Why this conference?
Across Europe and beyond, one challenge grows more urgent each year:
The need for more biblically grounded, healthy churches.
It requires clarity, depth, and conviction in an age of confusion—yet the supply of trained, doctrinally rooted leaders is far too small for the harvest before us.
At Aquila Initiative, we believe the solution is found not in distant institutions but in the local church itself. Healthy churches are planted and revitalized when pastors intentionally apprentice the next generation of leaders. And churches thrive when they are supported by a trusted network of likeminded churches.
Why it matters
Many churches desire to train leaders but feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin.
Others lack a clear pathway, curriculum, or structure to guide potential pastors and planters.
Our conference introduces you to Aquila’s competency‑based theological education training model:
-
built specifically for the local church,
-
grounded in biblical depth and doctrinal clarity,
-
structured for real discipleship, hands‑on ministry, and character formation,
-
and intentionally designed to multiply healthy churches.
But this model only works when pastors engage personally as mentors.
A curriculum cannot raise a leader—pastors do. Our role is to give you the structure, resources, and fellowship you need to do this well.
What you will gain
This conference is not just an introduction to a program—it is a doorway into a supportive community with a shared passion for church planting and revitalization.
Participants will gain access to:
1. Partnership
A proven framework for developing future pastors, planters, elders, and ministry leaders from within your congregation.
2. Fellowship
A brotherhood of churches committed to doctrinal clarity, gospel‑driven mission, and mutual encouragement.
3. Equipping
Competency‑based training modules, biblical resources, and practical tools that empower your church—not replace it.
4. Encouragement
Regular intercession, pastoral care, and spiritual support from leaders facing the same challenges you face.
5. Strategic Network
A network of likeminded leaders across the IBC and beyond, forming partnerships to plant and revitalize churches with greater impact.
The vision
Imagine churches across Europe:
-
Identifying future leaders early
-
Discipling them intentionally
-
Training them biblically
-
Sending them joyfully
-
Seeing communities transformed through new church plants and revitalized congregations.
This is the heart of the Aquila Apprenticeship Conference - to help your church become a multiplying church—one leader, one team, one plant at a time.
You're invited
We would be honored to have you join us, learn with us, and dream with us.
Together, we can raise up the next generation of pastors and planters and strengthen the witness of Christ’s church throughout Europe.
Details
Address:
Schloß Rahe 19a, 52074 Aachen Germany
Date:
3-5 June 2027
09:00 Coffee & Biscuits
09:30 Talk 1 - Goal Oriented Partnerships
10:30 Discussion forum 1 - Intentional Partnership
11:30 Talk 2 - Biblical Mentoring
12:00 Discussion forum 2 - Intro to 1 year curriculum
13:00 Lunch break
14:30 Talk 3 - Marketplace Missions
15:00 Discussion forum 3 & Prayer
16:00 Sing
16:30 End
Itinerary:
Coming soon
Address:
Schloß Rahe 19a, 52074 Aachen Germany
Date:
3-5 June 2027
Itinerary:
Coming soon
Itinerary:
FAQ
What is the attendance fee?
The attendance fee depends on how you're attending:
-
Full attendance (3 days + 2 nights accommodation):
€350 (Couples)
€270 (Single)
This covers lunch, two nights at Schloß Rahe hotel, refreshments, conference materials, and access to all sessions.
-
3 Day visitor only (no accommodation): €60
Includes lunch, refreshments, and conference materials for the 3 days you attend.
-
Student/apprentice rate (full attendance): €210–230
We want to encourage participation from apprenticeship programme participants. This discounted rate includes accommodation and meals.
-
EXCLUDES: Travel to and from Aachen. Any meals before check-in or after check-out. Optional evening social activities (if offered)
-
Where will we stay?
We've arranged group rates with Schloß Rahe, a beautiful hotel in the heart of Aachen. Schloß Rahe is also our office landlord, so we have a great partnership in place.
Your 2-night stay includes:
-
Comfortable room (single or double, depending on availability and your preference)
-
Free WiFi throughout the hotel & event hall
-
Parking on the hotel grounds
-
Access to hotel facilities
Can I choose a single or double room?
