K i e v – An era has ended for the “All-Ukrainian Union of Associations of Evangelical Christians-Baptists” (AUUAECB), the European continent’s largest Baptist federation. At this Union’s congress in Kiev from 10 to 14 May, retiring President Gregory Komendant (Kiev) was bidden farewell. Not only had he led this Union since it’s inception in 1994, he had previously served for four years as President of the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists in the Soviet Union. Following the breakup of the Soviet Union, independent Baptist unions were established in all former Soviet republics. Komendant was also President of the European Baptist Federaton (EBF) from 2001 to 2003.

In his report to the 650 conference delegates under the motto “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27), he labeled the spiritual strengthening of church members his greatest challenge. “Freedom has both good and bad aspects. This is also true regarding the life of the Church.” It has therefore been important to maintain the purity of evangelical teaching. Baptists are attempting to have a positive influence on Ukrainian society. They are struggling for the spiritual revival of their nation.

Komendant, who studied theology in Germany as well as in other countries, noted positive developments during his term of office. In the past 12 years, the number of congregations and mission stations has more than doubled from 1.301 to 2.827. The number of members has increased from 31.000 to 137.000. On the average, 8.500 persons have been baptised yearly, resulting in a total of 103.000. Komendant reported to the European Baptist Press Service that roughly 150.000 persons attend Sunday services. A major problem facing the congregations is the shortage of pastors. Not every person studying theology had received a true calling and was suited to the task.

An additional problem concerns the age of pastors: Of the Union’s 1.921 pastors, 209 are older than 70, indeed, 36 are already over 80 years of age. The church must therefore consider “how these elder servants can be replaced by younger ones”. In many congregations, pastors and elders are called to serve for a lifetime. Komendant commented that although the service of these experienced and proven leaders is highly valued, their physical frailty has limited effectiveness. Komendant also noted that 450 Ukrainian Baptists are active in world mission. These involve not only countries of the former Soviet Union, but also Australia, Bulgaria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the Middle East.

Called as Komendant’s successor is one of his former deputies: Superintendent Vyacheslav Nesteruk (Rivnu). Another deputy, Pastor Victor Kulbich, will become pastor in Butcha near Kiev. Kulbich had in recent years concerned himself with the Union’s internal dealings even though the office of General Secretary did not officially exist. The delegates now approved new leadership structures – they also created the first office of Executive Secretary. Called to serve in this position was Superintendent Valery Antonyuk (Poltava). A spiritual “Consultative Council” was also formed to advise the offical leaders. Komendant is chairman of this Council and will also remain a member of the Brotherhood Council, the church’s directing body.

Among the international guests attending the congress were the EBF President Helari Puu (Tallinn) and the EBF General Secretary Tony Peck (Prague). In his sermon Puu underscored the significance of God’s love: Love is evangelisation’s most important instrument. If the love of God is not evident among Christians, then all attempts at evangelisation will come to naught. Peck pointed in particular to the leadership qualities of Komendant: He had proven to be a wise counselor. Peck invited the church’s new leadership to continue the EBF’s tested and proven co-operation with the Ukrainian Union.