About 30% of Estonia’s population is of Slavic origin, which includes Russians, Russian-speaking Estonians, Ukrainian refugees (now 5% of the country population) and Belarussians. The need for intentional focus and strategic planning to see a Gospel movement among these people is high. Furthermore, there is potential for partnership and networking that expands elsewhere in the Nordic-Baltic Initiative, with connections already established with Russian-speaking pastors in Latvia. The three areas of focus are: developing a pastors’ conference, raising up the next generation of Gospel champions, and supporting church planting efforts. 

Pastors’ Conference: Annual Pastoral Conference (3 days, 2 nights) will center on rest and connection with the aim to develop stronger bonds and relationships among pastors (and in the future including pastors’ wives) and developing skills to strengthen resilience and perseverance. Pastors would also be able to grow in other necessary leadership areas to be determined specifically and individually.

Next Generation Ministry: Create a roadmap and design a comprehensive leadership training process for potential young Slavic leaders. This will include resources (print and video), consistent mentoring / coaching, and support for camp ministry.

Church Planting: Providing assessments, training and resources to ensure successful church planting among the Slavic population of Estonia, with support available for future connections elsewhere in the Nordic-Baltic Initiative.