Thomas Kraus is a ministry and non-profit leader in Romania.
When did you trust Christ?
My earliest recollection was when I was four years old, and I felt like the Holy Spirit was moving me to make a commitment. I got out of bed in the night and went to my father, who serves as a pastor, and asked him to pray with me, as I wanted to repent of my sins. When I was 16, I was listening to a sermon by the late German evangelist and political leader Gerhard Heinzmann. He made an altar call. After the service, we prayed together, and I repented of my sins, committed my life to Christ, and had a born-again experience that has irreversibly shaped my life and thinking.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
A few of my defining moments have included listening to great Christian leaders from across Europe at my parents' dinner table, learning from failure and dealing with the temptations that come with success, meeting remarkable leaders in my adult life, and taking risks in both my ministry and professional life.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I hope to achieve the following by embarking on a growth journey together with other corporate and religious leaders, and to draw inspiration from the innovation process in both business and ministry development. I want to develop meaningful, trust-based relationships based on truth and an authentic desire to serve. I desire to clarify what drives me in my entrepreneurial quest and how to focus on what God wants me to do.
What is your ministry?
I am the founder and chair of several ministries: Bridges of Faith, Embassy Connections, and the Alpha Course in Romania. Bridges of Faith is a non-profit serving refugees, orphans, and families affected by the war in Ukraine. Embassy Connections engages with diplomats, politicians, and corporate leaders to advance the Kingdom at the highest level. I also serve as the National Coordinator for Lausanne in Romania and co-founded the Alois Leadership Institute, which trains leaders for secular and Christian contexts.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I served as a Youth Ministry Pastor for eight years and as President of the Student and Alumni Association for International Relations, European Studies, and Security Studies. My other experience includes working as Secretary of the Special Commission for Public Health and NGOs for the County Council, as well as serving as a Member of the Sibiu County Council. I also had the honour of being a Special Advisor to the Vice Prime Minister of Romania. Additionally, I have contributed to regional development as Vice President of the Sibiu County Tourist Association and represented Romania in Brussels at the Committee of Regions.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
We believe this ministry belongs to the Lord, not to us, and everything we do is purpose and faith-driven. We are committed to the Great Commission, taking the Gospel to the marketplace, businesses, and city squares. Our approach is relational and dedicated to excellence, striving to be trendsetters who help shape culture. We recognise that our work requires the collaborative effort of many generous stewards and the wisdom to make sound, consequential decisions. Unlocking the potential of nearly two million evangelicals living in Romania for ministry is not only a good idea but also deeply aligned with the Great Commission. Ultimately, we need one another because the fruit of our work is meant to be shared.
