austria / europe

Spiritual Climate

The breath taking landscape of Austria is no accurate visual of the spiritual health of its people. Austria suffers from high rates of abortion, alcoholism and suicide and is greatly influenced by New Age, Eastern and other cult religions, all of which have thousands of followers. Evangelicals only make up 0.5% of the population. The younger generation is much more open to hearing the Gospel, but there is an overwhelming lack of committed Christ followers that will share the Gospel and disciple these young people full-time.

Ground-Level Perspectives

A good number of Austrians grew up in the Catholic church but have become disillusioned and left. Traditional Christianity no longer seems relevant, so people are seeking spirituality in other places. Islam, Buddhism and witchcraft are growing every year, but because there are so few evangelical Christians in the country, it's unlikely that an unbeliever will ever hear the Gospel message.
— Carre Gardner

People living away from the cities have little chance to encounter the gospel. Most do not have an evangelical group in their midst. Pray for believers to reach out to these neglected areas.
— Operation World

Austria needs more full-time workers. It is possible that more Austrians are serving God outside Austria than inside it.
— Operation World

We were recently confronted again with the great need for the youth in Austria. Hidden family secrets which have caused destruction and devastation are ignored or dismissed by some churches and ministers. Help is sought through drugs, therapy and un-biblical advice. Only a personal relationship with Christ can mend wounded spirits and heal broken hearts.
— Curt & Melinda Brown

More about

A Couple Raw Facts


Belief in God illustration

While 84% of Austrians believe in God (high for Europe), few have met Jesus personally.

Pie Chart

Almost three quarters of the population are Roman Catholics.

 

History & Future

Entered
1969

WorldVenture History in Austria

WorldVenture’s Austria team has become as diverse as the ways to order coffee in a Viennese coffee house. In view of maturing church-plants and a gift-oriented strategy, WorldVenture’s focus has expanded to beyond church planting and development to include leadership training, evangelism and discipleship among mainly Muslim refugees, and missionary training in central and Eastern Europe.

Today &
Tomorrow

Austria Team Goals

WorldVenture in Austria envisions growth by adding ministries such as facilitation and training of short-term teams for ministry for all parts of Europe, as well as concerted efforts to reach out to Austrian youth. Another goal is increased outreach to refugees in Austria. However, WorldVenture’s "bread and butter" focus in this European country will continue to be the development of New Testament churches, with an emphasis on the training of Austrian leaders.

5 Global
Objectives

WorldVenture Global Objectives

  1. Evangelizing the Peoples of the World
    • Relationships being cultivated with non-believers
    • Decisions to follow Christ
    • Believers baptized
    • People engaged in intentional discipleship
    • Bible verses translated and Christian resources created or translated
  2. Extending Grace
    • People helped through development assistance
    • People provided with medical and health assistance
    • People helped toward justice who are in illegal, immoral, dangerous, exploited circumstances
    • People helped directly through disaster relief
  3. Establishing Churches
    • New churches established
    • Daughter churches established
  4. Equipping Leaders
    • Leaders being trained for ministry through formal contexts
    • Leaders being trained for ministry through non-formal contexts
    • TCKs (third culture kids) being equipped
    • 360º leaders being equipped
  5. Encouraging Mission Movements
    • National Christians preparing to become cross-cultural missionaries
    • National churches engaged in cross-cultural missions
    • National church groups engaged in cross-cultural missions

Living Here

 

FOOD & HOUSING

If you are invited to an Austrian's house: Arrive on time. Punctuality is a sign of respect; Dress conservatively and elegantly; In some houses you may be asked to remove your shoes, although the custom is not as prevalent as it once was.
— a UK executive coaching website

COMMUNITY

Relationships are everything to Austrians. In order to gain a hearing, you will have to invest years in your friendships with them. Only then will you have earned the credibility to tell them the truth about Jesus Christ.
— Carre Gardner

 

WEATHER & ENVIRONMENT

It didn't take long for us to realize that it was something of an architectural wonderland, as our first outing was met with one amazing structure after the next.
— Clayton Breeds

 

LANGUAGE & CULTURE

Europe remains one of the most spiritually dark places on the face of the earth. In spite of all their wealth and advancements many in Europe are returning to paganism, atheism, Islam and anything other than Biblical Christianity. We cannot abandon them.
— Eric & Sarah


Local News

The following is a live news feed mirrored from an independent news service, and offers a current stream of headlines coming out of the country. WorldVenture does not control headlines, but only "mirrors" them from other websites.

austria source:bbc - Google News
Sportsday - Thursday 23 May as it happened - BBC Sport

Sportsday - Thursday 23 May as it happened
BBC Sport
Leicester Tigers veteran Geordan Murphy tells BBC East Midlands Today that he is delighted to be finishing his 16-year playing career on the coach's bench in Saturday's Premiership final against Northampton. 1846: FOOTBALL. BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at ...


