Piotr Gruchała is an elder and a faculty member at the Baptist Seminary in Poland.
When did you trust Christ?
I was raised in a Christian family. My parents were saved when I was about eight years old, and from that point, I began learning a lot about Jesus and the Bible. As a kid, I didn't understand my need for a Saviour, and I figured I just needed to do all the good things my parents told me to do. Things changed when I went to high school. I realised that I needed to commit to God fully. It was a complex process, but I left high school fully committed to the Lord.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
In high school, I spent a lot of time thinking about the question, 'What should I do as God's servant?' It didn't make sense to me that the only thing for me was to believe in Jesus and trust Him intellectually. Then, finally, a friend showed me how vital it is that we were all created to glorify Him, and that became the main thing I wanted to do with my life. During that same time, the pastor of my church was essential to me. He taught me the need to spread the Gospel and make disciples and encouraged me to attend seminary.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
At the Forum, I have learned how to communicate my knowledge better, been encouraged, and gained inspiration for our local community. It's always a great time of learning and fellowship for me. I leave every year knowing something more I can pass on to others I serve, being inspired to face many challenges of everyday Christianity, and making better relationships with my peers.
What is your ministry?
I'm currently serving as one of the elders in a local church in Poznan, teaching, preaching, and leading a discipling group in our community. Alongside my wife, I'm involved with pre-marital counselling. While working full-time in my day job, I work part-time at the Baptist Seminary in Warsaw, teaching Ancient Israel History and several courses related to Old Testament Theology. Occasionally, I'm invited to speak at youth conferences in Poland. I also love being involved in our church's café ministry to welcome people.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
Throughout my life, I've been involved in many ministries, mainly serving young people in Poland.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I am young and passionate. I love the church and dream of devoting my life to working for it. My calling from God is to learn and teach, and the Forum will help me in this area.
