What is your ministry?
I am a pastor of a local Baptist Church in Gdansk, in northern Poland. It is a young, growing church that is very active. My responsibility is to keep the right direction of the development of our church, through teaching, leadership development, keeping a balance between different ministries, and increasing the church’s growth. I preach and teach on Sundays and during the week at small groups and in youth meetings. I teach at conferences and help lead camps. I intentionally develop new leaders in our church. I try to inspire our church for mission and evangelistic involvement. I delegate different ministries to responsible people, so the church is engaged and using its gifts.
When did you trust Christ?
I made my original decision to follow the Lord Jesus in July of 1982.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
The defining moments of my Christian walk began in my home. My mom was a great testimony for me. She was the first person who shared Gospel with me and has been a great influence since then. Another defining influence was my church. I grew up in Brethren Church in southern Poland. It was conservative, Bible-believing church. During my high school years I felt a growing desire and call to go into full time ministry. I decided not to go to medical school, but instead to go to seminary to prepare for the ministry. I can’t underestimate the influence of my teachers and fellow students. Another defining moment was marrying a woman ready to support me in ministry. There was also the church that I did my pastoral development and training, and 10 years ago finally becoming a pastor in a local Baptist church in Gdansk in northern Poland.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
Most of the people in the church are university educated, so I see the need to develop my apologetic skills and approach. Though I took apologetics courses in my seminary years, I still have much to learn. My role as a pastor in a local church also means that I must be prepared to give all the time – sermons, leading and preparing small groups, leadership development, pastoral counseling, and so on. I need time to be fed and inspired and refreshed in my ministry so that I can help feed and inspire others.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
Before I become a pastor in Gdansk, I was youth pastor in the nearby town of Malbork for five years. Before that I was involved in leading mission trips, and youth and children’s ministry both locally and nationwide.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I need support for refreshment, inspiration, reflection, and preparation for future challenges in my ministry. Gdansk is a large city where many people will hear the Gospel and God’s church is growing. The Forum is an excellent opportunity to meet excellent teachers and partners for ministry. I will be extremely thankful for any investment in my development and my ministry.
