ORENBURG – “If you love your ministry more than the One you serve, that is a problem. We need to examine our hearts and our motives.”
This message was highlighted by Pastor Alexander Shulga of the Good News Church in Gai during the worship conference “Bless the Lord, O My Soul!”
The conference took place on May 30 at Christ the Savior Church and brought together around one hundred participants from churches across the Orenburg Region and the Republic of Bashkortostan.
Now in its fourth year, the conference aims to encourage the spiritual growth of worship leaders, strengthen relationships between churches, and foster collaborative ministry.
According to the organizers, the conference has become a place where worship leaders from across the region can learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and develop cooperation between churches. One of the event’s key goals is to promote a shared vision of ministry among pastors and worship teams.
The speakers included Alexander Shulga, Svetlana Panina, wife of the regional presbyter; Anna Deykina, worship leader at the Good News Church in Novotroitsk; and Maria Kamalova, worship leader at New Life Church in Orenburg.
Participants reflected on the motivations behind ministry, their personal relationship with God, faithfulness to their calling, and trusting the Lord in various life circumstances.
Svetlana Panina spoke about the importance of sincere worship, Anna Deykina encouraged faithfulness in ministry, and Maria Kamalova shared insights on trusting God even when circumstances unfold differently than expected.
The conference concluded with a united evening of praise and worship led by worship teams from three churches of the Orenburg regional association.
The region also has a regional worship team that brings together worship ministers from different churches. The team serves at interchurch events and helps strengthen cooperation among worship ministries throughout the region.
Natalya Molokanova, one of the conference participants, shared her impressions:
“Everyone received a word for their life and ministry. The speakers shared their experience, prayed with us, and offered practical guidance for the growth of worship teams.”
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith Pentecostals
