Szymon Woźniak is a vicar and elder in Poland.
When did you trust Christ?
I was raised in a Christian family, and I didn't have that one 'aha' moment when everything became clear. When I was around 16, I understood there was no way for me to live a double life, being a Christian on weekends and a secular boy during the week. So, I started praying to God to make me His son so I could start living for Him entirely. At some point, I felt that something had changed. I was no longer afraid to share the Gospel with my friends in school. I have been following Christ and trying to shine His light since that point.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
I moved to Poznan to study, and my brother and his wife lived there. My brother had a group of around 20-30 people with whom he read the Bible. When I moved, he immediately gave me responsibilities with the youth group. The meetings with him and that small group of teenagers shaped my view of church, discipleship, and ministry. A year ago, our church voted for me unanimously as an elder. At that moment, I finally understood that our church recognises me as a leader, a person people can trust, and someone who glorifies God with his life. I burst into tears when we came back home. It was one of the best moments in my life that started a whole new chapter and helped me grow at a new pace.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I hope to gain practical tools to help people with trauma and to guide people in pastoral care. I also hope to gain inspiration for new activities and take a deeper look into my motivations. My goal is to bring some new volunteers with me. We are a young church with many young people who need to see different generations of people worshipping God.
What is your ministry?
I am one of six elders in our church. As an elder, my ministry revolves around a lot of discipleship. I am also a vicar. I preach regularly. Last but not least, I am part of a worship band that plays at the largest Baptist youth festival in Poland.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I co-led a youth group of 15-20 teenagers for two years. I was a leader and one of the speakers dozens of times during youth camps. For the last four years, I have led a small disciple group for guys 20-25 years old. I was one of the organisers of Refresh, the biggest Baptist festival in Poland for the younger generation.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I am contributing throughout the year to different ministries that serve others, like the 'Refresh Festival' for youth in Poland or paying for others to attend camps/conferences, but not for myself. I see that some people are in higher need when they are walking their first steps with Christ, and I want to invest in those people. Participating in ELF will significantly help me grow in the field God is sending me.
