Nordic-Baltic churches set a foundation for the future

Have you ever wondered what God wants for your church?  

General details, like gathering and worshiping on Sundays, are simple. But what about new leaders or changing opportunities? Such a moment recently appeared for New Life Church in Stockholm, Sweden, and the Union of Free Evangelical and Baptist Churches of Estonia. 

That’s why disciples in these two organizations took full advantage of a decades-long partnership with Converge. They asked Converge Southwest regional president Bruce Sumner for support, and he invited Converge vice president of Church Strengthening Bruce Hopler. 

Upon arrival in early October, the pair quickly started cracking jokes with fellow Nordic-Baltic believers about being “Bruce 1” and “Bruce 2.” Even as they shared their joy in fellowship, their hearts were moved to keep serving these believers, like Paul D. Johnson, Jerry Sheveland and Bill Ankerberg have for more than 30 years. 

“I was a part of a bigger process,” Hopler said. 

These believers desired clarity and tangible action steps to make disciples in one of the world’s least-reached places. Only 2-3% of the region’s population claim to be followers of Christ.  

Related: Understand why millions in the Nordic-Baltic are missing the message. 

“Both [ministries] were able to work through and gain clarity for their future,” Hopler added. 

That progress came as leaders reflected with Hopler, who is certified in multiple strategic processes and custom designs what’s best for each ministry or church. That means helping churches figure out their reality, clarify God’s will and how they can participate in accomplishing his will. 

Hopler said Sumner made vital contributions and was a privilege to work with. He could count on Sumner to offer profound wisdom at the right time. 

“We’ve been privileged for the last couple of weeks,” Sumner added. 

An Estonian church leader said the time together created specific action plans that set a foundation for the future of ministry in his country. 

Related: Hear both Bruces and that leader share more about strengthening the ministries. 

As the Estonian and Swedish believers move forward in their new plans, Hopler and Sumner continue to support them. They’re continuing what Converge has long done: serving together to make disciples here, near and far because God is at work. 

“Our two giftednesses really complemented each other well,” Hopler said.  

And that shows every church with questions to answer has a way forward. 

If your church desires to grow stronger, reach out to your regional office to see how Converge can help. To learn more about ministry in the Nordic-Baltic, visit the Nordic-Baltic Initiative.