Iwo Gontarz is a theology student and a project coordinator at MW Books, translating and editing Christian books into Polish.
When did you trust Christ?
I was raised Catholic and was encouraged by my grandparents to serve in the church. When I was around 12 or 13, my parents decided to start attending a Baptist church, and I went with them. At first, I was sceptical, since Protestants in Poland are a small minority, but over time, I accepted this new reality. Throughout my life, I've depended on my trust in Jesus. However, it wasn’t until I was 15 or 16 that I developed an even deeper sense of relationship and union with Him. Through various experiences, I have realised that life with Him is better than any other life.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
At the age of 10, I struggled with the assurance of salvation. This struggle pushed me to search for answers in the Bible, which ultimately brought me encouragement. Around the same time, I made my first attempt to read the entire Bible, marking the beginning of my deeper engagement with Scripture. At age 13, I gained a fuller understanding of who Jesus is and the significance of His work. Around ages 15 and 16, I became Presbyterian in my convictions, which had a major impact on how I understood the biblical theme of covenant. I joined the Church later. Another important milestone was sensing a call to ministry. I wrestled with this calling between the ages of 15 and 18, but ultimately, the Church confirmed that initial sense of calling.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I hope to connect with other leaders and learn more about their ministries. Additionally, I’m looking forward to gaining practical insights about service 'in the field' from more experienced leaders.
What is your ministry?
I am in my third year of studying theology. Part of my ministry now involves my work as a Project Coordinator at MW Books, which is part of the European Christian Mission Foundation in Poland. My responsibilities include working on the translation and editing of Christian books. Additionally, I’m involved in a Youth Ministry Project based in the Lutheran Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland. This project aims to help local youth ministries stay connected and cooperate with one another. I am also the chairman of the Evangelical Theologians Association at my college, which involves organising academic activities for students. For several years, I have been preparing the Sunday service bulletins for the congregation in Kraków.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I served as a leader of a student ministry in a congregation in Kraków. My responsibilities included leading meetings, preparing for them, and facilitating reflection times. I also led Bible study groups. A few years ago, I was the Coordinator of an evangelistic ministry at a Baptist congregation. We focused on outreach and met weekly to study the Gospel of John, with me serving as the host.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
As a theology student, I am deeply committed to both my studies and my ministry. Pursuing this scholarship provides me with the opportunity to further my education and better prepare for future pastoral and academic roles. I am eager to learn from experienced leaders and theologians, equipping myself to serve more effectively within the broader Church. This financial support would enable me to focus more on my studies and ministry development, laying a strong foundation for my future service.
