Balazs Stanzel pastors an international church in Pecs, Hungary and desires to mentor a younger generation of church leaders.
When did you trust Christ?
As a teenager, I had a deep longing for God. I grew up in a very unhealthy church environment, so I walked away from church for a couple of years. God drew me back to Himself and to His people, and in 2003 I started attending a church with expository preaching. Over the months, the fire in my heart grew, and I decided to commit my life to Jesus.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
Shortly after committing my life to Jesus, I was diagnosed with metastasized cancer. The peace of Jesus and the kindness of believers absolutely disarmed my previously bitter heart. The year of treatment was hard, but I cannot explain the peace Jesus granted me in suffering. He proved Himself so good to me in time of hardship, that I just want to talk about Him until the day I die.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I am looking to learn how to best help my local church leadership and national church planting board leadership clarify goals and navigate change. In a movement, many things happen organically. I desire to impart values and vision to a younger generation of church leaders who might not have the benefit of friendships or shared experiences.
What is your ministry?
I am one of the pastors of an international church in the city of Pécs in southwest Hungary. I have served here with my wife for close to 20 years. We have gone from a struggling church plant to an established church comprised mostly of university students and young professionals, from close to 25 countries. I have been the lead pastor for many years, but I now have a younger co-pastor. I am learning to delegate and intentionally involve more people. I work part-time as a Bible and ethics class teacher at a local Baptist high school. I also sit on the national leadership board of a church planting network, overseeing 22 churches in Hungary. We are seeking the Lord as to how to be faithful and good stewards.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I helped plant our church in Pecs, Hungary, and have served as the only pastor for the last 20 years. I have also taught Bible and ethics at a local Baptist high school.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
As a church planter and solo pastor, transitioning to the role of co-pastor of a now-established church, a high school Bible and ethics teacher, and a board member of a church planting network, I am seeking the best way to impart wisdom, values, and vision to the next generation of church leaders.
