The Middle East Consultation (MEC) 2022 is a three-day online conversation that aims to deepen participants’ understanding of theory and practice of peace ministry in Middle Eastern societies.
Consultation activities will provide participants with opportunities to learn from the experiences and approaches of various Arab scholars and practitioners of peace ministry, explore dimensions of conflict confronting regional practitioners, and discuss opportunities for engaging in contextualized ministries of peace.
Jesus had set his face towards the cross when he imparted these eternal words to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). It was a perplexing statement for someone heading towards sacrificial death, and it remains mystifying to us now amid a world of conflict and enmity. But the power of the cross and the victory of the resurrection change everything; Christ has opened us to a peace that challenges all worldly conventions by covering any seemingly hopeless situation. As the state of the Middle Eastern region worsens, the urgency to expand peace ministry grows. The Middle East Consultation 2022 aims to engage this important topic in earnest on September 21-23 during the online event: Peace I Leave With You: Theories and Practices for Peace Ministry in the Middle East.
There are no simple explanations or quick solutions to the problems plaguing the Middle East. Each unique context in the region carries a myriad of dimensions requiring us to ask the right sets of questions for examining ways of thinking about biblical peace. Worldly logic may argue that peace is an elusive dream or unattainable ideal, but authentic faith in Christ compels us to take hold of the gospel’s promises of peace as we seek to discover how God is at work. Churches, faith organizations, and individual believers across the region are living testimonies of God’s peaceful presence demonstrating the kingdom and its values in countless ways. Their contributions to peace ministry point to an eschatological hope described in Isaiah 9:7: There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.
Faithful living means conforming our thoughts and attitudes to Christ, and this is certainly the case regarding peace. Biblical peace ministry can be understood as the work of unlocking human potential by moving people, communities, and nations into healthier dynamics of shared life. This outreach proceeds from deep convictions that the gospel involves holistic responses to any situation where sin inflicts strife, oppression, hatred, and mistrust- everything antithetical to the restorative work of God. Paradigms for peace ministry must therefore recognize the need to break barriers and seek peace across personal, group, and national levels. Though we fully acknowledge that a flawless world devoid of conflict is impossible on this side of the new creation, we must continually generate hopeful anticipation of how God is working through conflict for redemptive purposes as we embrace invitations to partner with God by living out Christ-honoring works of peace.
Join us September 21-23 for an enriching discussion about the realities of the Middle Eastern region and the hopefulness of peace for the world in and through Christ. Register now for MEC 2022: Peace I Leave With You: Theories and Practices for Peace Ministry in the Middle East
MEC 2022 will take place in Arabic with English translation provided.
Day 1: Personal Peace
Although a variety of forces fuel conflict around us, the fiercest battles likely take place within our own hearts, souls, and minds. Much is at stake in this inner warzone; failure to allow God’s truths of peace to transform our own lives can turn any peace ministry into a project of individual striving rather than personal thriving. Inspired visions of biblical peace are needed to open the door for the Holy Spirit to stir us as we engage with the world and journey through processes of personal renewal and growth.
Day 2: Community Peace
Jesus commands us to love our neighbors but rarely do we get to choose them. History and circumstance constantly arrange mixed experiences between different people groups, and the way these unfold are too often marked by tense confrontations, mistrust, and division. Even so, Christ’s life and teachings essentialize our commitment to group peace. Achieving this in contexts as complex as the Middle East compel us to unravel unhealthy patterns and build up new relational dynamics marked by reconciliation and forgiveness. This requires courage and hopefulness to inspire belief that communities always have the potential to share peace.
Day 3: National Peace
Decisions made at national levels have tremendous consequence on human life. Good decisions can promote security and opportunity while poor choices can result in prolonged suffering and malaise. Despite its significance (or because of it) the national arena is a highly precarious area of action for any church. In the Middle East, where corruption and chronic systematic injustices have historically plagued tenuous nation-states, the need for communities and individuals of faith to engage at national levels is urgent. The nature of this engagement calls for wisdom and discernment critically considering how faith should engage in public life amid today’s realities.