We talked to three of the attendees at the Assembly of Representatives’ meeting on May 20, 2024 to find out more about who they are, what motivates them to contribute as representatives and what items they’ve found to be most interesting about this work.

– Of course, good organization is needed

How have you prepared for the meeting?
“After I had read all the documents and written down my questions and comments, we had a meeting with the representatives from BCC West-Nederland, our local board and elders. Together, we went through the documents and discussed the different proposals presented, their implications, and our questions. The Netherlands has collected all questions from our local churches centrally and sent them to the BCC Federation. We received answers to all our questions and comments and thus had enough information to make all decisions today.”

– Indicates that the work is moving forward

Which items have been the most interesting today?
“There were several items that indicate that the work is moving forward. Perhaps not so exciting, but still important milestones on the way forward: The issue of all local churches becoming members of the BCC Federation, and the new committee researching volunteer work are particularly interesting.“

How have you prepared for the meeting?
“Several trustees and the board of the local church in Connecticut go over the case documents together. In this way, we gain an understanding of the items and are better equipped to implement them when decisions are made by the Assembly. If we have any questions or suggestions, these will be collected and submitted before the deadline.”

– Very interesting to see how the organizations work together towards a common goal

How do you prepare for the meetings?
“We are sent case documents to read well in advance of the meeting. Then the board of the local church invites the local elders to a meeting where we go through the items to be presented. We can also submit questions and input on items to be presented. This makes us feel heard and seen, even as a small local church in the larger community.”

By Berit Hustad Nilsen

In recent years, BCC has invested in producing content for children, especially animated films about Bible stories. Over 50 films are already on the Bible Kids YouTube channel as well as on our app BCC Media, and more are being produced each year. Our wish is for the Bible to be accessible and brought to life for children.

Perhaps one of the most exciting stories is precisely what happened at Easter over 2,000 years ago. Click on the animated film below to see this explained in a simple and illustrative way.

Long Tradition in Celebrating the Easter Holiday

For over 100 years, BCC has organized Easter conferences. Since the church began using Brunstad as a meeting place back in 1956, the Easter festival has been celebrated there. This year is no exception.

Brunstad is the central gathering place for more than 220 congregations associated with Brunstad Christian Church worldwide, including 12 North American churches. Several generations have experienced fellowship and holidays together during the conferences at Brunstad and bonds of friendship have been forged across cultures, nations and age groups.

Easter Conference is a festive time when we gather around the life-changing message Jesus brought. In addition to Easter services, Easter Conference features activities, meals, and fellowship in and around the massive conference village at the Oslofjord Convention Center.

Voluntary Efforts Make Space for Young People

Things truly kick off on Saturday, the week before Easter weekend, though, and many voluntary hours are behind the preparations as 4,700 expectant young people arrive for Easter Camp, an international faith-based camp for 13-26 year olds. Young adults use the Easter holidays to help make the camp an unforgettable experience for younger teenagers.

The holiday peaks when over 12,000 members gather for the conference in the latter half of Easter week. The youngest participant is only a few weeks old, and the oldest is well over 100.

We wish our members a camp and conference filled with content, and all our readers a happy Easter!

This article takes us back 1.5 years to show how resolutions are made in the BCC Federation, and provide insight into the role local church representatives play in this process.

By Nellie Owens with Anne Lea Krarup Nielsen

Pling. Pling. The numbers and names roll across the screen. More than 140 votes cast in unison for the newest updates and changes to BCC’s donation model.

Solidarity – An organizational goal

BCC has always worked for solidarity in decision-making: This is a goal for most organizations, as internal unity builds confidence and supports and encourages growth and momentum in a nonprofit setting. But unity in decision-making, and support for a final result, is not necessarily evidence of a quick, seamless process – or unchallenged ideas.

Let’s take a look back at some of the action that led to this moment.

T – 117 Weeks (January 2021)

For a long time, there has been a need to distribute costs more fairly among members and at the same time secure fixed income for BCC. It has been decided that BCC will be established as an international federation, and this means that something must also be done about the way the religious community is financed.

The representatives’ secretariat has been given a mandate to put forward a proposal to change the entire way in which gifts are given to the association. A tithe-inspired solution called “givertjeneste” – or “donation model” in English – is outlined.

