30 August 2024 | Belgrade, Serbia [Joe Philpott with tedNEWS]
At the close of another impactful day at the European Pastors’ Council (EPC), focussing on the theme of ‘Multiplying Communities,’ the 1,200 delegates gathered at the beginning of the Sabbath for an evening of worship. Buoyed by the fellowship from Friday evening’s dinner, the stage was set for a memorable night filled with inspiring testimonies, moving music, and a powerful sermon.
Reaching Sarajevo Through Board Games
Anthony Wagner-Smith, Adventist Mission director for the Trans-European Division (TED), introduced the mission feature for the evening. He brought to the stage two passionate individuals from Bosnia: Daniel Soldat, a pastor, and his wife, Kristina. The newlyweds, who have been married for just three months, shared their unique approach to ministry in the city of Sarajevo.
Their initiative, fittingly named “Roll & Play,” uses the simple yet effective medium of board games to foster relationships and build a spiritual community. What began with a couple of posts on Facebook and Instagram, inviting locals to join them in playing games, has now grown into a vibrant community, with over 90 members in their WhatsApp group and an Instagram page that regularly garners thousands of views. The response has been overwhelming.
Each week, participants gather from seven to eleven in the evening, eager to engage in games, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Soldat shared how this initiative has allowed them to connect with people from all walks of life, including those from Muslim backgrounds. The ministry has expanded beyond board games to include hiking and reading groups, creating a network of individuals who support one another and share in each other’s lives. Soldat emphasised that the relationships formed through this ministry are not superficial but deeply genuine. It has allowed them to cultivate spaces for deeper discussions about faith, God, and the Adventist Church.
Identity in Christ
Dr Tara J. VinCross, Senior Pastor of Azure Hills Church in California, USA, delivered the evening’s sermon. VinCross introduced her sermon with the question, “Who are you becoming?” VinCross stressed that God is more concerned with who we are becoming in Him than with the roles we serve. “Before being a pastor, director, or administrator, we are disciples of Jesus,” she stated, urging those present to prioritise their relationship with Christ above all else.
One of the most striking points in her sermon was the reminder that “You cannot offer what you are not experiencing. ” Citing a quote from Ellen G. White, she stressed the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus as the foundation of any ministry. If ministers are not in touch with Christ, they cannot effectively lead others to Him.
VinCross then turned to the story of Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17). She pointed out that before Jesus performed any miracles or preached any sermons, He first received affirmation from God, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” She explained that this declaration of identity and love was crucial in preparing Jesus for the trials He would face, including the temptations in the wilderness.
She then drew a parallel between this and the lives of those in ministry today. Just as Jesus was strengthened by His understanding of His identity in God, so must pastors and leaders find their strength in knowing who they are in Christ. She likened Christians to aspen trees, whose roots are interconnected, symbolising the strength of being part of a supportive, unified community. “We are called as Christians not to be oak trees, individual and alone, but like aspen trees, a community interdependent, supporting and empowering one another,” she said.
Bonded Through Prayer
Her sermon culminated in a powerful and heartfelt call to action, demonstrated when VinCross invited fellow minister Jadanna Lijkendijk from Denmark to the stage. The two met at the EPC, where Pastor Lijkendijk shared her experiences in ministry and her passion for working with teenagers and young adults in her church and local city. VinCross publicly affirmed Lijkendijk’s ministry and expressed appreciation for their shared journey.
VinCross then encouraged everyone to find someone in the room to affirm and pray over, reflecting the love and support that Christ calls His followers to extend. The hall soon resonated with the soft murmurs of prayer as ministers laid hands on one another, offering words of encouragement and a prayer of blessing. This collective unity powerfully underscored the evening’s message and left a lasting impact on all who participated. “It was wonderful. You could feel the Spirit of God in the room,” commented Norwegian Pastor Simen Trolsrud, recalling the moment.
As the service drew to a close, Pastor Patrick Johnson took to the stage to preview the following day’s events, promising another day of rich blessings.
[Photos: Tor Tjeransen and James Botha, Adventist Media Exchange CC BY 4.0]
Featured image: Tara J. VinCross, delivering the Friday evening sermon at EPC.
