Leonardo Cerasino is a pastor and church planter in Italy.
When did you trust Christ?
I trusted Christ on 4 March 1989 in Viterbo, Italy. I was in the military and thinking about how somebody had told me about her relationship with Jesus just a few days before. Then, I started to pray alone and, as a result, really began to feel God's presence. After that day, I began studying the New Testament, and since then, I have grown in my relationship with Christ.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
One of the most crucial moments was in 1990 when I decided not to follow my dream of becoming an officer in the military. Though I wanted this, I knew God was calling me in a different direction. That was a significant decision in my life, but I knew it was in obedience to God's will, and He has shown me so much through this decision.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
Italy is a very secular country, and as a result, I often feel isolated from what else is happening with other Christians across Europe. The Forum has been a precious experience, as it has connected me with other leaders across Europe and allowed me to see what God is doing all over Europe. It is also a valuable place for me to develop my leadership and teaching skills to serve those in my church and at Progetto Archippo better.
What is your ministry?
I am the pastor of a church in Parma, Italy. My wife and I founded this church in 2003, and the church has grown to over 250 members. In addition to leading this church, I organise groups within the church, develop leaders, and teach others. Currently, we are planting our fourth church in Italy. I am also the vice president and founder of Progetto Archippo, a formation school in Parma. I can teach and lead at this school and make it my ministry to do so with the love of Christ.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I have served as a pastor for over 20 years. In addition to leading this church, I develop leaders and teach others. I am also the vice president and founder of Progetto Archippo, a formation school in Parma.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
Through the support of others, I can be better equipped to be a leader in my church and serve others through my ministry. Additionally, my ministry is building future leaders, and attending the Forum is a significant factor in helping develop these leaders.