This income-based model supports the financial plans and goals of local assemblies and initiatives proposed and accepted by members of the BCC Federation, while also taking into account the vast differences in individual member incomes.

[Previously, members contributed a fixed monthly amount that was independent of personal financial circumstances. The new donation model seeks to create sustainable finances for BCC, while also making things more equitable and fair for individual members and member churches in countries with varying purchasing power].

T – 104 Weeks (July 2021)

The new donation model concept is adopted by three Norwegian pilot churches. Before approximately 80 congregations can change their finances, thorough testing is required. Three Norwegian assemblies (BCC Drammen Sande, BCC Molde, and BCC Oslo-Follo) agree to participate in the pilot process, implementing the new donation model and sending feedback to the team working with the concept. The pilot program is set to last 12 months.

In order to ensure clear information is shared with members, a separate committee is established from the representative council, which will assist in answering questions and creating information-based material.

At this same time, 11 North American assemblies become voting observers at the annual Assembly of Representatives meeting. One of the representatives from the Seattle church is Amy, who we will meet shortly.

T – 92 Weeks (October 2021)

Local boards for the pilot churches meet up (at various times) to debrief on and discuss the new donation model. Individualized budgets are drawn up, based on local circumstances.

During the summer of 2022, the entire project will be evaluated, and all members will be asked to give input.

T – 73 Weeks (February 2022)

The committee working directly with the new donation model is in close contact with the boards of the test congregations and obtains feedback on an ongoing basis. Together, group members disseminate the feedback and consider necessary changes and adjustments.

As research and work on the donation model continues, the need to inform members and the public about the developing donation system also becomes more obvious. This same committee develops a series of informational packets, videos and webinars, and spotlights “givertjeneste” on BCC’s internal monthly broadcast, the Magazine.

Simultaneously, an internal podcast is released, providing more context around the model’s purpose, and information regarding local implementation.

T – 48 Weeks: (Summer 2022)

The 11 observing North American assemblies are voted in as voting members of the BCC Federation’s international Assembly of Representatives. BCC Connecticut and BCC Seattle join as extraneous pilot churches, choosing to include regional and international conference costs in their local budgets and test the new donation model as a whole.

In Seattle, several meetings are held with focus groups, including members from various target audiences. The purpose is to explain the new concept to local members, to gain a better understanding of what local members want to prioritize in the budget, and to gauge how much members are able and willing to contribute before the donation model is introduced in a formal budget meeting.

T – 40 Weeks – (October 2022)

In Seattle and Connecticut, the budgeting process commences and is shared with the whole church, locally: Members send in pledges for 2023, church income is estimated, and funds are cut and re-worked. There is a lot of “back and forth” to ensure funding is maximized for member use, and many changes are made.

“In CT, we had open discussions about the implementation of the new donation model with many questions being asked publicly – but a number also privately,” shares Solveig Holm Anderson, a member of the finance team in BCC Connecticut.

“For example, members wanted to know how BCC Federation uses the funds which are paid to them via the fee of 3.5% of all local donations. Members were then informed as to how these fees are used, which includes the funding of church arrangements in Norway, the funding of providing digital content worldwide via our BCC Media app, in addition to the covering of administrative expenses associated with the BCC Federation organization. I think that by showing clear information on the use of these funds, it created a sense of investment on a very personal level and a sense of ownership.

“Another member wanted to ensure, the basis of income which is used for the percentage calculation is not benefitting business owners over employees here in the US. This was a valid point and as a result the guidelines for calculating the base have been adjusted. The whole point was to make the donation process a lot more fair, and the verse in 2 Cor. 8:15 really was an inspiration for the model: The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.’ (NIV)

“Overall, we tried to address all concerns that were voiced both publicly and privately about the donation model. Since this was a completely new way of donating for the entire church, it felt at times as if we were building the plane while flying it: We found a lot of sites for improvement and new discussion. And the feedback we received was really valuable to this process, helping to improve the model.”

T – 30 Weeks (December 2022)

The new donation model and budget goes to local U.S. pilot assemblies for vote. New autodeducts are discussed, and local members ratify the changes. After several conversations and feedback sessions, both local assemblies experience nearly 100% voluntary member participation. Shortly after, local boards meet together to begin implementing the new model.

Many other local churches, worldwide, also opt into the new donation model at this time, and the feedback process continues with members of piloting churches.

