Sep 13, 2024, 4:40 AMPastor Ratko RisteskiPaisley
Church Leaders Training "You Will Keep Them If You Care" in Paisley
The seminar for deacons, deaconesses, and other church leaders at Paisley Church centred around the theme "You Will Keep Them if You Care." Organised by the local church in late July, the event featured Pastor Neven Klachmer, the Executive Secretary of the Croatian Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as the special guest speaker. Upon receiving an invitation from Pastor Ratko Risteski on behalf of the church board, Pastor Klachmer gladly accepted the opportunity to share his insights with the church leaders in this vibrant community near Glasgow. Drawing from his 20 years of experience, Pastor Klachmer emphasised the importance of diaconal care and the preservation of believers, following the example set by Jesus Christ.
The seminar received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local church members, leading the church leaders to request Pastor Klachmer to repeat the seminar in a condensed form on the Saturday that followed. The community came together for a full day of fellowship, including a shared lunch. In addition to delivering a sermon on the significance of spiritual servant leadership, Pastor Klachmer addressed the importance of caring for those who have left the church, personal spiritual growth to meet the needs of others, and practical strategies for retaining or reintegrating individuals who have distanced themselves from the church or from God. These practical topics generated significant interest among attendees.
One participant shared, "I am exhilarated by Pastor Klachmer's visit to Paisley Church. His message rekindled my spirit, as I was beginning to lose faith in my community." Another remarked, "We are truly blessed to have Pastor Klachmer at Paisley Church. The topic of cultivating spiritual leadership has deeply moved me." Beyond the theoretical learning, church members and the guest speaker engaged in fellowship during Pastor Klachmer's two weekends of visits, exchanging experiences and learning from one another. The gathering culminated in a communion service led by Pastors Risteski and Klachmer.
During the expression of gratitude for his visit and the blessings bestowed through his ministry, Pastor Klachmer recounted his journey to Paisley Church. On the day of his arrival in the UK, he faced disruptions in the global IT system at airports. Upon reaching Heathrow Airport in London, he learned that he had missed his connecting flight to Glasgow. Despite the initial disappointment at the prospect of returning home without fulfilling his mission, this setback only heightened his determination to reach his destination as guided by God. Amidst the chaos at the expansive British airport, he prayed and approached the information desk for assistance. Although initially refused, he insisted, "I must be in Glasgow tomorrow because I have an important message to convey to the believers awaiting my arrival. I am a preacher of the Gospel." In response, the customer service agent sought intervention from her superiors, and within moments, Pastor Klachmer was escorted through a special passage to security and the boarding gate. "Praise the great God!" exclaimed Pastor Klachmer, with the members of Paisley Church joining in, uplifted through shared learning and encouragement. The church presented Pastor Klachmer with gifts, and the church leaders and pastors extended their heartfelt blessings and prayers for his future ministry.
The seminar for deacons, deaconesses, and other church leaders at Paisley Church centred around the theme "You Will Keep Them if You Care." Organised by the local church in late July, the event featured Pastor Neven Klachmer, the Executive Secretary of the Croatian Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as the special guest speaker. Upon receiving an invitation from Pastor Ratko Risteski on behalf of the church board, Pastor Klachmer gladly accepted the opportunity to share his insights with the church leaders in this vibrant community near Glasgow. Drawing from his 20 years of experience, Pastor Klachmer emphasised the importance of diaconal care and the preservation of believers, following the example set by Jesus Christ.
The seminar received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local church members, leading the church leaders to request Pastor Klachmer to repeat the seminar in a condensed form on the Saturday that followed. The community came together for a full day of fellowship, including a shared lunch. In addition to delivering a sermon on the significance of spiritual servant leadership, Pastor Klachmer addressed the importance of caring for those who have left the church, personal spiritual growth to meet the needs of others, and practical strategies for retaining or reintegrating individuals who have distanced themselves from the church or from God. These practical topics generated significant interest among attendees.
One participant shared, "I am exhilarated by Pastor Klachmer's visit to Paisley Church. His message rekindled my spirit, as I was beginning to lose faith in my community." Another remarked, "We are truly blessed to have Pastor Klachmer at Paisley Church. The topic of cultivating spiritual leadership has deeply moved me." Beyond the theoretical learning, church members and the guest speaker engaged in fellowship during Pastor Klachmer's two weekends of visits, exchanging experiences and learning from one another. The gathering culminated in a communion service led by Pastors Risteski and Klachmer.
During the expression of gratitude for his visit and the blessings bestowed through his ministry, Pastor Klachmer recounted his journey to Paisley Church. On the day of his arrival in the UK, he faced disruptions in the global IT system at airports. Upon reaching Heathrow Airport in London, he learned that he had missed his connecting flight to Glasgow. Despite the initial disappointment at the prospect of returning home without fulfilling his mission, this setback only heightened his determination to reach his destination as guided by God. Amidst the chaos at the expansive British airport, he prayed and approached the information desk for assistance. Although initially refused, he insisted, "I must be in Glasgow tomorrow because I have an important message to convey to the believers awaiting my arrival. I am a preacher of the Gospel." In response, the customer service agent sought intervention from her superiors, and within moments, Pastor Klachmer was escorted through a special passage to security and the boarding gate. "Praise the great God!" exclaimed Pastor Klachmer, with the members of Paisley Church joining in, uplifted through shared learning and encouragement. The church presented Pastor Klachmer with gifts, and the church leaders and pastors extended their heartfelt blessings and prayers for his future ministry.
