Jeff Fountain and his wife Romkje are the initiators of the Schuman Centre for European Studies. They moved to Amsterdam in December 2017 after living in the Dutch countryside for over 40 years engaged with the YWAM Heidebeek training center. Romkje was founder of YWAM The Netherlands and chaired the national board until 2013. Jeff was YWAM Europe director for 20 years, until 2009. Jeff chaired the annual Hope for Europe Round Table until 2015, while Romkje chaired the Women in Leadership network until recently. Jeff is author of Living as People of Hope, Deeply Rooted and other titles, and also writes weekly word, a weekly column on issues relating to Europe.
"Free Church" denominations were once breakaway sects from the mainstream Western Church 500 years ago but they have become the growing mainstream. This established mainstream must learn from their past as indigenous expressions of the Church are rapidly multiplying. It is too easy for established Christians to persecute followers of Jesus who seem to deviate from our norms.
We hear a lot of claims these days about "making things great". But what is true greatness? How do we recognize greatness? How will we know when those who promise to "restore greatness" have delivered the goods? What should we be looking for? Jesus shows us the way.
75 years ago to the day a new agenda was set for Europe influenced by the former Pope Leo (XIII). As Europe reflects on the accord established in 1950 a new Pope Leo (XIV) emerges at a time of fresh geopolitical turmoil, with some in the developed world returning to utilitarian self-interest. There is hope that the new pope will be a biblically-informed global influence for humanitarian restraint.
The political positioning of new regimes is matching an ideology that has been forming for some time—Dark Enlightenment. We are watching a new world order emerge that will cause great suffering. As the performance of Bach's St Matthew's Passion unfolded, it resonated deeply with the times we find ourselves in.
The world is hurtling toward being ruled once more by mega empires as autocracies reach a global tipping point and take full control. This outcome was not unexpected even though for many it is lamentable. From his European perspective, regular columnist Jeff Fountain provides insights and hope.
Some 4,000 attended the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship gathering in London just days following the 2025 Munich Security Council Conference. A resurgent form of conservative Anglo-American Christendom featured center-stage. Netherlands-based New Zealander Jeff Fountain shares concerns about the dangerous geo-political shifts and the religious dimension supporting it for what it means for our near future.
While the cessation of conflict in the Holy Land may be cause for rejoicing, true peace requires much more work. This reflection using post-World War II peace as a case study shows how important it is for followers of Jesus to be involved in peace processes.
Twenty-five years have already gone by in this century, with immense changes—for better or for worse. This is a good moment to reflect on our changing world. Jesus talked of wheat and tares growing up together. Here’s a random sample of both.
The Christmas narratives echo through the ages with as much relevance as they had in the first century. Still we we struggle with despots, injustices, uncertainties, and lack of real peace. Yet we can have confidence that the good news of great joy for all people is real, available now, and coming in fullness.
A straight line to the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington DC can be tracked back to the spheres of societal influence concept inspired by Loren Cunningham with Bill Bright and developed by others who have taken the concept to Christian nationalist extremes.
The success of president-elect Donald Trump appears to have emboldened Russia to increase attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian population. While drones and missiles attack, the church continues to meet, worship, and pray in Ukraine.
The election of Donald Trump continues to reverberate around the world leaving many non-Americans in shock and disbelief, and concerned for our global future. The end of last week held several shocks for our regular columnist based in Amsterdam.
