Abakan
In the family and at work,
with friends and among strangers, almost in every situation in life
we run into conflicts. They also are part of are lives as believers,
and they disturb peace and harmony in our families and in our
congregations. Some Christians look at conflicts pragmatically,
others are disappointed, others still close their eyes to the facts
because they have the illusion that conflicts and Christian humility
are incompatible.
Thinking about this,
understanding the nature of conflicts and finding a Christian
approach to them was the goal of the seminar held in the Abakan
region of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Urals, Siberia and
Far East from September 24 to 27. Various themes were approached,
such as examples of conflict in the Bible, psychology and conflict
studies, the theological concept of humility. During lively
discussions we looked at real life situations that are part of life
in and outside the congregation.
The main teacher for this
seminar was the leader of the “Equipping for Service” project,
Pastor Bradn Buerkle from St. Petersburg. The congregations in
Khakasia and the south of the Krasnoyarsk krai know him well and
respect him.
In order to include the
most people possible it was decided that the seminar would be held in
Abakan. Besides the locals, then, members from congregations in
neighboring Chernogorsk and also congregations further away –
Bograd and Kuragino – were able to attend.
The participants of the
seminar are thankful to God for the possibility to have this
wonderful meeting and hope that the knowledge and ideas gained at the
seminar will provide spiritual enrichment and further development of
congregations in the Abakan region.
Pastor Dmitry Schweitz
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