Yes. When you register, you'll have the option to request a single or double room. The double room has 1 large bed so would require sharing a bed. We'll do our best to accommodate preferences based on availability.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
-
Check-in: June 3 (from 15:00)
-
Check-out: June 5 (by 10:00)
Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast is NOT included each morning at the hotel. Conference sessions begin after breakfast.
-
Network membership
You don't need to be a member in order to join the conference, but if you'd like to know more about membership:
We serve local churches to help them advance the Gospel in their communities and multiply. Our shared goal is building the kingdom of God through church planting.
Becoming a Network member entails partnering to this end.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans change. Here's our policy:
-
Cancellation by May 15, 2027: Full refund of attendance fee
-
Cancellation May 16–31, 2027: 50% refund of attendance fee
-
Cancellation after May 31, 2027: No refund (though we're happy to accommodate a replacement attendee from your church)
Do I need to cancel in writing?
Yes, please email info@aquila-initiative.org with your name and registration confirmation number. We'll confirm receipt and process your refund within 14 days of the event.
What if I need to cancel the hotel but still attend the conference?
Contact us at info@aquila-initiative.org as soon as possible. Depending on how close to the event, we may be able to adjust your fee and registration. Hotel cancellations will be subject to Schloß Rahe's own cancellation policy.
What if a family emergency forces me to cancel?
We understand life happens. Contact us immediately at info@aquila-initiative.org or +491724135617. We'll do our best to work with you on a case-by-case basis.
What if I want to attend but haven't registered yet—is there a late registration option?
Yes, we accept day registrations up to 1 June, 2027. However, this is ONLY for day visits (excludes accomodation). Register as soon as possible to avoid this. After May 25, we can't guarantee meals.
-
Will the conference be broadcasted or recorded?
We'll record the keynote sessions and breakout sessions/panel discussions so that those who couldn't attend in person, or who want to revisit the content, can access it.
Will I appear in the recordings?
Possibly. We'll have cameras in the main hall and breakout rooms. If you prefer not to appear on camera, please let us know during registration, and we'll note this. We respect everyone's privacy.
If you have let us know, we will then edit all footage with that in mind before posting these online. If you have other specific concerns about recording, contact us at info@aquila-initiative.org before the event.When will recordings be available?
We'll edit the videos and post them online by July 31, 2027. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notifications.
Where will the recordings be posted?
Recordings will be available on the Aquila Initiative YouTube channel after July 31, 2027.
Can I share the recordings with others?
Yes, please do! We encourage you to share the videos with your church, leadership team, and anyone in your network who couldn't attend. Videos will be public.
What about privacy—will you keep my data safe?
Absolutely. We comply with GDPR regulations. Personal data (name, email, dietary needs, etc.) is used only for conference logistics and communication. We won't share your data with third parties. For details, see our Privacy Policy.
Costs
There is no cost for the conference, however you will need to cover the cost of your own transport, meals and accommodation.
Accommodation
You are responsible for arranging your own accommodation.
If you are joining ahead of the International Baptist Convention's MLC, you can make use of the conference rate for the extra night:
Please contact the hotel directly - +385 20 440 100
They are offering the conference rate for March 11, 12, 17, and 18.
Alternatively, here are some options to choose from:
Network membership
You don't need to be a member in order to join the conference, but if you'd like to know more about membership:
We serve local churches to help them advance the Gospel in their communities and multiply. Our shared goal is building the kingdom of God through church planting.
Becoming a Network member entails partnering to this end.
FAQ
Register
This conference is free.
However, Aquila Initiative is a registered non-profit organisation in Germany,
so if you or your church would like to donate you can do so below.
Follow the link to the giving page of Laramie Valley Chapel.
Donate
Monthly gift | What it enables |
|---|---|
€1000+ / month | Helps a partner church plant a new congregation with trained, local leaders |
€500 / month | Helps a local church to sustain a church planter |
€250 / month | Sponsors one apprentice through full mentorship and coursework for one month |
€50 / month | Covers one month of mentor support for an apprentice |
€25 / month | Translates one lesson into a new language so more leaders can access it |
Your gift in action
One-time gifts are equally powerful. Every donation fuels church multiplication through apprenticeship and marketplace mission.