Friedensau Adventist University at the Kirchentag in Nuremberg

Friedensau Adventist University (FAU) participated with an information stand at the 38th German Protestant Church Congress, which took place in Nuremberg from June, 7 to 11, 2023. The Kirchentag's motto was 'Now is the time', in reference to the Bible word in Mark 1:15: "The time is fulfilled" – a Bible word that particularly touches us as an Adventist free church.

The variety of offers from universities, schools, churches, initiatives and institutions could not be overlooked. The university presented – among other church universities – in the hall 'Market of Opportunities' on a separate stand its study programmes in the fields of Social Work and Theology and met altogether a very interested audience. Many of the younger visitors are still looking for an education. They want a Christian educational institution where they will be offered a course of study that will enable them to work with people or do something for people later on. But there were also visitors who are interested in a second education to give their professional path a new direction. Lecturers, students and staff of the FAU not only passed on information, but also let people turn the blessing wheel or mark their favourite Bible verse in a large Kirchentag Bible – and thus got into conversation with those interested.

The FAU was one of the Adventist institutions that presented their work at the Kirchentag, as well as the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Adventist aid organisation ADRA and the Adventist TV station Hope Media.

Participation in the Kirchentag provided a good opportunity for all to present Adventist values. The Bible text of the Kirchentag motto contains much of this: "Now is the time. The kingdom of God is at hand! Turn from your sins and believe in this good news!" (New Life. The Bible, Mark 1:15).