On November 20–22, the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary held its first-ever Pastoral Consultation on Church Planting and Multiplication, a gathering that brought together 40 pastors and ministry leaders from across Ukraine.
What made this event unique was the partnership with Asbury Theological Seminary, turning the consultation into not only a Ukrainian initiative but also a valuable contribution to the global conversation on how churches are being planted and growing today.
This was the kind of format pastors had been longing for: plenty of informal interaction, space for honest questions, deep conversations, sincere prayer, and a place where one could simply be themselves and share the true story of their ministry.
Throughout the three days, participants heard five presentations from pastors who planted new congregations over the past five years — in Kyiv, Odesa, Izium, and Khust.
The churches varied in format, audience, and context:
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communities for thoughtful and creative people,
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ministries for non-formal youth,
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churches serving people struggling with addictions,
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congregations formed among the displaced or those who experienced loss.
Each story emerged from the real challenges of its city:
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Social: poverty, addiction, trauma
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Demographic: migration, absence of young people, shifting urban environments
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Spiritual: search for meaning, crisis of faith, rebuilding trust
After every presentation, pastors gathered in small groups for 30 minutes to analyze what they heard, share their own experience, discuss practical tools, and pray for one another and their communities.
This became both a deep source of inspiration and a highly practical learning format.
The diverse experience, grounded in real work with new church plants, was incredibly valuable.
Eduard, Khust
Special Guest — Dr. Gregg Okesson: Missiologist, Professor, Third-Generation Missionary
A significant highlight of the consultation was the participation of Dr. Gregg Okesson, Professor of Missiology and Leadership at Asbury Theological Seminary, missionary, and founder of the Church Multiplication Center.
During the consultation, he:
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shared his vision of global mission today,
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introduced the work and purpose of the Church Multiplication Center,
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presented 10 key principles of church planting,
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emphasized the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry during wartime,
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listened attentively and took notes on the Ukrainian experience.
In fact, Dr. Okesson spent most of his time listening—and this became one of the most meaningful aspects of the event.
The Ukrainian stories gathered during the consultation will form the basis for upcoming publications at Asbury Seminary, with the potential to inspire pastors around the world.
The principles Dr. Okesson shared helped me form a more holistic understanding of planting new churches.
Maksym, Mukachevo
Planting a Church During War Is a Public Proclamation of the Gospel
One of the central insights of the consultation was that church planting in Ukraine today is not just a ministry strategy — it is a public declaration of the Good News.
In a time marked by loss, uncertainty, and constant challenges, the church becomes:
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a place of refuge,
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compassion,
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spiritual grounding,
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a community that heals and restores.
Ukrainian pastors today are not only leaders. They are witnesses of God’s presence on the frontlines of broken lives and devastated cities.
A Partnership That Bears Fruit
Both UETS and Asbury Seminary reaffirmed their commitment to developing this platform, supporting a movement of healthy, multiplying churches in various contexts — from major cities to the smallest towns.
This consultation was not only the first of its kind — it proved to be essential, and many pastors expressed a desire to return next year.
We believe this event will bear fruit for the Church in Ukraine and far beyond its borders.
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