AFCOE Europe Curriculum 2026
Course Dates: August 24 – December 12, 2026
Location: Lund/Staffanstorp, Sweden
- Personal Evangelism (12 hours)
Teachers: Dan Millares (Sweden), Jonathan Karlsson (Sweden), Joakim Hjortland (Sweden)
Description: This is one of our core modules training students to a lifestyle of evangelism. We begin learning about the Mission, Message and Method of the Great Commission. The joy of evangelism is stressed. The students learn basic social skills, how to keep a conversation going and how to bridge into spiritual topics. They learn to verbalize their personal testimony and practice sharing it. They learn the need of personal preparations and a devotional life.
Achievement Goals: Understanding the importance and joy of evangelism. Learning social skills. Sharing your testimony.
- Bible Work (16 hours)
Teachers: Jonathan Karlsson (Sweden), Dan Millares (Sweden)
Description: 5 hours of the module is spent in learning the basics of Bible work, how to give Bible studies, how to find people who are interested in Bible studies and the students receives a challenge to find 3 persons to study the Bible with during the course. The students learn how to conduct community surveys and distribute literature and flyers. 8 hours is spent on learning the importance of appeals, how and when to make them in order to lead a person to a decision for Christ. It consists of 4 hours of teaching and 4 hours of labs where the students receive prepared scenarios and practices leading a person to make a decision for Christ under the guidance of the teachers.
Literature: “Gaining Decisions for Christ” – Louis Torres
Achievement Goals: Giving Bible studies. Doing door-to-door surveys. Making appeals.
- Bible Boot Camp (50 hours)
Teachers: Jonathan Karlsson, Joakim Hjortland, Dan Millares and others
Description: An intensive 40+ hours of going through the basic doctrines of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and how to share them from the Bible using the topical prooftext method. The topics build on each other in a logical, systematic sequence, leading to greater and greater commitment. Each study has a similar outline of 5-16 passages. Introductions, transitional phrases, illustrations and appeals are all provided by the teacher. Difficult Bible passages for each topic are listed and explained. The student is encouraged to develop their own version of the Bible studies as they gain more experience. 2 hours are spent on a lab where the students are encouraged to find their own answers to difficult Bible questions using commentaries, comparing Scripture with Scripture and praying about wisdom.
Achievement Goals: Being able to lead out in 28 Bible studies of the fundamental beliefs of the SDA Church.
- Public Evangelism (20 hours)
Teachers: Jonathan Karlsson (Sweden), Joakim Hjortland (Sweden)
Description: In this module, the student learns how to set up an evangelistic spiral in a local church. They will learn how to set your church on fire for the gospel commission and the culture of an evangelistic church. They will learn the true job description of a pastor and how to not get burned out. They will do labs where they set up an evangelistic cycle and a budget and present it to a pretend board. They will also learn 8 hours of Homiletics Being able to communicate the Word of God effectively in a public setting is a valuable skill in soul-winning. The students will learn the basics of homiletics and get to practice their preaching in some of the local churches. They will be evaluated by the teachers and given feedback.
Achievement Goals: Creating an evangelism spiral in a home church including budgeting. Preaching effective sermons.
Literature: ”Evangelism” – Ellen White
- Spirit of Prophecy (20 hours)
Teacher: Joakim Hjortland (Sweden)
Description: When Seventh-Day Adventists do active mission work, they inevitably get asked about Ellen White and her role in the church. Many times criticism is also raised and students who are now equipped to answer the questions can have their faith shaken. In this module we go through the biblical tests of a prophet and common misconceptions about the prophetic gift. The students learn some basic history of Ellen White and the pioneers as well as the important hermeneutics on how to interpret and read her writings, in order to not go to extremes.
Achievement Goals: Understanding the role of prophets. Learning to read prophets correctly without going to extremes. Being able to answer most objections to Ellen White’s ministry confidently.
Literature: “A Prophet for this Generation” – Joakim Hjortland
- The Book of Revelation (20 hours)
Teacher: Lasse Flinker (Denmark)
Description: The book of Revelation promises a blessing on those who read, understand and follow the things written on its pages. We are told that the study of this book will bring great revival to our lives. At AFCOE, the student will get time to go deep into the symbolism of the book of Revelation from a historicist viewpoint. The student will discover how ancient prophecies fulfil in modern times and will be able to use the material for their own Bible study groups in their home churches.
Achievement Goals: Being able to lead out in a Bible study group or seminar in their home church about the Book of Revelation.
Literature: “Great Controversy” – Ellen White
- The Book of Daniel (20 hours)
Teacher: Antonella Pedley (Sweden)
Description: Parts of the book of Daniel were sealed until the time of the end. We are now living in these times, and the portions of the book of Daniel that pertain to our time, need special attention. In this module, the student will learn about archeological support for the events depicted in Daniel, learn morals from the stories and crucial insight from the prophecies. They will understand the prophecies themselves and how to share them with others.
