Mila Palozzi oversees the Community Life ministry for her church in Italy.
When did you trust Christ?
I trusted Christ as my saviour when I was a university student at 23 years old.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
The first couple that discipled me as soon as I came to Christ profoundly shaped my faith. Their commitment to Christ, passion for the soul, hospitality, and sacrificial love greatly impacted my life up until today. A few years later, when I was working in a bank and moved to Rome, I attended Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), an interdenominational ministry that the Lord significantly used to nourish my faith and challenge my growth. First, I learned a lot as a participant from the theological depth of the studies provided. Later, when I joined as a leader, the sacrificial standards of commitment required and the fellowship with other mature believers were excellent sources for my spiritual and character growth. Finally, this incredible experience with BSF served as a bridge for a life-changing decision the Lord led me to years later: leaving my job and moving to the United States for three years to study in a Bible school. The Lord used this significant step of faith to draw me closer to Himself.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I feel more connected to the European Church, through the relationships I have made at ELF and am, therefore, more encouraged and inspired in my ministry. The plenaries are a pure boost of hope and joy because of the anointing of the preaching and the power of worship together as a body of hundreds of believers! I love it and I value it! It is a great place where I can connect with my European family, grow in my leadership by learning from those who have more experience and wisdom, and build relationships with brothers and sisters that benefit me both on a ministry and on a personal level. After ELF, I go back home encouraged and refreshed.
What is your ministry?
My main areas of ministry in the church are assisting the lead pastor in implementing the church vision, preaching and teaching classes on a regular basis, overseeing home groups and discipleship, organising church events and outreaches to the community, and helping church members through pastoral care. I am also involved in a church plant in my home town, an hour south of Rome, where I lead a house church, train new believers, and plan evangelistic events. Other churches and organisations around Italy also invite me to speak in different regions of Italy.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
From 2007 to 2010, I served as a Discussion leader and then as a Children's leader at Bible Study Fellowship. From 2010 to 2013, I served on the Student Council of my Bible school. From 2015 to 2017, I served part-time at Hopera Church, helping the Lead Pastor with discipleship, evangelism, and training new leaders. From 2018 until today, I have been serving in Hopera Church in a full-time role as the Director of Community Life.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I long to learn more to serve my church and country better. Italy offers very few opportunities to be trained, and I would love to learn to be better equipped to train others.