T – 16 Weeks (April 2023)

The Assembly of Representatives is scheduled to discuss and ratify changes to the donation model, based on pilot data and new organizational needs. In the round of questions that takes place between the case documents being sent out and the meeting itself, input based on experiences in different congregations is sent in. Several concerns are expressed, as well as questions posed over elements of proposed changes.

T – 8 Weeks (May 2023)

In May, a memo is sent out that describes the proposed framework of the donation model, based on feedback received. 26 consultation points from local churches are factored in, contributing to the improved final model that will be presented to the supervisory board on July 15th.

T – 4 Weeks (June 2023)

Case documents for the meeting are sent to local reps for review. Discussion continues locally, and financial boards deliberate over program changes and meeting points once more before the upcoming Assembly of Representatives Meeting.

Present Day (July 2023)

It’s now July 15th, 2023. The hall is filled with 163 voting members and 300 observing members. Dozens more follow along online. Representatives now have the opportunity to vote on the ratification of several updates to the donation model.

As the votes roll in, and the donation model changes are ratified, it’s clear that these votes represent more than solidarity: They also represent hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of work, discussion, and collaboration between members across an international organization – a testament to the positive results that come from member dedication to a common goal.

Amy, a representative from BCC Seattle, explains what she thinks about the outcome and process:

“I see it this way…,” Amy shares. “When I vote, I feel confident that we have thoroughly worked through the decision points. I’m personally responsible to make sure that I represent my local church well in these referendums, and that my vote is based on what we believe will be for the good of the whole Federation.

“Before any vote happens, we go through the points with the various groups that have decision-making responsibilities for those items at the local church level. We talk through everything. We air our concerns and give feedback to the Secretariat. I feel that we have to give it. The Federation can only make decisions with the info they have. Circumstances and laws in the US can be very different from Norway, so these are conversations that we have to have.

“When I see how much work goes on behind the scenes to create the initiatives we decide on, it gives me a lot of confidence in our direction. We see the vision: The end result is that the church has sustainable finances, finances that will allow more people all over the world to hear and experience the gospel.

“Our ultimate mission is to spread the gospel. Many of the initiatives that BCC Federation is working with note this in their core mission statements. This is a result that we all want, so even though there may be some differences of opinion along the way, when it’s time to vote, it’s easy to support this.”

Presently, the cheerful chatter hushes as music starts playing. Everyone heads into the chandelier-lit sanctuary to find a place to sit. Children usually sit with their parents, quietly playing and whispering to each other.

Working with a clear goal in mind

The leader, Barry Couts, chuckles as he talks with another member sitting with him in the front row. It is natural for the congregation to look to Barry as their leader. He has gained their confidence by genuine care and wisdom, and his depth of personal Christian integrity. All Barry’s service to the church is voluntary. He is a working man with a growing business, but he takes the responsibility for shepherding the group seriously, in spite of the many other demands on his time. 

“… that all may learn and all may be encouraged.“

The goal of each meeting is the fulfillment of the verse 1 Corinthians 14:31: “… that all may learn and all may be encouraged.” Barry works in collaboration with several other members to make sure that this goal is being met. Not all the members have the same responsibilities during the service, but everything flows harmoniously as each one finds their opportunity to serve.

Music, announcements and special events

In the music section at the front of the sanctuary, some committed musicians provide uplifting accompaniment for the congregational singing. Today the various instruments include a piano, guitars, a trumpet, and drums that add lively rhythm.

The song leader announces the first song from the BCC songbook called, “Ways of the Lord.” The lyrics are projected onto a large LED screen behind the podium, so everyone who’d like to can sing along. 

After a couple of songs have been sung, Nick reads the announcements which are projected onto the LED screen. On the agenda are special events for different age groups. The children look forward to a chaperoned trip to the zoo in a nearby city. The youth anticipate a sports evening, with pizza and treats to follow. A ripple of interest goes through the audience when a board game evening with refreshments is announced for the seniors.

Prayer

After the announcements, Barry says it’s time to pray. Everyone stands and a few people pray earnestly to God. An older man prays that God will bless the meeting. Another prays for our country and leaders so that we can live a quiet and peaceful life (1 Timothy 2:2). A young person prays for help from God to overcome the temptations of sin. 