Thursday, May 23, 2013 12:03:24 PM

PGA Championship: Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy struggle - BBC Sport

BBC Sport

PGA Championship: Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy struggle
BBC Sport
Austria's Martin Wiegele was also four under after 13 holes when play was suspended for the day. Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell. Northern Irishmen McIlroy and McDowell, playing partners for the day, both carded 74s. English pair Lee Westwood and ...


Thursday, May 23, 2013 1:01:04 PM

Germany and Wembley - a football love story - BBC Sport

BBC Sport

Germany and Wembley - a football love story
BBC Sport
The controversial 4-2 final defeat at the hands of Alf Ramsey's men in 1966 - and Azeri linesman Tofik Bahramov - does not nearly evoke the same amount of angry or despondent emotion in Germany as the 3-2 defeat by Austria at the 1978 World Cup or the ...


Thursday, May 23, 2013 10:19:50 AM

GB women and juniors reach World Team Cup finals - BBC Sport

BBC Sport

GB women and juniors reach World Team Cup finals
BBC Sport
However, the GB men were edged out of a place in their semi-finals after losing 2-1 to Sweden and they will play now play Austria in their first play-off contest in their bid to finish fifth. David Phillipson lost 6-2 6-4 to Peter Vikstrom but Gordon ...


Thursday, May 23, 2013 1:23:48 PM

EU leaders in drive against tax evasion at Brussels summit - BBC News

EU leaders in drive against tax evasion at Brussels summit
BBC News
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel said that EU members Austria and Luxembourg - famous for their banking secrecy - agreed on the need for tax authorities to exchange information on private income. But "they attach great importance to also holding ...


Wednesday, May 22, 2013 11:35:35 AM

This feed has 5 articles on 1 page

Opportunities

Opportunity TitleMinimum StayMaximum StayWorld AreaCountryOppSummaryOppResponsibilitiesOppRequirementsOppID
MK / International School Faculty & Staff2 YearsLifetimeEuropeAustriaJoin the International Christian School of Vienna in providing a Christian education to missionary children, children of international diplomats and businessmen.Current Needs: Special Education; Secondary: Math, History, English, ELL, ScienceSee website for more information: <www.icsv.at</a>.Possess a sense of God’s leading in my profession; Seek to model Christian principles in and out of the classroom; Certified and qualified; Willing to serve for a minimum of two years; Enjoy working with children from various cultures; Agree with the International Christian School of Vienna’s mission and goals. Student teachers welcome. 1085
Church Based Training Facilitator4 YearsLifetimeEuropeAustriaAssist the German speaking Church Based Training program (BAO- Biblische Ausbildung am Ort) in Germany in its ministry of training church leaders.Begin as part of the Austrian church planting team. Lead BAO courses. Help train BAO course leaders. Work on course development and revision. Help BAO Germany in developing and implementing strategies for maximum impact and effectiveness in helping German evangelical churches in their leadership training. Be actively involved in a local evangelical church in Germany.Male with a seminary degree. Spiritual gifts of teaching and administration. High level of commitment to Church Based Training as a biblical strategy whose time has once again come. Experience in a church based leadership training desirable. Patience and willingness to learn. Ability to adapt to a new culture and to the German evangelical scene. Fluency in German (either already acquired or through language learning once in Austria/Germany) is absolutely essential. Due to language and culture it is to be expected that it will take time for development into effective ministry.1394
Pastor / Shepherd / Discipler / Church Developer4 YearsLifetimeEuropeAustriaTo assist the Austria team in developing Austrian-led New Testament churches.Shepherding, counseling, preaching, teaching, discipling, mentoring, administrating.A pastor's heart for God's people. Good Bible knowledge and theological understanding. A growing godly character is a must. Counseling skills advantageous. Flexibility; willingness to be a servant; teachable, sense of humor, self-disciplined; self-motivated. Must have endurance. Ability to work on a team. Master's degree strongly desired or at minimum: clear plans to earn one. Fluency in German (either already acquired or through language learning once in Austria/Germany) is absolutely essential. 1395
Evangelist / Church Planter3 YearsLifetimeEuropeAustriaTo assist the Austria team in evangelism and church planting with the goal of establishing Austrian-led churches.Evangelism, Discipleship, Lead Bible Studies, Church PlantingMust be a people person with a pioneer spirit; should be gifted in personal evangelism, have good Bible knowledge and ability to teach God's Word. A growing godly character is a must. Basic counseling skills advantageous. Flexibility; willingness to be a servant; teachable, sense of humor, self-discipline; self-motivated. Must have endurance. Ability to work on a team. Master's degree strongly desired or at minimum: clear plans to earn one. Fluency in German (either already acquired or through language learning once in Austria/Germany) is absolutely essential. 1396
Ethnic Minorities Ministry4 YearsLifetimeEuropeAustriaTo assist the evangelical community in Austria in reaching out to those of ethnic minority whose ethnic origin is related to least evangelized peoples.Develop networks and partnerships with existing ministries among minorities. Identify with and stimulate commitment among the evangelical communities. Cooperate with and spear head the development of evangelistic strategies. Develop discipleship materials that are contextually suited for target. Plan, coordinate, experience short-term life in country of ethnic group. Be connected to Austrian Church and ethnic ministry.Fluent in German with commitment to learn language of ethnic minority, high level of commitment to the local church, evangelism and discipleship, commitment to ethnic minority peoples, able to persevere in the face of limited response and possible antagonism, flexibility and availability to spend time in target culture.1397
Vision Trip10 Days3 MonthsEuropeAustriaThis internship is designed for those seriously considering a long-term missionary appointment after having finished their college or seminary education, and are now looking for the Lord´s leading in choosing the country and/or ministry before appointment. Length of service is 10 days to 3 months.Depending on the intern and his/her interests, as well as the timing of the internship within the ebb and flow of daily ministry and the time of year, the intern would observe and assist team members in their various ministries, including ministry to both Austrians as well as refugees. It would be expected that the intern would also participate in areas of daily living and ministry that aren´t necessarily the focus of a future ministry but which would help round out initial impressions of life and ministry in Austria.A completed (or almost completed education) college or seminary education. The intention of applying for long-term appointment in the immediate future. Interest in serving in an urban, secular and resistant ministry setting. A willingness to venture out and take risks. A servant´s attitude. Willingness to take an intensive course in German. 1398

