The first seminar of the two-year project "Online Course for Preachers" took place in January. Twice a year, students from all over Siberia and Ural meet for a seminar on site. In addition, a zoom meeting takes place every Saturday for a few hours, in which content is conveyed, questions are dealt with and tasks are asked. The aim is to familiarize young Christians with the word of God and to enable them to participate in the community and in the pastoral ministry. Alexander Scheiermann, Bishop of ELKUSFO and co-initiator of the course, reports on the first seminar in January:
Two lecturers were invited: Missionary and Pastor Waldemar Lies and Prof. Dr. Eberhard Hahn. The latter has taught by zoom about faith, confession, Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit and discernment of spirits. The last topic raised many questions. Waldemar Lies spoke about reconciliation and forgiveness, conflicts and their solutions. There were many questions, a lot of exchange and enough time for practical exercises. Each student had prepared a devotion and sermon. Then we discussed them and gave feedback. Some have already been practiced, while others have for the first time given a devotion or sermon. The willingness to learn and to carry on and bear witness to the Gospel touched and motivated me enormously. Some attended the seminar with such joy and personal enthusiasm. This love for Jesus made me very happy. As long as we have such motivated people, the church will live Jesus.
