2 November | Barcelona, Spain [Daniël Muller with tedNEWS]
More than 100 university students from across Europe met in Barcelona, Spain, from 2 to 5 October 2025, for the AMiCUS Congress, where a condensed ARISE Intensive aimed to strengthen Adventist campus ministry and deepen students’ biblical understanding of identity, mission, and the character of God’s love.
The programme centred on a three-day ARISE Intensive, a course usually delivered over three months, presented by speakers Ty Gibson, David Asscherick and Angelo Grasso. Organisers said the condensed format aimed to give students “a narrative, big-picture vision of God’s covenant faithfulness toward us” through tightly structured sessions, devotionals and group reflections.
Throughout the Intensive, speakers outlined a narrative overview of Scripture. Gibson emphasised the relational nature of God, telling attendees, “God literally loves you and me more than His own eternal existence.” Asscherick, referencing theologian N. T. Wright, explained the dual nature of Christ’s covenant faithfulness, saying, “God was able to keep the covenant as God and as a human,” before adding that the “faith of Jesus” involves trusting that God has already fulfilled the covenant on humanity’s behalf.
Students also participated in daily Q&A sessions, asking questions about the Trinity, divine omnipotence, LGBTQ+ issues, and current global conflicts. Organisers said the discussions were intended to model respectful and biblically informed engagement on complex subjects.
Away from the main sessions, attendees took part in recreational activities and informal discussion groups. Some participated in sports matches, while others formed a student-led “philosophy corner” on the terrace to debate ethics, economics and social issues. Many spent time in quiet rest on the beach or campus seating areas.
Evening activities included worship gatherings, board games and ministry networking. A spontaneous Sabbath-opening service took place at sundown, during which participants sang and invited a pastor to give a short devotional. Several students shared testimonies and gratitude for the campus ministry leaders.
AMiCUS representatives highlighted the wide range of student-led initiatives present at the Intensive, including community kitchens, sports outreach, extended prayer gatherings in local forests and projects exploring how Adventist identity relates to justice and public witness in contemporary Europe.
On the final day, a panel discussion offered guidance on biblical study methods and practical storytelling for witnessing. The event concluded with a closing charge and collective singing, during which participants joined in the refrain, “This is how freedom looks like.”
Organisers said the congress reflected growing interest among Adventist students in Europe to engage in discipleship, faith and collaborative ministry initiatives. Many participants expressed renewed motivation to strengthen campus ministries in their home countries.
[Photo: Courtesy of the TED Youth Department]