We're Open to New Ideas

We have many opportunities requested by our teams, but we're open to new ideas. God has moved us into over 60 countries by bringing us people with vision, passion and calling. If you don't find an opportunity that fits, or doesn't fully fit ... let's talk. Our first priority is relationship (i.e. "Are we a good fit for each other? You and WorldVenture"). Once that is clear, we will walk with you into almost anything.

Are you interested?

Get Started

If you'd like to learn more, we'd like to make that happen. We have a simple online tool to get better acquainted. Use the button to the right. It's not an application and involves no obligation.

Projects

Missionary Team


Peter & Celeste Persson

Church development in Austria and regional leadership in Eastern Europe


Janet Hocker

Teaching at the International Christian School of Vienna


Terry & Donna Jean Schneider

Working with refugees in Austria


Tim & Mary Lou Tiner

A ministry of church development in Austria


Nathan & Bethany Johnson

Teaching, discipleship and church development in Austria

Evangelizing the Peoples of the World

With respect for people and their cultures, we communicate, by word and deed, the full scope of biblical truth and, especially, the gospel. We make disciples of Jesus Christ among all peoples through different kinds of evangelism..

Relationships Being Cultivated with Non-Believers

We seek to build and nurture authentic relationships with people who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ with whom we can share our faith. Paul asks, 'How are they to believe in the one they have not heard of?' Romans 10:14. The answer is that they can't. It is our desire for those who have never heard the gospel or never understood it to have the chance know God. Many times a true opportunity to hear the gospel requires an environment of trust and friendship first.

Scriptures: Matt 28:18-20, Rom 10:14, 1 John 4:19.

 

Decisions to Follow Christ

We recognize both the internal conversion of the heart and external profession of faith as milestones in the journey of obedience to Jesus Christ. We encourage new believers to identify themselves as Christ-followers in ways that are recognized as authentic in the local context.

Scriptures: Romans 10:10, Matthew 5:14-16, Eph. 4:20-24, Mark 16:15 .

 

Believers Baptized

Baptism is another external milestone in the journey of obedience for a new believer. We encourage new Christ-followers to further identified themselves with Jesus Christ and the local community of faith through baptism by immersion.

Scriptures: Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:27, Matthew 28:19-20.

 

People Engaged in Intentional Discipleship

We nurture reasonable steps taken to pursue spiritual growth and evangelism from Christians and non-Christians. This often looks like greater depth in comprehending biblical truths and expressing their growing faith in ways meaningfully in their own culture.

Scriptures: Hebrews 10: 24-25, Eph. 4:11-17, Matthew 28: 18-20.

 

Bible Verses Translated and Christian Resources Created or Translated

We actively invest time and talent into Bible translation and creation of Christian media knowing that these investments will expand and deepen the influence of the gospel in a culture.

Scriptures: Acts 2:8-11, Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 13:47-49, Acts 8:26-39.

Extending Grace

Following the example of Jesus, we address human suffering and practical needs everywhere we share the gospel, whether it be through individual acts of mercy or community-wide programs.

