From 24–30 July, the Mysterium Christi House in Hainburg, Austria, became a place of learning, prayer, dialogue and fellowship as 15 participants from several European countries and different Christian traditions gathered for the second TJCII Diplomatic Training.

Following the first Diplomatic Training, which was designed primarily for a group of international leaders, this second training marked an important step in bringing the vision of TJCII more deeply into the European context. Participants came together to grow in their understanding of TJCII, to learn from one another, and to be equipped as ambassadors of the vision in their own countries and communities.

The purpose of the training went beyond simply acquiring knowledge. It was about formation: being equipped spiritually, biblically, historically and practically for the calling of building relationships between Jewish and Gentile believers and encouraging greater understanding, friendship and unity within the Body of Messiah.

Unity in Diversity

One of the most powerful aspects of the week was the example set by the teaching team itself. Richard Harvey, a Messianic Jewish leader from the United Kingdom; Edjan Westerman, a Reformed pastor from the Netherlands; and Johannes Fichtenbauer, a TJCII ILC member and Deacon of the Catholic Church from Austria, served together throughout the week.

Their friendship, mutual respect and shared commitment to God’s purposes offered a living picture of the TJCII vision. Their example demonstrated that genuine unity does not require us to erase our distinct identities. Rather, it enables us to honour those differences while walking together in faith, love and a shared commitment to reconciliation.

This spirit was also experienced by the participants. One participant reflected: “I do not feel alone anymore in being interdenominational and international, and in sharing in Christ’s pain for wholeness and unity.”

Another participant described the humble and serving attitude of the teachers as the “perfume” of TJCII – a particularly fitting description of the atmosphere that characterised the week.

Learning, Dialogue and Practical Formation

The programme explored a wide range of subjects, including God’s purposes for Israel and the nations, the biblical foundations of reconciliation, Jewish–Christian history, the development and mission of TJCII, practical dialogue, and communicating the TJCII vision in local contexts.

The evaluations showed that participants particularly valued the practical elements of the training. Dialogue exercises, identity exercises, personal conversations with teachers and sessions on reconciliation were repeatedly mentioned as especially meaningful.

For some, the practical exercises created a safe space for deeper group bonding. For others, they exposed areas where further learning is needed.

A Week of Spiritual Formation

The training was also a time of spiritual reflection and renewal. Prayer and worship, teaching on repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation, and opportunities for personal conversation created space for participants to encounter the spiritual heart of the ministry.

The week began with a Shabbat dinner, including explanations that helped participants enter into the experience together. It concluded with prayer and blessing – a fitting way to send everyone home after a week dedicated to seeking God’s purposes for Israel, the Church and the nations.

From Training to Action

Perhaps most encouragingly, participants are already considering how to put what they learned into practice.

We believe that participants did not simply return home with notes and memories, but with relationships, questions, commitments and a growing sense of responsibility.

We are very happy that participants left the training not simply asking, “What do we know?” but also, “How will we live this out? How will we build bridges? How will we represent the heart of TJCII in our own context?”

They also expressed a desire to remain connected with one another, to encourage each other and to explore opportunities for further cooperation. The friendships formed during the training are themselves part of the work of reconciliation.

Thank You

A week like this is only possible because many people give their time, wisdom, prayer and practical service. We are deeply grateful to the teaching team, to those who prepared and coordinated the programme, and to everyone who contributed through hospitality, cooking, finances and prayer.

We are also grateful for each participant – for their readiness to come, to learn, for their heart for unity, and their willingness to dedicate time and resources to growing in their understanding of the TJCII vision.

The second TJCII Diplomatic Training in Hainburg has been an encouraging milestone for the European TJCII community. It demonstrated again that when Jewish and Gentile believers, and Christians from different traditions, choose to listen, learn, pray and walk together, something beautiful begins to take shape.

May the relationships formed in Hainburg continue to bear fruit. And may God continue to lead TJCII in Europe and beyond as we seek His purposes for Israel, the Church and the nations.

Click on the image below to watch a short video from our time together!