The Estoninan Methodist Church Continues to Enhance and Grow its Youth Ministry Across the Denomination
By Bonnie Hollabaugh
In late July this year, Jack, Heather, and I visited the Estonian Methodist Church to talk with the director of youth ministries, Urmas Sassian, and district superintendent, Rev. Robert Tserenkov. The very first So That The World May Know Jesus grant funded by the Dr. Eddie H. and Mary Nell Fox Endowment for Evangelism given in 2022, supported The Estonian Methodist Church’s initiative toward building a strong youth ministry in every congregation.
I’d heard so much about the Methodist Church in Estonia over the years, and after my visit this summer, it was evident there have been decades of faithful leadership by laity and clergy that has helped shape a vibrant Wesleyan movement in this secular European country.
I was excited to hear the transformation stories from these leaders about what has taken place in their youth ministry development over the last three years. The Estonian Methodist youth are embracing their role as future leaders of the church and inviting friends to be part of this emerging Christian community!
In a report that Rev. Tserenkov sent me following our visit, he shared that this initiative is currently coordinating and developing youth ministry in 5 of the 25 congregations across Estonia, helping build cooperation between these youth groups ecumenically, training youth leaders, and organizing countrywide events.
Rev. Tserenkov also shared how the program is growing. Since receiving the grant, they have seen a…
- 28% increase in youth camp attendees
- 19% increase in winter camp participants
One youth member suffering from depression attended a camp for 11-14-year-olds and shared:
I thank all of you, because God brought me so much joy and the best people anyone could wish for. Just three days ago I was living my regular life, but now I see small changes. I thank people, who comforted and motivated me, really cared who I am and did not leave me sitting in the corner depressed, but took me on this journey with God. I feel loved and will share this love with you.
Another camper in the 15+ age group shared:
I got freed from my sins, as we wrote them on a piece of paper and burned them. I went forward for prayer, I experienced the presence of God and had wonderful people around me. Camp was really cool and great. Hearts were touched and minds were changed.
It’s worth mentioning that with the many distractions teens face, it can be hard to reach young people. The Estonian Methodist church’s youth ministry leadership are leveraging social media, with Instagram as the primary platform for engaging with the youth. Most of their posts receive about 2,000 views each, indicating the message is extending beyond just the youth and youth leaders in the program.
Of course, to build vibrant youth ministries, you need vibrant, empowered youth leaders. Part of the church’s plan includes developing and supporting them in this role. In the last four years, 21 dedicated youth leaders have received training and support for their ministry with the youth.
With the help of the Foundation’s grant, these young people are strengthening their witness and sharing it with others. We are helping equip and nurture a vital, growing youth ministry in a very secular part of the world!
I hope you’ll celebrate the amazing ministry being done with and through the young people of the Estonian Methodist Church – this work will shape Methodism in Estonia for years to come.
