Christian-Muslim relations comprise one of the momentous challenges of the 21st century. The threat of violent extremism, negative stereotypes of Muslims and ignorance have caused the church to shrink back from Jesus' commands to love and to make disciples.

How can the Vineyard be agents of peace and faithfully bear witness to Christ in such a polarized world?  What does a Vineyard approach to blessing Muslims look like?

Come and find out at the Muslim World Summit: A Vineyard Approach to Blessing Muslims, September 17 and 18 in Morris Plains, New Jersey. We will equip those who are currently working among Muslims and those who wish to start working among Muslims, both here and around the world, with a comprehensive overview of the demands, challenges, and joys of ministering to Muslims.

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Who should attend?

All those in the Vineyard who are involved or are thinking about getting involved in serving Muslims (both in the U.S. and around the world).  The primary focus: those who are currently involved in ministry to Muslims and are seeking to upgrade their understanding and skills of Muslim ministry.

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What is the cost to attend?

This Friday evening and all-day Saturday event costs $40, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday along with all materials.  It also includes the "Love Your Neighbor Dinner" on Saturday evening.

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Who are the speakers?

Dr. Rick Love: Rick has served 30 years among Muslims. He is the Consultant on Christian-Muslim Relations for the Association of Vineyard Churches.  He is an ordained Vineyard pastor with a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies.

Fran Love: Fran has served 30 years among Muslims. She is an ordained Vineyard pastor with an M.A. in Intercultural Studies.

Grace Schmelzer: Grace is a co-lead pastor of the Greater Boston Vineyard with her husband, Dave. God has given Grace a particular love for the Arab Muslim world and for raising up cross-cultural workers who will be a blessing to their Muslim friends and co-workers as well as host countries.

Bill Hanawalt: Bill is the Executive Pastor of the Evanston Vineyard. He coordinates the church’s global outreach in Kenya, Central and South Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.  Bill serves as a coach for church pastors in the U.S. and long-term cross-cultural workers overseas.

Dr. David L. Johnston: David served in Algeria, Egypt and the West Bank for sixteen years as a pastor and teacher.  After completing a Ph.D. at the Fuller School of Intercultural Studies in 2001 (Islamic Studies), David spent five years as a research affiliate in the Yale Religious Studies Department. He is a Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania and an adjunct lecturer at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia."  He is the author of Earth, Empire and Sacred Text: Muslims and Christians as Trustees of Creation.

Jeff Burns: Jeff Burns has been active in building bridges of reconciliation and peace between Muslims and Christians for the last five years. He was called to reconcile Muslims and Christians in 2005 after strongly resisting God's will.  He says that he hated Muslims prior to God's supernatural intervention through the kindness of a small Muslim child in a Starbucks.  Now he loves them with a love that he says that only God could have given him. He has started an organization called Peace on Earth Initiatives that focuses on building bridges between, Muslims, Christians and Jews by showing them their common ground that they have in the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

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How do I register?

To register for this Summit event, click on the "Register Now" button at the top-right side of this page.

In order for us to plan for the correct amount of food, we request that all registrations be submitted by Tuesday, September 14, 2010.  If you have any questions, please contact Chris Costello at (909) 626-0773 or costello.christie@gmail.com.