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Illia Vitchenko

Illia-Vitchenko
Person Details
All Persons

Country

  • Ukraine
Leader/Speaker Details
Job Title
Program Coordinator
Organization
Christian Open Accademy
Participants Details

ELF Network

  • 2026 Disciple-Making Leaders (Advanced) Network

Ministry Focus

  • Leadership in a Christian Organization

Occupation

  • Christian Organisation

Funding Status (ELF)

  • ELF Funded

Illia Vitchenko was born and raised in central Ukraine in the family of an evangelical pastor. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and is currently pursuing a PhD, researching the civilizational identity of Ukraine. Since 2017, Illia has been actively involved in the ministry of Eastern European Reformation, where he continues to serve to this day. The mission and vision of this ministry are to help reveal the Church’s potential for society, particularly in Ukraine and other countries of Eastern Europe. Illia leads two nonprofit organizations in Ukraine and serves as the Program Coordinator of the Christian Open Academy. In his local church, he ministers as a preacher and leads a men’s small group, carrying a strong vision for the development of robust men’s and family ministries. Illia is married to Alisa, and together they are raising two daughters, Elina and Ivanka, and a son, Ilai.

Participants Answers

Illia Vitchenko is the leader of two Christian organisations in Ukraine.

When did you trust Christ?

I gave my heart to Jesus during my childhood. I grew up in a Christian family. I made a personal decision to follow Christ when I was 13. Since then, I have had no doubts in my faith that Jesus is my Saviour and my Lord.

What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?

Some crucial moments of my walk with the Lord include my baptism, being mentored by more experienced brothers in Christ, and becoming involved in hands-on ministry.

What do you hope to gain from participating?

Participation in the Forum has been an important part of my growth as a leader in ministry. I have discovered a better understanding of concepts such as leadership, ministry, management, partnership, and much more. Although I grew up in the Church and have extensive experience in various ministries, the speakers at the Forum helped me reach a new level. Today, I use Forum content a lot for personal development and for ministry.

What is your ministry?

The organizations I lead (Christian Leadership Development Foundation and the Christian Open Academy NGO) are part of the Eastern European Reformation ministry, led by Jaroslaw Lukasik. My main project is the Christian Open Academy. This program is designed to equip Christian leaders with the worldview, professionalism, and character necessary for effective ministry in the public sphere. My primary responsibility is to coordinate the programme and to facilitate various other areas of our ministry.

What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?

In the past, I have been a leader of a youth ministry, my church’s worship team, a summer camp team, and a community group for young men.

Why should someone invest in your ministry?

I really missed being at the Forum in person during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Then I was unable to come to the Forum due to restrictions related to the war in Ukraine, but I am finally able to attend again this year. I appreciate not only the seminars but also the opportunity to communicate with wonderful speakers and other participants, to inspire one another, and to pray for one another.