Jan Henzel is the Founder and President of The Gospel Coalition in Slovakia.
When did you trust Christ?
I accepted Christ in 1969, at age 15, during an evangelistic summer camp. My decision was preceded by several months of personal spiritual struggle, during which I was acutely aware of my sinfulness. I knew about Christ's death for me, but it was only at the camp that I surrendered my life to Him.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
My pastor and predecessor discipled me for several years and helped develop my love for the Bible and sound theological books. In 1972, I applied to study theology but was not allowed by our Communist state authorities. After that, I was closely watched by the secret police and could not receive a promotion at work until the fall of Communism in 1989. From 1992 to 1993, I completed my first theological degree at London Bible College. In 2001, I completed my PhD in Systematic Theology.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
The Forum has helped me understand the context of our ministry in Slovakia and internationally. Networking with like-minded leaders has multiplied our efforts. I have also received encouragement and willing support for our ministry, and I am still receiving personal spiritual strength. I am getting to know other evangelical leaders and getting orientation in some complex theological and cultural issues.
What is your ministry?
I am the founder and president of The Gospel Coalition in Slovakia. My responsibilities include chairing the board meetings, representing the Coalition, and giving direction in its mission and ministry.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
In the past, I have served as the General Secretary of Cirkev Bratska, representing the Evangelical Free denomination to other denominations inside and outside Slovakia and the state. I also served on the Theological Committee of the International Federation of Free Evangelical Churches.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I desire to enrich and expand my expositional preaching ministry in my church and abroad. It is essential for people to focus on what God wants to say to them through His Word rather than focusing on what makes them feel good. I want to serve and teach a broader range of people. By investing in my ministry, you can encourage the integration of Eastern European ministry and theological research into the international Evangelical movement. As evangelical Christians, we are called to be agents of hope for Europe.
