Joel Tuchscherer is a leader at Equipped to Live Strong (ETLS) in Germany.
When did you trust Christ?
I grew up in a Christian home. I first said I wanted to give my life to Jesus at 4 years old, but it was at age 14 that I first realised that I could not work my way into heaven and had to accept the offering Jesus made on the cross. I remember my parents explaining the Gospel to me after I had questions. I remember getting up the following day and having joy like I had never known. It was rainy, and my day was not good, but I could do nothing else but have overflowing joy.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
When I was 19, I had a significant breakdown of faith. My Bible reading and prayer life was dry and lacked joy and interest. I wasn't even convinced anymore if God was real. So, I told the Lord I wanted to know if He existed, but I would accept that cruel reality if He didn't exist. I only wanted to know the truth. Three days later, the Lord spoke to me clearly during a Christian conference: 'Joel, you need a new heart!' So, I pleaded to receive that heart. On that day, my life completely changed. I confessed and lived my faith in a way that was unthinkable to me before. I began sharing my faith daily at work. Now, I am leading outreaches in our city and preaching on the street.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
The Forum has been a huge help in educating and connecting me with other European leaders. It has also greatly helped sharpen the focus of our ministry. I hope to meet other Christians with the same heart, hear about their ministries and ways to impact the church, and learn from them.
What is your ministry?
We are working for a revival of the church in Germany. For that reason, we connect with current ministries and use videos and seminars to equip Christians while creating tracts for evangelism. A significant part of our work is networking, connecting with Christians in churches and ministries to work together and to put together experiences, thoughts, and programmes because we need each other to reach that goal of revival.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I was part of leadership in the Church 'Lahoe' work. From 2019-2021, I studied for the Bachelor of Professionals; a manager-position study part of that program was to lead a supermarket from 2021 to today. I am leading different outreaches in Gießen, Freiburg, and Karlsruhe. I lead the Ministry of ETLS as part of a small team, working the Vision into Practice, personal recruitment, networking, and overseeing the overall ministry.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I will live my whole life for the church, to see the beauty of Christ in her and see her expand. I want to learn. I am open to any change in God's will and way based on the foundation of God's Word. I don't lean on my strength but will do God's will. Our task is impossible, and I will only trust His strength, work, and leadership skills.
