Russian Christians discuss the ‘mission of God’ in their homeland

Participants in the third annual ITCM (Institute of Theology and Christian Ministry) Conference (Photo provided)

Members of Churches of Christ across the former Soviet Union gathered in St. Petersburg, Russia, for the third annual conference of the Institute of Theology and Christian Ministry. The Church of Christ on the Neva hosted the event.
“Rediscovering the Disciple’s Identity and Role in the Mission of God” was the conference’s theme, said the institute’s director, Igor Egirev. Phil Jackson and Jay Jarboe, of Missions Resource Network, gave keynote addresses.
Here’s more information about the conference from Egirev’s report:

In addition, Konstantin Erofeev a lawyer and member of the St. Petersburg Bar Association, facilitated a seminar on “Religion and the Law,” sharing with us news about Russian religious legislation, explaining practical applications of the laws, highlighting specific legal missteps which churches in Russia sometimes make, speaking about the reasons for frequent inspections of nonprofit organizations.
A special guest at the conference was Dr. Royce Money, chancellor of Abilene Christian University in Texas and president from 1991 to 2010. In his remarks, Dr. Money highlighted the practical applications of Christian theological education. Evening sessions included Dr. Joy Rousseau, who taught at ITCM a in the past.
Gennady Scherbakov, an elder in the Syktyvkar Church of Christ commented: “The conference was very helpful for me in my ministry as evangelist. It helped me to see my mistakes and showed me new ways to approach human hearts. I’m thankful for those who organized it and participated in it, especially brothers Phil and Jay. Praise be to the Lord who provided everything to meet my need with such education and fellowship with Christians from many churches.”

See Joy McMillon’s 2006 feature on the institute.

• Feedback
  This is Fantastic! We are CofC Expats from TX &; LCU Alumni , currently living / working in Novorossiysk Russia. On the Black Sea. There is No CofC in our area but we worship with a lovely group of Christians here. I pray God’s Blessings on each of you and your families and that the Gospel will be spread through out Russia!

  MK Nance

  August, 27 2013

  Keep the Faith MK Nance….. very often I use internet for worship, a real blessing to us all. Praying for all in Christ.

  Robert Weyandt

  August, 29 2013