2027 Pastoral Counsellors Network
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The European Pastoral Counsellors Network is for leaders involved in pastoral care or personal discipleship ministries. The Network will focus on common pastoral issues with the aim of building basic counselling skills grounded in a biblical understanding of, and approach to, the human heart. This year, the Network will focus on the role of group work in pastoral care settings while thinking biblically about identity, relationships, and transformation.
What Network Participants Are Saying
- "As a pastor, I often feel overwhelmed and quite lonely in my ministry, helping out people in the church, encouraging evangelism, and 'fixing' all sorts of physical and spiritual problems. ELF is the occasion for me to be served, encouraged, and strengthened in many ways: physically, emotionally, and of course, spiritually. I feel refreshed, equipped, and encouraged thinking about going back to my congregation."
- Michal Domagala, Pastor, Poland - "Being in the Forum’s Pastoral Counsellors Network has been an incredible experience. It has been so helpful because I spend my time working with elders, people in the hospital, and also discipling young people. I have been blessed by the many brothers and sisters I have met, by connecting with them, hearing their stories, and receiving their advice."
- Emanuela Marinkovic, Medical Student, Bosnia and Herzegovina - "I came to the European Leadership Forum to learn more about how to help people in need of counselling. We went through a difficult situation in my church that involved spiritual abuse. The Forum has helped me to understand how to relate to people in a deeper way, especially those who need spiritual and emotional healing, and how to point them to Christ the Healer."
- Samuel Carp, Youth Leader, Romania
Applicants should be leaders involved in pastoral care or personal discipleship ministries. The Network will focus on common pastoral issues, with the aim of building basic pastoral skills grounded in a biblical understanding and approach to the human heart.
Network Leadership
Network Speakers
Andrew Dickson lives by the sea on Northern Ireland’s world-famous Antrim Coast with his wife, Katherine, and their two young children. After spending over 13 years in local church and para-church ministry, Andrew now serves as the Congregational Life Development Officer for the Presbyterian… Read more
Rev. Stephen P. Greggo, PsyD, was Chair and Professor of Counseling at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL, for 28 years. He is a licensed psychologist, ordained to Christian ministry, and a guest preacher. He has published three books with InterVarsity Press: Assessment for… Read more
Heather Holdsworth is a Bible teacher, author and artist. Her focus is on the Spiritual Formation of people of all ages. As a teacher she developed a keen interest in how people grow. Following a 2-year diploma in Practical Theology, she completed an MA in Spiritual Formation & Discipleship… Read more
Aneta Montano, after a successful corporate career for over 20 years in the USA and Poland, has served since 2022 as the President of the NOVUS Foundation—an organisation committed to Christian counselling and offering Christian college education. Aneta has led the development of a… Read more
Dr. Sunil Raheja is a psychiatrist, executive coach, and author of the book "Dancing with Wisdom: A sacred quest to restore meaning, purpose and fun to your life and work". He helps leaders move from success to significance by integrating biblical wisdom with practical psychology. Host… Read more
Jelena Sivulka hails from Serbia, where she was born and raised. She obtained her master's degrees in psychology and theology from her homeland. Thirty years ago, she embraced Christianity, igniting a passion for ministry alongside her husband Greg. Together, they have been instrumental in… Read more
Network Programme
Sunday, 23 May
This interactive session will introduce the importance of understanding group dynamics in pastoral counselling and ministry in light of a biblical framework for having loving relationships. Through practical exercises and small-group experiences, participants will explore how relationships, roles, communication, inclusion, conflict, and unspoken processes shape what happens within a group. The session will help participants become more aware of what is happening beneath the surface and consider how group leaders can respond wisely and create healthier spaces for growth, connection, and mutual support.
Walking with God and like-minded others has a sanctifying effect on the inner self (I Jn 1:6-8), which is why strategic small group experiences can play a powerful role in strengthening those on a quest toward shalom. This session takes a fresh look at care groups, beginning with an overview of the blessings of ministry opportunities available today. It explores the biblical and historical foundations of care groups, the different ways groups can foster healing and spiritual growth, and two essential group concepts: content–what is discussed, and process–the relational communication beneath the surface. Participants will conclude by prayerfully considering how they can start or strengthen their own care group ministry.
Monday, 24 May
‘Who am I, Lord?’ is not only the psalmist’s cry but also the soul’s deepest question. Psalm 8 sings of dust and glory, humility and majesty - the paradox we hold that can transform our living. This session gives us tools to find dignity in the presence of our King and to help others do the same.
This session explores how participants can anchor their understanding and wonder of care groups in the theology of the priesthood of all believers. Group work involves hospitality, the establishment of safe places for connection, and a recognition that mutuality can be messy and challenging. But the Holy Spirit is able to transform interpersonal interactions into redemptive encounters, enabling believers to spur one another on to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:23) and transforming broken people into the image of Christ (Col. 1:21-23). This session offers group leaders five principles to exemplify as they disciple others in consistently living for Christ and concludes by helping participants identify their next steps for care group ministry.
Tuesday, 25 May
Pastoral counsellors regularly walk alongside people who long to change but often feel stuck in familiar patterns and struggles. This session explores how Scripture speaks about transformation, the relationship between grace and effort, and the role of pastoral care in supporting spiritual growth. Together we will consider what realistic, Christ-centred change looks like in everyday life.
Pastors and pastoral carers often feel pressure to provide answers, solve problems, or help people change quickly. This session explores a different approach: the power of wise, compassionate presence. Drawing on psychiatric and coaching experience, alongside biblical examples from Job and the ministry of Jesus, it will examine how listening, curiosity, emotional attunement, and thoughtful questions can create the conditions for genuine change. The emphasis will be on helping people feel seen, understood, and accompanied without taking inappropriate responsibility for fixing them.
Wednesday, 26 May
As Christian counsellors, we often help people heal from unhealthy church cultures—but we can also help prevent those wounds. Counsellors are uniquely positioned to help churches foster honesty, openness, authenticity, and growth. This interactive session will introduce psychological safety through a Christian ministry and counselling lens, exploring why silence develops, what discourages openness, and how counsellors can partner with church leaders to build healthier communities. Drawing on research, ministry examples, and the speaker’s work with leaders, the session shares practical tools for creating environments where people can ask questions, admit mistakes, seek help, and grow in truth and grace.
This practical and reflective session will help participants bring together what they have learned about groups and group dynamics throughout the week. Attention will be given to the role of the leader, the dynamics that can either strengthen or undermine a group, and practical steps for creating healthier groups within churches and counselling ministries. Participants will finish by identifying one concrete way they can apply their learning in their own ministry context.