Wisdom proclaimed. And Roses of Rememberance on a winter's day. Pathos shared.
It is always interesting to me to see how God speaks to me, in a fresh way, when I travel into Eastern Europe in ministry. The visit to Voronezh has proven no exception. Indeed, it has brought special blessing. Not only in meeting the families of former Bristo interns, Tima and Yulia, and the parents and siblings of our new intern Tania, who comes to Bristo in January. I so enjoyed the dignity and depth of the services, and found favour and enabling from God for preaching in both on the Sunday morning and evening, and in conversation with people. People appeared very receptive and engaged. Perhaps it is to do with the deep, latent spirituality of the Russian people, which a few decades of virulent demonic attack under communism could not wipe out; perhaps it was something special formed in the heart of this church, strengthened by God during persecution. Forgd by fire; and so committed to spiritual holiness and mission. Whatever the reason, God blessed the visit and spoke to me deeply on important matters.
Stoicho and I deeply appreciated conversation with the godly pastor of the church, Tanya’s father, Aleag Alexeev. He helped me gain insight into the style of Russian Baptist services, which last at least 2 hours, and where there are three of four sermons as well as times for open prayer, choral work and spiritual poetry.
The role of the first preacher is to present the Cross and the grace of God, drawing us into Jesus. This gives the people a reason for thanksgiving and a joy in coming to worship the living God. The role of the second preacher is to present teaching from the Bible, bringing us to focus on the Word of God. The role of the third preacher is to bring application of what has been preached into the lives of the people. And then there may be a 4th sermon, where one of the 3 who have preached is invited by the presiding elder to preach again, on the strength of wisdom expressed in their first sermon.
There is something to be learnt here, for the way we continually seek to develop a relevant and Christ centred ministry at Bristo. And I have no doubt that this is also but the beginning of a developing relationship with Baptists in this part of Russia’s heartland.
Stoicho and I deeply appreciated conversation with the godly pastor of the church, Tanya’s father, Aleag Alexeev. He helped me gain insight into the style of Russian Baptist services, which last at least 2 hours, and where there are three of four sermons as well as times for open prayer, choral work and spiritual poetry.
The role of the first preacher is to present the Cross and the grace of God, drawing us into Jesus. This gives the people a reason for thanksgiving and a joy in coming to worship the living God. The role of the second preacher is to present teaching from the Bible, bringing us to focus on the Word of God. The role of the third preacher is to bring application of what has been preached into the lives of the people. And then there may be a 4th sermon, where one of the 3 who have preached is invited by the presiding elder to preach again, on the strength of wisdom expressed in their first sermon.
There is something to be learnt here, for the way we continually seek to develop a relevant and Christ centred ministry at Bristo. And I have no doubt that this is also but the beginning of a developing relationship with Baptists in this part of Russia’s heartland.
