29 August 2024| Belgrade, Serbia [Euxhenia Bregasi with tedNEWS]
The sound of a mandolin orchestra harmonises with the voices of nearly 1,200 pastors and church leaders who have just arrived at the Sava Centre in Belgrade, Serbia, for the Thursday evening worship of the European Pastors Council (EPC). The flavour of traditional Balkan music fills the place. At the same time, participants lift their voices in singing various traditional hymns handed down from generation to generation. Creating a sense of unity and togetherness, they serve as a well-constructed introduction to the day’s main theme, “Growing Lifelong Disciples.”
Clothed in Uniforms and in God’s Mercy
The audience, eagerly waiting to catch glimpses of what the Lord is doing around Europe, is delighted to see a group of riders from Serbia up on stage. Clothed in their riding costumes, they share a testimony of the blessings they have experienced while being part of the Adventist Motorcycle Ministry. The simple yet powerful ministry of riding bikes and sharing the good news with the people they encounter has impacted many lives.
Here comes the moment when the European Pastors Council stage takes on other colours. This time, it is a delegation from Ukraine. They are clothed in their national attire and bring a taste of their native language. Still, more importantly, they are clothed in God’s mercy and protection as they have arrived safely from the war to share the testimony of how God is miraculously working amid difficulties. After they encourage the participants through their testimony, Pastor Ramon J. Canals, the General Conference Ministerial Association Secretary, prays that God protects “all the innocent people” involved in the war and gives them courage and peace that “surpasses all understanding.”
Nurturing Lifelong Disciples
“Am I a disciple who grows other disciples?” This question brings Victor Marley, the president of the Norwegian Union Conference, to the stage. He begins by acknowledging that mastering the role of a disciple-maker is challenging. He then takes everyone through a journey of reflecting on his own experiences as a disciple and shares insights on the importance of nurturing lifelong disciples.
In his presentation, he claims that growing lifelong disciples is a collective, community-based effort rather than an individual task. The speaker reflects on his journey as a disciple and acknowledges that while personal progress can be made, growing disciples effectively requires teamwork and a supportive church community. “The Great Commission was given to the church as a whole, not just to individuals,” he emphasises. The speaker argues that a Christ-like community, characterised by love, trust, and support, is essential for fostering the growth of disciples.
Finally, he urges pastoral teams to continually nurture and support their communities, comparing the process to tending a garden, an ongoing and ever-evolving process. “To grow lifelong disciples, we, as pastors and leaders, need to urgently and consistently nurture Christ-like communities.” According to him, the church needs to create an environment of grace, love, and mutual support to help individuals grow in their faith, embodying characteristics such as empathy, trust, and patience. By cultivating these traits, he believes the church can better support its members and foster a thriving community of lifelong disciples.
Blessing and Praise
As Victor Marley lifts his arms to pour God’s blessing upon the participants, the Thursday programme is slowly ending. “What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!” are the words of the final hymn that flow from the joyful hearts of those touched by the message and who have experienced Thursday’s evening programme in worship and unity.
[Photos: Tor Tjeransen and James Botha, Adventist Media Exchange CC BY 4.0].
