International ministry and leadership training has become a habit for the International Department of Youth and Christian Education. Already this year, ministry training teams have traveled to Romania, Mexico and the Philippines. Coordinated by YCE Coordinator Tony Lane, these teams are made up of lead/senior pastors, youth pastors, worship pastors, children’s pastors and discipleship pastors. Their purpose is to share practical training for local church leaders internationally.
At the invitation of Regional Superintendent, Jonathan Augustin, a team of 14 people recently formed a team to take ministry training to Poland and the Czech Republic. Lead by YCE Coordinator Tony Lane, the team members included Pastor Patrick and Krista Ballington, Worship Pastor Todd Sturgell and three additional members of the Stevens Creek Church Worship Band, Youth Pastor Johnny Ortiz, YCE Director Don Chavis, and Children’s Pastor Derrick Skelton. In addition, three others joined the team from European locations. These included Gabriel Tilea from Spain, Florin Plesa from Austria, and Phil Burton from Germany.
In Poland, the team participated in ministry and services in two locations. In the Czech Republic, the team was involved in a regional ministries training conference in Ostrava. More than 150 leaders and pastors from Poland and the Czech Republic were in attendance. This exceeded the expectations of the leadership and revealed the hunger of the people for training. From puppets to media to conflict management, those in attendance sat in workshops dealing with a variety of practical topics, taught by members of the team. The conference sessions were translated into Polish, Czech, and Hungarian at the same time. Following the conference, members of the team traveled to various cities to minister in churches the following day.
The team was challenged by all they experienced and to all they were exposed to. It was amazing to see how the Church of God has grown in the region within the last ten years. Regional Superintendent Jonathan Augustine accompanied the team and assisted with the logistical aspects of the experience. It is evident that his leadership is breathing life into this region. National Overseer, Jerry Lilliard, remarked that the conference encouraged and motivated him with new vision and hope.
Yes, the team traveled by planes, trains, and automobiles. Yes, the team encountered new cultures and various languages. Yes, the days were long. Yes, each member raised his own funds to be able to go However, the team felt that the mission was accomplished and they have invested of themselves and in so doing have experienced confirmation that all their investment will pay off in great dividends for the building of the kingdom in central Europe.
In order for the world to be reached, leaders must be trained around the world. The International YCE Department cares and is endeavoring to continue their involvement in international training. Plans are underway for additional international ministry and leadership training opportunities in Romania, Austria, and the Philippines in 2010/2011. For more information, call 423-478-7229 or write tlane@churchofgod.org.