Helping People through Development Assistance

Lasting community development is only achieved by insiders. Meaning, we assisted people in their own development efforts in the areas of acquiring sustainable food, water, shelter, literacy, vocational training, education, and employment. Our explicit goal is empowerment, dignity, and community ownership.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 10:18, 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalm 145:15-16, Luke 12:33.

 

People Provided with Medical & Health Assistance

The grace and blessing of medical care where there is no other access to medical help is one of the longest standing outreaches of WorldVenture. Our hospitals and rural clinics dot some of the most difficult locations in the world.

Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:6, Isaiah 40:29, Matt 19:2.

 

Justice for those in Illegal, Immoral, & Dangerous Circumstances

We seek out those who have become vulnerable and fallen to the advantage of other people. We advocate for them within available legal systems, or we build exits and avenues for them to leave their circumstances.

Scriptures: Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 72:4, Isaiah 51:4-5, Ezekiel 34:15-16, Psalm 82:3-4.

 

Helping People Directly through Disaster Relief

In large scale disasters which are within locations we have workers and churches, we bring help directly to the people effected by the disaster. Our networks are often the most established in the communities to the point that larger relief organizations will defer to us on the ground. Yet our strategies always extend past the immediate response to include some form of rebuilding and restoration.

Scriptures: 1 Cor 16:1-4, Psalm 145:15-16, Philippians 4:19.

 

Establishing Churches

Building his church is central to Jesus’ purposes. We strive to establish healthy local churches that will establish other churches, resulting in church planting movements.

New Churches Established

Recognizing that church planting is typically more of a process rather than a one-time event, we speak of a church as being "established" when the local church and its local sister churches recognize it as such. We value real growth of the church, and use milestones like this to give us benchmarks to celebrate.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 15:20-21, Matthew 18:20, 1 Timothy 4:13, Acts 16:4-5.

 

Daughter Churches Established

 Another milestone we encourage as a mark of a maturing church is the multiplication of daughter churches. More than anything this is a sign of the outward growth and maturity of the faith community.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 16:4-5, Romans 15:20-21, Ephesians 2:19-22.

 

Equipping Leaders

We develop leaders who are able to lead others in contextualizing and maximizing their Kingdom impact – locally, regionally, and around the world.

Leaders Being Trained for Ministry through Formal Contexts

Leadership Development

Our workers staff numberous formal seminaries and bible schools as teachers or administrators. We know that people being equipped in and for ministry through formal degree/diploma granting institutions is an investment in the future health and vitality of the church.

Scriptures: Proverbs 2:10-11, Luke 2:45-47, Proverbs 1:1-7.

 

Leaders being Trained for Ministry through Non-Formal Contexts

Leadership Development

In addition to formal academic training, we encourage leadership development through non-formal ministry training seminars, courses, and programs. These programs are equally as powerful for deepening and establishing churches through informed and mature lay leaders.

Scriptures: Psalm 32:8, Psalm 119:105, John 10:3-4.

 

TCKs (Third Culture Kids) being Equipped

Experience has taught us that some of the most natural and effective future missionaries come from the children of our current missionaries. Not only does the investment in these children make it possible for their parents to work in remote locations, most of the international schools in which we partner encourage the personal ministry and impact these children can have while on the field.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:9, Matthew 18:2-5, 1 Timothy 4:12.

 

"360º Leaders" being Equipped

Our 360° vision for impacting societies recognizes that there are a handful of key roads to impacting in any given city or provence or people group. For example, business and media are key influencers in a society, but often fall outside designated leadership tracks like pastors and teachers. We encourage the development of Christian leaders who will influence society through business, politics, medicine, media, social justice, and family and community development.

Scriptures: John 17:15-19, Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Corinthians 14:12, Romans 12:6-8, Matthew 25:23.

 

Encouraging Mission Movements

We will encourage individuals, churches, and church movements everywhere to connect with each other and other organizations, creating international relationships for networking, collaborating, and partnering to do missions “from everywhere to everywhere.”

National Christians Preparing to Become Missionaries

We encourage the natural progression of a maturing national church by advocating for the training and development of national Christians to become missionaries. Crossing-cultures is always difficult, even for those who are born and raised in multi-lingual, multi-cultural environments, and preparation can be a key element in the succeess of a national missionary.

Scriptures: Psalm 144:1, Galations 3:28, Psalm 32:8, Isaiah 61:1.

 

National Churches Engaged in Cross-Cultural Missions

In addition to individuals going out as missionaries, we encourage national churches to engage in missions.

Scriptures: Romans 10:15, John 15:1-27, Matthew 9:35-38.

 

National Church Groups Engaged in Cross-Cultural Missions

From the individual to the church and then finally to the multi-church association, we encourage many national church groups and church associations to engaged in missions. We seek a culture of outward movement and self-sacrifice as a healthy part of a national church.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 2 Corinthians 9:10-12, Romans 10:15.

 

GLOBAL OBJECTIVES

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