I was sitting on the train on my way back from the 15th European Member Care Conference, which, for the first time, was held in Italy. Over 200 people gathered in Cervia, on the Adriatic coast of Italy. As I reflected on the conference, I glanced now and then at the messages arriving on my phone.
One message read: “Could you please pray for me? I have such a fear of flights!” It was from a worker returning to Africa after spending time visiting supporters. Immediately, I thought about the workshop we had just attended on “Swimming Upstream in Crisis and Risk.” Led by Anna and Neil Hampton – a highly experienced couple who had served for many years with their children in one of the more risky countries in Asia – the workshop included practical tools on handling fear. I shared one of those tools with the worker.
A little later, another message arrived from someone else: “Could we please talk now? We are really struggling on the field.” Again, my mind returned to something that had been shared during one of the many excellent workshops at the conference. One speaker pointed out that the younger generation is often far more open about the things that trouble them – including mental health struggles and other personal challenges – than older generations tended to be. While this openness is valuable, it can also be challenging for the older generation and, at times, not so easy to navigate.
The overall theme of the conference was Swimming Upstream: Providing Member Care to Navigate the Complex Currents, Obstacles, and Storms Throughout Life’s Journey.
Through the devotions on the life of Simon Peter, and the plenary sessions led by Rob and Sarah Hay, our thinking was stretched as we reflected on the complexities of member care within an increasingly complex world.
Rob and Sarah introduced us to the concept of “BANI,” a framework that seeks to describe and make sense of today’s volatile and chaotic world:
B – Brittle: Systems and structures may appear strong and stable, yet they can suddenly shatter or collapse under unexpected pressure.
A – Anxious: This describes the emotional and psychological burden of uncertainty, where people feel overwhelmed, fearful, or helpless in the face of constant change.
N – Nonlinear: Cause and effect are no longer predictable or proportionate. Small events can trigger massive and unexpected consequences.
I – Incomprehensible: The sheer volume of information and the complexity of interactions make many events and outcomes difficult – sometimes impossible – for one person to fully understand.
For me, this framework explained so much. For the first time, it made sense why my husband and I often feel stretched as we lead the Austrian mission organisation Ampuls. Everything seems to be changing all the time. Rules and systems cannot remain rigid, and member care cannot be built around a “one size fits all” approach.
People have often asked me what our member care structure looks like or what systems we have in place, yet I have struggled to give a clear answer because the needs of our workers are constantly changing. What supports one person well, may not help another at all.
We truly do live in a very complex world, and this has a profound effect on how we practise both member care and mission work.
The many other workshops explored topics such as providing member care during times of war, helping children develop the vocabulary needed to process trauma and validating their experience, as well as a session on lament. How can we talk to God in times of grief and loss and when we are filled with doubt and fears?
I really enjoyed the debriefing session too. We learned how to use a simple drawing exercise as a tool to kickstart meaningful conversations about challenging situations.
One other workshop that particularly touched me addressed the difficult theme of “Swimming Upstream When Children Want to Swim the Other Way.” It reflected on the painful reality that children do not always thrive in the countries where their parents are serving and ministering and might want to swim in a different direction.
But the conference was not just about work. It was wonderful to have time to worship together from so many different countries in Europe and beyond, to spend time together in prayer and over food. What a rich community full of people with amazing stories and experiences, and what a joy to also be able to share and pick up new resources which can be used once back home.
I am already looking forward to the next conference which will be held in the spring of 2028.
Sandra Chinnery, Member Care Austria
Member Care Europe Board member
If you have read this summary and wish you had come, make sure to look out for details of EMCC 2028 in one year’s time and book your place so that you don’t miss out! The planning for it has already begun.
Sarah Hay
Sarah has a background in HR, initially in the National Health Service, UK and then in Nepal with International Nepal Fellowship for 3 years, where she also began member care for expatriate mission workers. After returning to UK and starting a family, Sarah began working as HR and Member Care Manager with European Christian Mission Britain, where she’s been for almost 15 years. Since 2015, Sarah also became Course Leader of the MA in Member Care at Redcliffe College, before then developing a new MA in Staff Care and Wellbeing at All Nations Christian College following the college merger. She has the best of both worlds in being a member care provider but also an equipper and encourager of member care students across the world. Last but by no means least, Sarah is married to Rob and has two sons who are now both at university. Sarah is also a board member of Member Care Europe.
Sarah Hay
Sarah has a background in HR, initially in the National Health Service, UK and then in Nepal with International Nepal Fellowship for 3 years, where she also began member care for expatriate mission workers. After returning to UK and starting a family, Sarah began working as HR and Member Care Manager with European Christian Mission Britain, where she’s been for almost 15 years. Since 2015, Sarah also became Course Leader of the MA in Member Care at Redcliffe College, before then developing a new MA in Staff Care and Wellbeing at All Nations Christian College following the college merger. She has the best of both worlds in being a member care provider but also an equipper and encourager of member care students across the world. Last but by no means least, Sarah is married to Rob and has two sons who are now both at university. Sarah is also a board member of Member Care Europe.
