Mateusz Benka is a preacher at his church in Poland.
When did you trust Christ?
In 2016, due to a threat to my life, I gave my life to Jesus as my Savior. It happened at a scout camp in the Polish mountains. I was overcome with a strong sense of dependence on God, whom I had known since childhood, but I did not want to submit. Now, I am much closer to the 'transcendent' God than the 'immanent' God (of course, in Jesus we see both images).
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
One defining moment was my separation from my girlfriend in 2019-2020, which resulted in my desire to devote myself to service in church. Then, in 2021, I started studying at the seminary and joined a four-year expository preaching course. These two activities taught me respect for other denominations, interpretations, etc. Another important activity that lasted two years (2020-2021) was attending men's Saturday morning prayer.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
The Forum will equip me with additional tools for serving as a preacher. Additionally, I will be able to meet many people from other countries and denominations, and I will be able to be encouraged through lectures.
What is your ministry?
As a pastor, I teach biblical exegesis and text exposition to young adults and occasionally preach and lead services.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I led a youth group for four years (2017-2021) at a Baptist church in Gdansk. Before my current role at the church in Gdansk, I was a preacher in Sopot, and my wife and I hosted groups for young adults in our house.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I am a young man willing to listen and ready to make corrections in my ministry. I want to preach the Word of God better for God's glory. Moreover, there is a lack of young people in Poland who are willing to take responsibility for others.
