In September, we launched the first Russian-speaking cohort of the Global Leadership Program with an in-person retreat in Turkey. This year-long program brings together leaders from Belarus, Finland, Latvia, Norway, the U.S., and Russia.
Our dream for GLP is much bigger than simply giving leaders new knowledge or tools. We are praying for transformation: that God would shape who they are, how they follow Him, how they lead, and how they invest in others. We also hope that this transformation will multiply as they disciple others and help raise new leaders.
The retreat was only the beginning of that journey, but it was encouraging to see some of the first shifts already happening.
Vera from Belarus wrote:
“Leading people begins with leading yourself, and leading yourself is possible when you know yourself and understand how God sees you.”
For Dasha from Moscow, the retreat challenged her understanding of leadership itself. She came without really knowing what to expect and thought the program might teach her how to manage people. Instead, one of her main conclusions was simple: “Leadership is discipleship.”
She has already been sharing what she learned with colleagues, friends, fellow university students, her small group, and people at church. Her perspective has shifted so noticeably that people around her have started asking to hear more.
Sveta from Tatarstan, Russia, was especially struck by the way Jesus developed people: “Christ asked questions rather than simply giving answers.” She has already begun applying one of the program’s planning tools as she helps think through a new preschool ministry in her church.
Over the coming months, participants will continue with online sessions, reading, mentoring, reflection, and practical leadership experiments. Just as importantly, they will walk this journey together, learning to ask questions, listen, challenge assumptions, pray, and support one another.
