How to grow an international church in Denmark

"Who has the copyright to God?"; a leading question from Ravi Chandran, which introduced the webinar-participants to the core of what it means to run an international church. Ravi is a senior pastor and chairman of International Christian Community (ICC) in Denmark – an interdenominational church which was founded 18 years ago and is still working on the formula to connect old Danes to new ones.

Cultural considerations

ICC is interdenominational, which means it focuses on the bigger perspective rather than getting stuck in liturgical hang-ups. Instead of a common liturgy, the “heart language, which everyone has” forms the collective baseline of the church, explains Ravi and repeats his main point that “nobody has the copyright to God”. However, what the church does have a keen eye for, is cultural sensitivity. An important part of this aspect is colonization, which is important to consider in the history of Christianity and mission. “This is after all why I speak English” Ravi points out with a smile. “Colonization connected Christianity and power, even propagating slavery.” Despite the way Christianity has been translated into culture in both terrible and wonderful ways, Ravi highlights the importance of separating Christian culture from the gospel.

“Culture should not compromise gospel”

This is especially relevant when it comes to strengthening the relationship between new and old Danes. Ravi articulated, “the bible pays special attention to aliens and outsiders in general. Migrants are outsiders in society already, so make sure they are taken care of in the church.” The barrier between old and new Danes can therefore be broken down by creating a space in the church where there is room to be inquisitive; “We must decide if we are really interested in connecting people with God and not just our church. Introduce God to people on their terms.”

Another important lesson is to not lump all foreigners into one bag. Ravi personally faces this mindset on a daily basis, despite being a naturalized Dane and having lived here many years. Culture is a barrier in more ways than one but according to the senior pastor, the holy spirit can bridge the gap between doctrine and theology, practice and liturgy.

Making church approachable

Approachability is the key to growth. This becomes quite clear when taking a closer look at ICC and Ravi’s years of experience. With 1500 online followers from 40 different nationalities living in Denmark, ICC is already used to providing different mediums of worship and service. The corona lock-down was therefore not as big an adjustment as it was for the Danish Folkekirke. Many church-goers simply moved to online fellowship, with the church offering both Sunday services, mid-week services, as well as bible study.

What might surprise most, is that even though ICC has many expats, diplomats and internationals, 30% of church membership is made up of Danish citizens. Relations-building is not only a priority with old Danes however. The church also has good relations with their Muslim neighbours and has several church-goers with a Muslim background. A church with so many different people and formats does not come without its challenges, however.

Challenges facing the community mainly stem from its international appeal. People coming and going are a common problem, as well as difficulties attracting new people. Ravi explains the vital importance of the first impression. “A newcomer needs to connect to someone the very first time they are at the church or they won’t come back. Our focus is therefore on inviting people to be an active part of the congregation from their very first visit.”

Change the method, not the message

What can the Danish church do to reach internationals or work with international churches? This was the question on the minds of many webinar participants who were mostly from Folkekirken. To this inquiry, Ravi had an insightful suggestion: “Before reaching out, decide where there is room for compromise in the method, not the message.”

When speaking about how the church can transcend culture, Ravi references the life of Paul the Apostel; “He was persecuted by his own people and yet he transcended the challenges to approach an entirely new culture – one grounded in the proclamation of the gospel itself.” But is that even possible today? To transcend Christian cultures that now have centuries of history ingrained into the practice and people? That was how the open discussion started.

Segregation or integration

“Are we creating cultural segregation in Scandinavian national churches, by marginalizing international churches?” asked a curious Norwegian participant, adding, “If the church can’t reconcile culture then what can?”. The Danish, Norwegian and Swedish churches are known to be extremely rooted in culture and ethnic heritage. A Danish participant expanded on this with an insight about inherited salvation. “Salvation is a difficult notion because in Denmark you are transcendently born Christian or gain membership through birth and heritage.” To this challenge Ravi brought up his own personal struggles to adapt to this Danish mentality of inclusion through birth only. 

Having to integrate both himself and ICC in a long and arduous process of legality, customs and rules was not easy and contrasts heavily to the Danish salvation heritage. But that’s also the point. As much hardship as this process entailed, Ravi focused on the empowerment of the process. He no longer feels marginalized but partnered with and supported by the Danish church because he showed initiative and fought for a culture he could understand, be a part of and eventually transcend. 

Ravi’s parting advice to struggling international churches comes back to the apostle Paul: “That’s exactly what Paul dealt with. Culture is sometimes a little overrated and hinders adaptability, which is crucial to global Christian fellowship. A global christianity transcends language, culture and practice. And we have to believe that God will help us get there.” 

Afterall, nobody has the copyright to God – not even Folkekirken.

To those unable to attend the webinar, it can be found on our youtube channel. 

Upcoming webinars can be found on our facebook page. 

By Anne Katrine Ebbesen