Trans-European Division Pastoral Council

Pastors and spouses of the Trans-European Division met for an inspiring 5-day meeting in Belgrade, Serbia from August 28 to September 1 under the motto: Connect – Change – Inspire. Every five years the division organizes a pastoral council and this year’s meetings were a special blessing and motivation for Adventist clergy as they strive to reach today’s secular world.
Not only the choice of speakers showed how supportive the Division is of women pastors, but also the words of Division President Raafat Kamal at the closing service uplifted the value of women pastors: “I connected this afternoon with our women pastors. I thought I was asked to come in to affirm, to inspire and to pray with them… I walked out of that room connected, inspired and changed again. I had tears in my eyes. It was a humbling experience. I thought I will go in and encourage and pray for them. They encouraged me and prayed for me! And I always marvel, when I meet with our women pastors – I marvel at their humility, I marvel at their Christ-like characteristics. And this has to do with the cross, friends. Jesus Christ at the cross changes hearts and minds. What a beautiful connection they have. And I ask you to keep them in your prayers. How we treat them is important. The children, the young people, the community, are watching how we treat our women pastors. Keep them in your prayers. They are very, very precious, very valuable to our ministry.”
The Sabbath sermon was presented by Elizabeth Talbot, who emphasized how important it is that Christ is the centre of our ministry. Elizabeth Talbot is the Speaker/Director for the Jesus 101 Biblical Institute, a media ministry of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (www.jesus101.tv). Reflecting on her own motivation for this ministry, she declares that sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is “like fire in my bones.”
As one participant wrote on returning home, "I just want to say a 1,000 times thank you for an amazing time at EPC! I was so blessed by the whole programme, so well put together, with timely messages that anchored my heart in the love of Jesus, that lifted my spirit via the music and singing and gave me hope to continue on the road forward!"
Her words fully represent the pastors, spouses, other workers and volunteers, who are now armed with new connections and renewed inspiration. With Christ confirmed at the centre, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, change is inevitable. This kind of inspiration is what the church needs.
Watch all the plenary sessions on youtube:
www.youtube.com/playlist