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Open Doors Seminars
Seminars for church leaders and students at theological training institutions
Connect with persecuted Church
Discover your responsibility
Strengthen persecuted Christians
It is our shared calling to strengthen Christians who face persecution so that their faith does not die (Revelation 3:2). In our seminars, you will discover what this means in practice. We offer both one-day and two-day seminars. Discover how you can identify more closely with your persecuted brothers and sisters – and what you can learn from their testimonies for your own spiritual life.
Why You Should Attend
When churches begin to intentionally pray for persecuted Christians and stand alongside them, something powerful happens: the Body of Christ is strengthened – around the world and here at home.
This seminar will help you as a leader to:
- understand the spiritual dimension of persecution
- learn from the steadfast faith of persecuted Christians
- integrate the issue of persecution into the life of your church
- strengthen prayer and your church’s connection with the global church
What You Will Take Away
The Big Picture Seminar will broaden your spiritual perspective and equip you with practical ideas for strengthening your church’s connection with persecuted brothers and sisters.
You will gain insights that cannot be shared publicly and have the opportunity to explore them more deeply through group discussions, personal reflection, and meaningful interaction with other church leaders.
What to Expect at Our Seminars
A Transformative Time at the Hope Center
Our seminars are held at the Open Doors headquarters in Kelkheim. More than 3,000 church leaders have already attended, gaining profound insights into the global persecution of Christians and the spiritual challenges faced by our persecuted brothers and sisters.
The seminars are rooted in prayer and offer opportunities to connect with leaders from other churches, reflect on what you have learned, and engage with the topic on a deeper spiritual level.
An Extraordinary Experience
What does it feel like to face persecution for your faith? What does it mean to stand alongside our persecuted brothers and sisters?
Hebrews 13:3 calls us to remember those who are mistreated as if we ourselves were suffering with them. Through our Underground Experience, you will step into the world of persecuted Christians and gain a deeper understanding of the realities they face every day. This unique experience will help you connect more personally with their stories, challenges, and faith.
Prayer in Our Prayer House
Our Prayer House, also known as our "spiritual power station", is located on the Open Doors campus. Throughout the seminars, you will take part in times of worship and intercession there.
Together, we come before God's throne to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters, align our hearts with the heart of Jesus, and trust him to move powerfully in response to our prayers.
Encouraging Connections
Beyond the inspiring seminar sessions, you can look forward to group discussions, workshops, times of personal reflection, and meaningful fellowship with other participants over shared meals.
During the summer months, we also enjoy gathering for a barbecue on the grounds of the Hope Center, creating additional opportunities to connect and build lasting relationships.
Seminar Overview
Our seminar programme begins with Big Picture, a one-day seminar that provides a solid foundation for understanding the reality of Christian persecution and the ministry of Open Doors.
For those who would like to engage more deeply with the topic of Christian persecution, Deep Impact offers an extended two-day experience that builds on the content of Big Picture.
One-Day Seminar “Big Picture”
When you hear about the persecution of Christians, you may wonder: What does this have to do with me and my church?
Our one-day Big Picture seminar explores this question and more. It introduces you to the complex realities of Christian persecution around the world and opens your eyes to the ways Jesus is at work even in the midst of severe opposition.
Discover how you can stand alongside your persecuted brothers and sisters and support them in meaningful ways. Be inspired by their testimonies, strengthen your own faith, and learn how to deepen your church's connection with the persecuted Church.
Duration
The Big Picture Seminar runs from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Key Topics
- Understanding Christian persecution around the world
- Our shared responsibility as the Body of Christ
- Practical ways to engage and equip your church
Target Audience
- Pastors
- Church leaders
- Lecturers and faculty at theological colleges and seminaries
Group Size
Each seminar group consists of approximately 24 participants, typically representing a variety of churches. Many pastors attend together with members of their leadership team, enabling them to more effectively integrate the concerns of persecuted Christians into the life of their church.
When registering, please include the names of all participants from your church or theological institution. This helps us with our planning.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate children at the seminar.
Information for Theological Training Institutions
Is Christian persecution not currently part of your curriculum, making a course-related visit difficult? If so, you may wish to arrange your visit on an independent study day or public holiday instead.
We would be happy to support you with the planning process and connect you with theological training institutions that have already participated in our seminars.
Accommodation
While we are unable to provide overnight accommodation, we would be happy to recommend nearby hotels and hostels and assist you in finding suitable lodging for your stay.
Cost
Participation in the seminar is free of charge. However, we ask for a catering contribution of €30 per participant, which covers refreshments and lunch throughout the day.
Directions
Open Doors Hope Center
Frankfurter Straße 73a
65779 Kelkheim
Germany
Any Further Questions?
Please email us at hoffnungszentrum@opendoors.de or call us on +49 6195 6767-250.
For all questions regarding registration and seminar planning, please contact Kathi Schulte.
Two-Day Seminar “Deep Impact” – not yet available in English
After completing Big Picture, participants may continue with Deep Impact, our advanced two-day seminar. Deep Impact is currently available in German only.
“BIG PICTURE” ONE-DAY SEMINAR DATES
Monday, 7 December 2026
We also offer seminars for groups on alternative dates upon request.
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