The “Wise Carpenter” Workshop — Shaping Young Men of Character

For many years, Serhiy Bobkov has been serving children and teenagers in the city of Sumy. His calling is not only to teach boys woodworking skills but also to help them become mature men of integrity, capable of building strong families and healthy communities.

Serhiy is a minister at the Ukrainian Evangelical Church “Christ for All.” The local congregation consists of around 80–100 people, including children, youth, and the elderly. He serves in several areas, but the workshop for boys, “Wise Carpenter,” holds a special place in his heart.

“This ministry is for boys aged 8 to 15. We teach them to work with tools and wood, but the main goal is character formation. The boys need to know the biblical vision of what it means to be a real man,” Serhiy shares.

 

“I have two sons, and I had long dreamed of a space where we could pass on not only practical skills but also spiritual values. I’m not alone: I have an assistant, and we serve together. The war has deeply impacted us: some people left, some returned, but we are holding on and continuing to serve.”

 

Serhiy assists the pastor, preaches, leads mentoring groups for teenagers, and supports youth ministry. But “Wise Carpenter” has become the key focus of his ministry.

The war has brought tremendous trials—not only due to danger but also because of shifting human responses. Some people stepped away from ministry. This led Serhiy to reflect more deeply on leadership and true calling.

“When challenges came, not everyone could stay. It forces you to reconsider: leadership is not just words, but a willingness to go to the end. We want to work with those who have stayed, especially with children from border villages.”

 

The biggest challenge today is not the lack of resources but the lack of people.

“We have everything we need: tools, materials. But we don’t have people. There were four of us—now there are two. We’re exhausted. We lack those who would truly take on the vision and serve with love and faithfulness.”

Forming a team is not easy: some men went to the front, others stepped away from ministry. This is not just an organizational problem—it’s a spiritual challenge.

“For me, it’s crucial that people realize their calling and serve not out of obligation, but from the heart. I advise those who want to serve to study, so they can have a deeper perspective on the Bible, ministry, and the church.”

Studying at UETS helps Serhiy to change. It is not just theory, but a practical path of spiritual growth.

“Honestly, at first, I didn’t have a special motivation to study the Bible deeply. I just loved God and wanted to serve. But I understood: to serve better, you need to study. Education helps you see broader, understand deeper.”

 

He began to approach preaching differently, learned to use additional resources, became less categorical and more open.

His understanding of the Church also changed.

“When you see students from different cities, you realize: your local church is just a part. The Church is much bigger. God works through each one of us.”

 

Serhiy is not chasing quick results.

“There are children who are not yet part of the church, but they already pray, are interested in the Bible. The fruits may appear years later. There is one boy who once came to play football, repented, was baptized, and now studies in seminary and serves children. That inspires me.”

Serhiy’s story is one of faithfulness, calling, and love for people. Even in wartime, he remains faithful to his calling — building a future by shaping a new generation of men whose character reflects God’s design.