Achievement Goals: Being able to lead out in a Bible study group or seminar in their home church about the Book of Daniel.
- Adventist Identity (8 hours)
Teacher: Jëan Ross (USA)
Description: We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way God has led us in our past. This is especially true about our Adventist heritage. Understanding the Three Angel’s Messages in their end-time context is crucial for knowing why Adventism is needed in the world. In this module the students learn about the Adventist pioneers and the development of the fundamental doctrines of the church. They will also familiarize themselves with great historical events such as the Great Disappointment, Battle Creek Sanitarium, the 1888 Minneapolis Conference and the missionary journeys of Ellen White.
Literature: “Tell it to the World” – C Mervyn Maxwell
- Christian Leadership and Management (12 hours)
Teacher: Pavel Goia (USA), Joakim Hjortland (Sweden)
Description: Christian servant leadership is an important part of soul-winning. If you want to be able to conduct and evangelism cycle, organize a mission trip or convention or give personal Bible studies, you are a leader and need the necessary skills for this. In this module, principles of effective Christian leadership are explained and practiced. You will also learn how to organize an IMPACT event.
Achievement Goals: Strengthen leadership qualities.
- Revival and Reformation (16 hours)
Teacher: Rich Constantinescu (USA)
Description: Having a personal relationship with God through faith is life eternal. Being filled with the Spirit is essential to be an effective soul-winner. How does one get filled with the Spirit? How can our relationship with God grow? What is the relationship between revival and reformation? These and many other questions will be addressed in this module.
Achievement Goals: Inspire love-motivated Christian growth.
- Muslim Ministry (20 hours)
Teacher: Rudy & Michelle Harnisch (Canada), Ian Dixon (UK)
Description: Islam is a growing religion in the western world. Seventh-Day Adventists are uniquely equipped to reach Muslims due to what we have in common. In this module, you will learn the history and basic beliefs of Islam, and how to use the Quran to bring Muslims to the Bible and a saving relationship with Christ.
Achievement Goals: Basics of Islam. Winsome evangelism.
- Hermeneutics (4 hours)
Teacher: Sebastian Matula (Finland)
Description: How we read the Bible is as important as reading it. The Reformation was based on the idea that Scripture can interpret itself. But which principles can be used? How do we avoid adding our own views to the text? How does inspiration work? These and other questions will be answered in this module.
Achievement Goals: Sound hermeneutical principles that affirm faith in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God.
- Personal Management (8 hours)
Teacher: Daniel Pedley (Sweden), Joakim Hjortland (Sweden)
Description: Time is a gift that everyone has an equal amount of. The question is just how we use it. What can you do to become more effective in time management. How do you train your discipline and schedule your week? What’s a good balance between work and leisure so that you can maintain enthusiasm and avoid burnout and laziness? This module will help you organize your life.
Achievement Goals: Time Management, Discipline, Scheduling.
- Apologetics (8-16 hours)
Teacher: Dan Millares (Sweden), Jonathan Karlsson (Sweden)
Description: While a Christian is commanded to “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes” which “generate strife” and “quarrel” (2 Tim. 2:23-25), the Bible also tells us to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15). To understand the philosophical and intelligent reasons to believe in the existence of God, the credibility of the Bible and the resurrection not only strengthens the students’ own faith but also gives them material to share with those they meet. In this module, the students learn the teleological, axiological, cosmological arguments for God’s existence. They also learn how to deal with difficult passages in the Old Testament and how to answer the skeptics’ accusations against the Old Testament of genocide, death penalties, and slavery.
Achievement Goals: Strengthen faith. Being able to defend the Bible from intellectual attacks.
Literature: “Mere Christianity” – C. S. Lewis
- Relationships (4-8 hours)
Teacher: Dan Millares (Sweden)
Description: Human relationships are among the most delicate and beautiful thing on earth. Whether we talk about friendships, family or romantic relationships, the Bible gives us good counsel and principles on how to deal with them. What do you do when relationships end, either in death or separation. How do you comfort someone who is going through difficult times, suicide or trauma? Dan Millares is a fire fighter, a family father and a soul-winner. He specializes in communication and shares principles from Scripture on these delicate topics.
Achievement Goals: Learn skills to listen and comfort. Principles on dating and courtship and family life.
- Church History (16-20 hours)
Teacher: Jonathan Karlsson (Sweden)
Description: “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (LS 196). John Henry Newman once said that to be deep into history is to cease to be Protestant. This claim is thoroughly debunked in this module where we take a look at early church fathers and trace the apostolic succession of the true faith throughout relentless persecution of the Middle Ages until the truth triumphs in the last days. In this course, the students will receive a prophetic look at history and see where Inspiration directs their focus.
