On 27 October, the Pole Training & Mission , under the leadership of David Carballo, organised a special day for our elders.
The aim was threefold. The first was to build team cohesion. Elders, especially when they are in a church without a pastor, can quickly feel isolated or exhausted by their many tasks. Getting together or getting to know each other, sharing moments of prayer or fellowship, both with the other elders and with the pastors present, certainly helps to reinforce the feeling of ‘being in the same boat’.
This was also the subject chosen by Yves Pierre for an encouraging and beneficial meditation on the biblical episode where Jesus sleeps in the battered boat.
Another objective was to raise awareness of what is happening in our Federation in terms of evangelisation projects and community services. A number of videos were compiled, so that everyone could find inspiration for their own church. A short reflection workshop also enabled participants to express their concerns and expectations of the Federation and its leaders. The feedback has not yet been analysed, but it will undoubtedly inspire the federal team for future training sessions, the next of which is scheduled for 23 February 2025.
After a meal kindly prepared by a team from the international church, the third objective of the day was tackled. This involved giving some tools to the elders, in particular through two specific workshops. The first was on the use, advantages and limitations of social networks, presented by Mihai Tomescu. The second was with Valérie Ballieux on administrative management and its practical implications for church life.
The 35 participants, elders, pastors and speakers, thoroughly enjoyed the day, thanks in no small part to everyone’s active and benevolent involvement and participation. May God bless our federal boat and may each of us, committed and inspired in his or her specific role, continue to serve it with heart and dedication.