Less churches but more Jesus in Maribor, Slovenia
Thursday 27 December 2018 17:12 Bostjan Cifer writes: "We want to see ‘Europe full of churches’ In Maribor 2 local churches (ours and a Brethren Fellowship) were using the same building at different times each week for many years."
Bostjan Cifer explains what being ‘full of Jesus’ has meant in Maribor, Slovenia
"Over a few summers, as folk went on holiday and numbers were small we began to join with each other and of course friendship and fellowship grew among our members.
"There are many ways to see Europe ‘full of churches, full of people…’
"The idea of joining together permanently, came up almost 4 years ago and after much thought, careful prayers and discussions we amalgamated, and in mid-July 2018 moved to a bigger space that another evangelical church in Maribor is renting. We are very grateful that this group opened their hearts and doors to us and were willing to share their space. Our joint worship services now take place on Sunday mornings instead of the afternoons and there are currently, around 50 people gathered and it's so encouraging to see a new face almost every Sunday since we moved to this new space.
"But we want to be ‘full of people,
"We are slowly developing our common identity, building unity and hope to start officially functioning as a new body at the beginning of the next year (January 2019). There are many steps ahead of us in the development of elders, presentation of values and a vision of the church, as well as other areas of organisation. Being ‘full of Jesus’ means it will also be necessary to develop new ministries through which our believers will be able to get involved, meeting their own spiritual needs and those of others.
"We are aware that a church is a living organism and that we are here to make everyone fully mature in Christ (Colossians1:28). Praise God that the new elders get on very well and cooperate together because we all have the same goal: to place Christ and his word at the centre of our life and work. This is reflected in our first value:
"»We are aware that God has to be at the centre of everything we do as a church, as well as in the life of every member. We will therefore strive to seek God's will in every situation through God's word and prayer. We act like this to honour our Lord, who is in everything worthy of all glory, praise and honour.« ‘
"As God’s word states: ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’ (Ps. 133:1)
"Please pray for this new venture and as the church grows and reaches out."
Follow this link for more information on Bostian and Lidija Cifer.
