Mark Potma is the Administrative Pastor at Church of the Brethren in the Czech Republic, whose ministry focus is leading Bible studies with young pastors and leaders he mentors.
When did you trust Christ?
When I was seven years old, my mom explained the Gospel and told me it wasn't enough that I belonged to a family of believers. She asked if I would like to pray to receive Christ as my Saviour, so I bowed my head and gave my life to Christ.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
From a young age, I had a desire to read and know God's Word, and to pass these truths to others. I have learned from elders and mentors, and received a big boost from my seminary training, including my youth ministry track and internship. I am grateful for many excellent role models over the years and good materials and resources.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I look forward to being part of a Bible study leaders cohort from across Europe, and I hope to improve my Bible study skills. Leading Bible studies is an important part of my ministry, as I mentor young pastors and leaders.
What is your ministry?
I am the Administrative Pastor for the Church of the Brethren in the Czech Republic and a cross-cultural missionary. My ministry is church planting, evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, preaching, leading Bible studies, and counseling. My administrative role includes vision casting, training, and mentoring pastors and ministry leaders, and supporting church plants through facilitating small groups, discipling new believers, leading worship, and leading Bible studies with many different groups.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I live and minister in the Czech Republic, the most non-religious country in the world (70%). Along with North Korea, it is one of two countries with a majority non-religious population. Evangelicals only represent 0.7% of the population. As a result, there are desperately few pastors, or other Christian leaders, and burnout or discouragement runs high among these few leaders.
