Dave is still in Kenya, continuing with a third discussion in this series with movement leaders gathering in Nairobi. This episode Dave speaks with Pyry Winter, a Finnish movement leader about his vision for DMM and the importance of reaching and forming community amongst affinity groups in our urban Western contexts. His insights from Europe resonate with challenges many of us face in places like Australia and New Zealand. 

• Pyry’s Story and DMM Journey

• Being a former Lutheran pastor, Pyry was inspired by leaders like David Broodryk (248 Training) and Bill Hodgson (My Friends Training).

• Pyry began discipling Christians in what he calls a church affinity group, encouraging them to grow connections with people from the harvest. He focused on equipping this group to make disciples through intentional training (My Friends) and rhythms.

“Because we have freely received, freely we want to give away.” (Referring to Jesus’ words as he sent out the twelve in Matthew 10:8)

• God has formed a vision for Finland in Pyry’s heart as he yearns to see his nation play a key role in fulfilling the Great Commission, contributing to God’s work across Europe.

• Challenges of our urban culture in the West

• Pyry addresses the reality of isolation, individualism, and the need for genuine community in our urban settings. We hear how we can’t presume that deep relationships already exist within affinity groups. There is a need to intentionally form what he calls ‘pre-church communities’ where people can belong and engage, even with their busy schedules. 

• Example of engaging angry young conspiracy theorists in Finland

• Pyry shares an example of one of his teams engaging angry young conspiracy theorist men in Finland. He highlights how they engaged this group of outcast, broken men by: 

Identifying their brokenness (loneliness and lack of purpose).

Recognising the lies they are believing as well as their strengths (truth-seeking).

Responding by building ‘pre-church communities’ (where these young men felt like they belonged and started to be transformed by Jesus). 

• Word of Encouragement

“Jesus is doing a new thing in the Western urban environment. He is creating new wineskins and building His church as we make disciples. A new day is coming for the West, for Finland, and Europe—for the glory of God!”