Europe-Russia Leadership Conference Held in Frankfort
Europe-Russia Joint Leadership Conference started on August 17, 2015, three lectures were given.
INTRODUCTION
The first lecture was an introductory message delivered by Rev. Mark Spisak, explaining about the importance of developing oneself as a leader in order to expand mission more efficiently. In the Gospel of Mark 16:12-15 and in Luke 24, the disciples were rebuked by the Lord Jesus Christ as their eyes couldn't see the resurrection because of their doubts. Then the Lord brought them to another level, commanding them to make disciples of all nations and bring the good news to everyone.
We need to become better at what we do, just like Paul said to Timothy: "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1 Timothy 4:13-16), we need to be equipped for every good work so that we bring the good news to others more efficiently. This commandment is not just for the disciples, but for us, as well.
As we teach people, where do we lead them? To Christ. If our heart is not fully in Christ, then let us fix that and bring Christ to others. Luke 15 says there is more joy for one sinner who repents than for 99 righteous who don't need repentance.
FAITH AND FAMILY
The second lecture was on theme of Faith and Family with guidance for a godly marriage, delivered by Rev. Joao Cardoso. Faith and Family ministry's commission is to help singles, married couples and couples with children to have a blessed and holy married life in front of God.
There are three main categories of people: first, the singles. There are some who want to marry and some who don't want to marry. Those who don't want to marry, just like Paul, are very spiritual and full of faith. Those who want to marry need guidance in order to marry the right way.
Wedding ceremony is important as it is a vow to God but also a promise that husband and wife will stay together in the good times and bad times till death does them apart. It is also a public testimony towards the community around them, who witness their marriage and should help them in times of need.
FFF provides counseling to sustain marriages and it is also recommended to read good books on marriage. Married couples shouldn't be isolated but also have people close to them who have more experience in marriage, so they can have examples and counselors in times of trouble. The best is also to take advice on how to prevent some troubles from happening in the relationship.
FFF also provides programs for children in order for parents to have a time for relaxing. When children are born, one's personal time disappears. If husband and wife can't spend time together it is problematic. They need to have a time to re-strengthen their marriage and also times to have fellowship with other couples.
Children's education is very important. Childhood is the time of the life when they are the most receptive to become Christians. FFF wants to guide parents in providing children the awareness of their Christian inheritance and the importance of prayer in everyday life.
EVANGELISM
The third lecture was delivered by Rev. Spisak on the theme of Evangelism.
Evangelism is the main work of a Church leader, a pastor, a missionary, or a mission fellowship leader.
Romans 10:14-15: "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
One shouldn't go with fantasist expectations that 1000 will come right now, but do the work diligently and harvest the people. With the wrong expectations there is disappointment and Satan whispers discouraging words. One shouldn't stop at one person but keep on doing the work of evangelism.
Then, in the parable of the net in Matthew 13, there is this work of separating. Some people will accept the word, some others not, so we should keep the ones who receive Christ.
As we announce the good news, just like 1 Corinthians 2v1-5, one can prepare well a sermon, but it is not about human wisdom, It is "a demonstration of the spirit's power" that works. When you have faith in Jesus and depend on the Holy Spirit, you can experience miracles.
Finally, the core news we proclaim is Jesus Christ and him crucified. Evangelizing is taking up the cross out of love for the souls that need God. The cross is foolishness, but is the power of God, the power of love that saves.
