Pastors and Leaders Excited to Learn

In 1999 the Russian government's Duma passed a new law to regulate religious organizations. The law stipulated that every church had to be a member of an association or denomination that was at least 15 years old. This was quite a shock to the numerous new congregations spread about the huge area of the Russian Federation for most were very independent.

One such association was called, by my loose English translation, The Association of Evangelical Churches, and it gathered about 120 new churches into its fold. There is a variety of theological persuasions and types of churches. Some were established with the help of American or other missionary societies. Many grew up as a result of God's sovereign work in bringing people to Himself who then sensed a call to minister to other new believers. Few have any pastoral or leadership training.

A high percentage of the members are Reformed and Presbyterian and they are the very first people I have met over here who are from that persuasion. Galina has ministered to several of them personally and with their congregations. For the past two days, Steve and I along with seven members of the Life ways Team, had a seminar for some 20 members of the group at their seminary. They loved the fact that I understand their theology and were very open to receive our teachings.

The churches here are very fragile. The barriers to growth and ministry are so numerous and foreign to us that it is hard to explain what we actually do and teach. For example, it takes some of the participants over two hours by train, subway and bus to get to the seminary. They are often so exhausted that learning is a challenge. Yet, they listen intently and were extremely responsive to our approach. Our team did a marvellous job with testimonies and teachings.

At the end of each training session we ask for insights from the participants. With one exception, every leader shared a key learning and made a decision to take steps to change their behavior. This was a great blessing for us and them. Pray that God will show us and them how we can support the Association as it plans better training and support for its pastors and leaders.