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For centuries, when Europe was the global centre of Christianity, millions of European missionaries travelled to other continents to spread their faith by establishing schools and churches. Now, with European church attendance at all-time lows and a dearth of preachers in the pulpits, thousands of "reverse missionaries" are flocking back. For example, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Pentecostal church based in Nigeria, have some 250 churches in Britain and plan to create 100 more this year. Indeed, Britain's largest church, run by a Nigerian pastor in London attracts up to 12,000 people over three services every Sunday.
Most of Denmark's 2,100 parish churches are lucky to attract 20 worshipers each. But now, with the influx of foreign missionaries, things are changing. Karsten Nissen, one of the Denmark's 10 Lutheran bishops, is quoted as saying that a quarter to a third of all people in church in Copenhagen any given Sunday morning are attending a foreign-run service. "These churches are a gift to our Danish Lutheran Church," Nissen said. "They open our eyes to a more human way of being Christians. It's the way we were Christians 100 years ago - a very simple way, a good way, a more pious way and a more open and happy way of worship."
"This is a country with a Christian heritage, but the population has forgotten what that means," said Bess Serner-Pedersen, who runs Alpha Denmark. She blames the 18th century Enlightenment for placing reason over the divine. "Our population is looking for churches that are more alive," she said. "We need these immigrant churches because they are bringing a message that we have forgotten."
Used by permission Australia Prayer Network http://www.ausprayernet.org.au/ Source: Washington Post
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