Adrian Strozek

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.
I made my original decision to follow the Lord Jesus in July of 1982.
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.
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.
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.
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.