Team Renner:  Okay. So, what are some of the ministries or outreach programs that you and Pastor Paul lead within the church?

Polina:  Personally, we organize family conferences once a year and I’ve been involved for years in a ministry for young mothers and pregnant ladies. Over time, it evolved into a family ministry as fathers began to participate as well. It’s now a ministry for young families, led by another couple, but families always remain dear to my heart.

Team Renner:  That’s awesome. Does the church organize special events throughout the year?

Polina:  Yes, as mentioned, we have the annual family conference. We also celebrate Easter with a special concert, inviting homeless people to join us. This event includes participation from various denominations like Catholics, Lutherans, and Orthodox Christians. Christmas is another special time, during which we reach out to homeless people and organize a program for children. We aim to build relationships and trust with local families, in hopes they’ll join our church community. Additionally, we host concerts for elderly people, especially on Victory Day, supported by local government efforts.

Team Renner:  Do you rely mainly on government help for spreading the word about these events, or do you advertise them online?

Polina:  We advertise online through our website and social media. Additionally, we distribute around 10,000 flyers on the streets to invite people.

Team Renner:  Do affiliate churches work with you on these initiatives?

Polina:  Yes, affiliate churches often have similar programs during Christmas and Easter. If we distribute gift boxes of necessities to needy families, affiliate churches also help by distributing them to families on their lists.

Team Renner:  Do you visit the affiliate churches often?

Polina:  Not often, but we try to visit as much as possible. When Pastor Paul is preaching elsewhere, we have the opportunity to visit affiliate churches during their services.

Team Renner:  What has been the largest area of growth within the church over the past year?

Polina:  It’s hard to pinpoint due to the diversity of age groups we’re working with. However, we’ve observed more young families joining, possibly influenced by the political climate in Russia. We focus on supporting families and helping parents build strong bonds with their children. We’ve also shifted our service schedule to offer a youth-oriented service on Sundays, aiming to involve and support the youth in our community.

Team Renner:  What advice would you give to young women and men interested in getting involved in ministry?

Polina:  We’ve adjusted our approach to youth involvement, emphasizing integration into the main church activities. Youth now participate in various ministries, like the praise and worship team, and are encouraged to minister in children’s departments. Many youth naturally initiate their own ministries as an extension of their engagement in church activities.

Team Renner:  What does a typical Sunday morning look like at Moscow Good News Church?

Polina:  Travel to church takes about an hour to an hour and a half, so we start at 11 a.m. Volunteers arrive by 9 a.m. for choir practice and prayers. Families bring their kids to Sunday school, though younger children stay with parents for part of the service. We aim for children to experience shared worship before splitting off for classes. Post-service, we have a three-hour gap for fellowship, allowing people to connect or hold home group sessions. The church is active from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., covering various services and outreach.

Team Renner:  What advice would you give to parents on involving young children in church life?

Polina:  It’s crucial for children to see faith lived out at home, not just on Sundays. Engage them with God’s word and teachings early on, making it relatable through daily activities and conversations. Involve your children in ministry efforts, allowing them to witness and participate in acts of faith and service, thus instilling natural confidence in their beliefs.

Team Renner:  That’s great advice! What is the most rewarding aspect of pastoring, and what’s the most challenging?

Polina:  The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the transformative power of God’s word in people’s lives. The challenge lies in guiding people patiently, especially when they resist or struggle to understand the path they need to take.

Team Renner:  You mentioned outreach, but do you also organize mission trips?

Polina:  Yes, we’ve conducted regular mission trips over the past two years, involving youth in delivering aid and sharing hope with displaced individuals. Partnering with local churches enhances our efforts, ensuring continuous community support and spiritual growth for those we reach.

Team Renner:  Thank you for sharing. How do you collaborate with other denominations?

Polina:  Building relationships with denominations, like the Orthodox Church, through humanitarian projects and joint initiatives, fosters trust. Collaborative efforts in areas like book publishing and community events open opportunities for understanding and cooperation.

Team Renner:  Thank you so much for your time and answering our questions. We really appreciate it.