A hopeful message

After another song is sung, it’s time to hear a message from God’s Word. Often Barry speaks first, but sometimes another member opens with something from their heart to give to the assembly. Each one shares scriptures from the Bible that have been illuminated for them, and have been a personal help in their lives. The central focus is always the gospel that gives the hope of becoming like Jesus. 

Barry goes up to the podium and opens by reading Colossians 3:1: “If you, then, be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ sits on the right hand of the throne of God.”

The central focus is always the gospel that gives the hope of becoming like Jesus. 

“I have understood in my daily life if I seek the things that are above, and if I set my mind on the things above, then there’s a huge reward waiting for me!” Barry says. “We know that any time we get a word of God and there’s an ‘action,’ for example ‘set your mind on things above,’ then we know that the trials will come: life happens and the vision is not so clear anymore. But then I can pray, ‘Dear God, give me a heavenly vision so I can set my mind on things above.’ It’s a work, it’s not going to happen automatically.”

Barry’s message is simple and compelling. “For example, maybe you have a young family with children. There’s a lot going on, and maybe it’s noisy. Think then, to be able to set your mind on things above!” Barry speaks fervently, “To be able to think like this: I want to be good to my children, I want to serve my children. Maybe I sense my own irritation, but I resist that and pray, ‘God help me to be good to them.’ We need to be freed from what we are by human nature.” The words resonate in the hearts of the listeners, creating a desire to live this kind of a life.

Sunday school

After Barry concludes his message, the assembly’s voices blend together in a congregational song. This is followed by another gripping message from a second member, and the children are dismissed for Sunday school.

Eagerly, they scurry off to their respective Sunday school rooms for an interactive, fun time: singing, making crafts, eating a yummy snack, and participating in a short Bible lesson.

Individual contributions

Back in the sanctuary, after another song, there are a few shorter messages that compliment the theme of the beginning speakers. Everything develops in a positive direction. During a slight pause in the meeting, Barry interjects that the meeting is now open for anyone who wishes to share something from their heart.

Each one shares scriptures from the Bible that have been illuminated for them, and have been a personal help in their lives.

A row of chairs facing the audience fills up with men and women of all ages. One by one they go up to the podium to express their sincere desire to practice God’s Word. Each contribution is unique. A young woman sings a solo, with accompaniment, as her testimony. An older woman shares how she wants to set her mind and heart on things that are above by nourishing herself with God’s word. She reads Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

“ I truly believe”, she says, “That my mind can be completely renewed and transformed, and I can be filled with joy.”

After a few more speakers, Barry asks the youth group to come up and sing. They flock to the front and sing together with enthusiasm. The last to speak, a man tells how early in his Christian life he endeavored to set his mind on heavenly things. It was hard and took so much effort. This brought him into great need, and then he realized he could pray, and ask for help before the throne of grace. “I can set myself in heavenly places,” he affirms, “by being there before the throne of grace. I can admit to everything that the Spirit shows me! I can draw down the kingdom of heaven!” His words are spoken with emphatic conviction.

A help for the ‘daily life’

Sarah, a young mom, shares how she experiences the Sunday meetings: “Every time I go to the meetings with an open heart, God meets me where I’m at. Each Sunday I hear something that strengthens my faith. Sometimes it’s a message, or a song, or a simple prayer. Sometimes it is a heartfelt testimony that inspires me to live a daily life that’s pleasing to God.”

“Each Sunday I hear something that strengthens my faith.”

Jim adds his sentiment, “The meetings keep me on course in my Christian walk.”

After the meeting — Coffee bar, visits, & sports

The meeting draws to a close. Everyone stands while several pray. The chorus of a song is sung to conclude the meeting. Children spill happily out of the Sunday school rooms, and the fragrant aroma of coffee drifts from the open coffee bar. The youth are raising money for their camps and other youth activities and today they are offering a delicious meal that families can purchase rather than leaving for lunch. 

Warmer weather beckons people outdoors to eat at the picnic tables under the pavilion. Some choose to chat and relax on comfy leather couches in the indoor fellowship room.

Children play outside in the playground under the trees. Youth play soccer, basketball, or volleyball in the wide open spaces. It’s a carefree scene of people closely knit together by their Christian faith, and it’s clear to this writer that these are people who genuinely enjoy one another’s company.