Achievement Goals: Understanding church history from a protestant perspective. Being able to share your faith with Catholics and Orthodox on their own grounds.
Literature: “Great Controversy” – Ellen White
- Ask Pastor Batchelor (8 hours)
Teacher: Doug Batchelor (USA)
Description: Pr. Doug Batchelor is the director of Amazing Facts International and a renown international speaker. His amazing conversion story from the Hippie movement to a gospel preacher has attracted hundreds of thousands of people to know Christ. Every week, he hosts a live TV-show called Bible Answers live together with pastor Jëan Ross. In this segment, students get to ask their questions about faith and the Bible directly to pastor Batchelor and receive guidance in their spiritual life.
Achievement Goals: Getting solid answers to difficult Bible texts.
- Church Planting (4-8 hours)
Teacher: Simon Martin (UK, Norway)
Description: At one point in time, your church was also a church plant. How many people do you need to be to start in a new area? What methods work in Europe’s secular society? Pr. Simon Martin has good experience in church planting in the UK and elsewhere. He will in this module share approaches that work and things he has learnt. Simon was part of coaching the Lund Church in its infancy. Church planting is not just an optional activity for our church, but essential for the life of the church. Explore different models of church planting with their strengths and weaknesses.
Achievement Goals: Church planting tools.
- Community Outreach (145+ hours)
Coordinators: Aurelia Andronic (Moldova), Liam Sjölin (Sweden)
Description: Outreach in practice is a central part of our program. The student will be part of the local church’s evangelism cycle. Below you will see a list of activities usually conducted. This is not an exhaustive list, and the community programs offered may vary from year to year.
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- Health Expo – a community health expo based on the eight laws of health with stations like blood pressure, massage, cholesterol tests, health age, consultation with a doctor, spiritual counselling and more, all manned by volunteers. It is offered free of charge for the community. At the end of the station an interest survey is conducted. 10-20 % of people that go through the health expo, mark an interest in Bible studies. These interests are followed up by the students.
- Door-to-door surveys – “Of equal importance with special public efforts is house-to-house work in the homes of the people” (9T 111). The local church operates most of their outreach activities through a health club. The students will do surveys for the health club door-to-door and on the streets. Statistically, 10 % of all who answer the surveys are interested in Bible studies which the students themselves follow up on. Literature is also distributed to seekers. Surveys can also be done in the name of the church.
- Literature & Flyer Distribution – For all events, we distribute flyers in mailboxes and hand out spiritual literature in person.
- Rock Climbing and Outdoor hikes – an evangelistic method where the community is invited to try rock climbing or hiking in a nearby nature reserve. The idea is to get close to people and meet their social and physical needs.
- Evangelistic Choir and Concert – A choir or instrumental concert is held around Christmas time when the Swedes expect to go to church and listen to Christmas concerts. The church serves fika and the visitors are given interest forms for follow-up.
- Exercise Group – The community is invited to an exercise group. They meet at a park or nature reserve and either walk, jog or run. Afterwards they eat breakfast.
- Depression Recovery program – the event is a 7-week course based on Neil Nedley’s program Optimize Your Brain.
- Dinner seminars and Cooking Classes – Vegetarian cooking is very popular in Sweden and we hold classes on how to do this. Health seminars on different topics relevant to the community is arranged with speakers who are qualified on their subject.
- Language Café – immigrants sometimes learn Swedish through participating in something called language cafés. The idea is that you meet in a café like environment and can only speak Swedish. This way you learn to be more fluent. The church is operating such events.
- Personal Bible studies with the people the students meet.
- Thanksgiving Dinner – highlighting the American holiday of Thanksgiving
- Bonfire testimony night – spending time in nature together gives an excellent opportunity to be social with seekers. The students, church members and contacts sit around the campfire singing and grilling while the students share their personal testimony.
- Equipping classes for church members.
- Public Evangelistic Campaign (20 hours)
Teacher: Doug Batchelor
Description: A public harvest campaign can be a spiritual pressure cooker that brings seekers to a decision for Christ. The church will conduct a 5–10-day event with evangelistic preaching, home visitation, and decision making for the contacts gained throughout the course. Sometimes a more experienced student is placed in charge of preaching at these events. The students will participate in the organization and planning of all aspects of the events (including finding technicians, greeters, ushers, prayer team, distributing flyers, home visits etc.) “A well-balanced work can be carried on best when a training school for Bible workers is in progress. While the public meetings are being held, connected with this training school or city mission should be experienced laborers of deep spiritual understanding, who can give the Bible workers daily instruction, and who can also unite wholeheartedly in the general public effort being put forth” (9T 111). While the meetings are being held, students follow up with home visits to secure attendance and gain decisions. They will learn how to use decision cards and coordinate a campaign.
Achievement Goals: Secure decisions for baptism and learn how to coordinate and run a successful evangelistic campaign.
Literature: “Evangelism” – Ellen White
