Recently, we had a great conversation with Marina Porfilova, the student of the Applied Theology program at UETS, about the importance of developing teenage leaders and the role of theological education in organizing ministries. Marina previously lived and did ministry work in Ukraine. However, after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she relocated to Warsaw, where she now leads the teenage ministry at the Word of Faith church.
Before the Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Marina volunteered at a cultural organization ISHIFT (the Cultural and Community Center), in Ukraine that focused on working with teenagers and young people. As part of ISHIFT organization, she organized movie nights and discussion clubs for teenagers, and they even opened a cafe to host these events. Additionally, they conducted evangelistic projects in regional villages. Marina was also deeply involved in her church’s ministry, including Sunday school teaching and being a part of media ministry.
For nearly two years, Marina has been serving at the Word of Faith Church in Warsaw. She recounted her initial plan to move to Canada after evacuating as the full-scale invasion happened, but felt a strong calling to support the teenage ministry in Warsaw. She prayed for guidance and felt that the Lord directed her to this ministry, which desperately needed a leader. Despite the small group of teenagers initially attending the church, Marina saw potential and began to gather more teens.
Within a month, the teenage group, comprising mostly Ukrainians and Belarusians, grew from 9 to 30 members. Together, they established a leadership team, a worship team, and a media team. Marina’s vision is to help teenagers recognize their strengths, develop a relationship with God, and use their talents to glorify Him. She believes that understanding and fulfilling their purpose is the most fulfilling path for them. Marina is thrilled to see this vision becoming a reality, as these teenagers now serve in orphanages, volunteer organizations, evangelize, and organize events, striving to positively influence their surroundings. Marina firmly believes in the incredible potential of teenagers. Through her work, she witnesses the remarkable contributions they make. “The main thing,” she says, “is to guide and help them.”
However, Marina acknowledges the challenges in her ministry: “I did not have enough people who shared my vision and could help make it a reality. Additionally, I am learning to communicate better: to express my opinions, to understand the boundaries of my responsibilities, and to avoid being authoritarian,” she shared.
Marina also discussed how her seminary studies have impacted her ministry: “To be honest, everything I know now I learned at the seminary. I can organize and streamline the ministry, articulate its mission and vision, develop a strategy, and plan effectively. I can organize large events and distinguish between realistic and unrealistic expectations. Initially, I underestimated the importance of theology, but I was later surprised by the vast scope of the field.”
Please follow the link to see more details on the Applied Theology Program