn how you can become a key partner in accomplishing God’s mission by supporting them as they give others the opportunity to accept Jesus.

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Connecting sending churches

The Nordic-Baltic Partnership Team exists to form and deepen partnerships with churches and individuals for greater engagement in our Converge Initiative. This team is made up of Initiative “allies” who are passionate about and committed to advancing gospel movements in the Nordic-Baltic region.

Together the Initiative team and U.S allies collaborate to understand the opportunities, challenges, and strategic goals of the Initiative. With this shared, real-time understanding of the Initiative, the Partnership Team reaches out into their networks and churches to influence new and deeper engagement with Initiative ministry. Our goal is to strengthen the work on the field through the untapped resources available within our spheres of influence.

What we do

  • PRAY: We join our hearts and voices in regular, consistent prayer for our region, our partners, and the lost.
  • SUPPORT: We actively give of our resources, our experience, and our time to bolster the work of our partners in the Initiative.
  • MOBILIZE: We prayerfully seek and encourage global workers and national partners to join us in the Initiative.
  • NETWORK: We connect regularly for relationships, reporting, planning, and action.
  • EXPAND: We commit to broadening our impact by seeking out new partnerships and deeper engagement in the following areas: prayer, finances, leader development, new workers, and project assistance.

If you are interested in helping to expand the ministry of the Nordic-Baltic Initiative by influencing churches and individuals in your network of relationships — complete the form on this page.

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Pray with us

Global prayer networks are groups of people from across the world who meet virtually to pray for the global workers, people and specific needs of Converge International Ministries initiatives.

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Let's connect

We are asking God for a gospel movement among every least-reached people group in our generation, so everything we do is about building and maintaining strong relationships. Communication is key. So, let’s connect. If you would like to learn more about this ministry or how we can partner together, or if you have a general question, please reach out.

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