6 November | Budva, Montenegro [Joe Philpott]
On 5 November, in Budva, Montenegro, Dr Daniel Duda, President of the Trans-European Division (TED), opened the Division’s Annual Council by outlining six key challenges he believes will shape the Adventist Church’s mission in Europe, and the response required from its leaders and local congregations.
Duda grouped these challenges under three broad themes, culture, demographics and spirituality; urging bold missional decisions for a post-Christian, post-modern context. “Traditional evangelistic approaches are minimally effective; the Church must find new ways to connect through relationships,” he said, calling for emotionally healthy congregations that serve their local communities and invest in long-term discipleship.
Six challenges
Duda first addressed secularism, scepticism and the rise of a post-Christian culture. He described a climate in which the Church holds a diminished presence in public life, and younger generations are increasingly wary of organised religion. The implication, he shared, is that churches should be “known less for what we oppose and more for whom we serve and how we love,” embracing digital tools and community service to rebuild trust and belonging.
Second, he highlighted demographic decline and an ageing membership, noting that without intentional efforts to engage and retain young people, and to develop new leaders, some congregations in Europe could face closure. He urged targeted mentoring at every level and intentional succession planning. “There is enough room at the table for everyone,” Duda remarked.
Third, he addressed the challenge of cultural diversity, migration and integration. In many churches, most members now come from immigrant backgrounds; a reality that also presents an opportunity, Duda said, if congregations are willing to move from coexistence to co-belonging. To achieve this, the Church should equip culturally intelligent “bridge-builders” and create worship spaces that bring people together across languages and cultures. “A flourishing community is a church where everyone – local, migrant, young, old, traditional or progressive – feels that they belong and that they matter,” he said.
Fourth, Duda turned to the themes of faith transmission and young adult engagement. He observed that younger Europeans often seek authenticity, justice, and safe spaces to ask hard questions, while navigating digital distractions and mental health pressures. He called on leaders to create mentoring pathways, empower creatives and communicators, and help young people engage meaningfully with the real issues shaping their lives in today’s Europe.
Fifth, he highlighted trust, transparency and institutional credibility as essential to mission. Europe is not immune to institutional fatigue, he warned, so governance must be transparent and decision-making inclusive. “Flourishing leadership means leadership that empowers others, not protects positions,” Duda said, advocating for team-based leadership, robust accountability, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Finally, he reflected on the relevance of the Adventist message in a new era. Distinctive beliefs must remain biblical yet meaningfully address today’s questions, Duda shared. “You cannot answer 16th-century questions with 19th-century formulations,” he commented, calling for theological dialogue that holds conviction with compassion and addresses contemporary concerns such as social inequality, mental health, and digital life.
What it means for the TED
Duda linked the six challenges to three strategic priorities for the Division: reimagined mission, developed leadership, and strengthened unity. He called local churches to function as mission-shaped communities rather than merely worship centres, investing in discipleship that cultivates “a deep life with God” and builds a credible reputation for service.
He urged unions and conferences to invest systematically in young leaders across pastoral, educational and lay vocations, creating intergenerational teams that learn and lead together. Coaching, spiritual growth, and leadership training at every level, he said, are essential to strengthen leadership resilience and ensure long-term vitality in mission.
Regarding diversity, Duda encouraged congregations to celebrate differences intentionally, integrating ethnic, linguistic and generational experiences into church life, from music to fellowship meals, so that belonging is both practised and seen. He cautioned against church groups that coexist without genuine connection and invited leaders to model unity without uniformity.
On credibility, he called for transparent systems that address the misuse of power, ensure that both women and men are fully included in leadership and decision-making, and promote collaboration over siloed thinking. Learning together and sharing resources, he said, “will accelerate innovation and strengthen the Division’s collective witness”.
A call to courageous hope
Duda set the tone for the Annual Council, emphasising that the Division’s context demands patience and courage. He acknowledged that progress in a post-Christian Europe may be slow. “New approaches may not bring quick results or be easy to implement,” he cautioned, urging creativity and openness to change.
He concluded with a vision of TED churches as places of healing and discipleship, where people encounter a living Christ and a welcoming community. “We must be known for serving the community, not just preaching to it,” he said, inviting delegates to pray, plan and partner for a flourishing presence across the Division.
[Photo: Jimmy Botha / Adventist Media Exchange (CC BY 4.0)]
