CRM Empowering Leaders

In late 1991, CRM began deploying staff to the Soviet Union to Leningrad, or what is now known as St. Petersburg, Russia. There, amidst a broken society filled with mistrust and authoritarianism, they had to endure through many crises where it seemed the window of opportunity for ministry would close again. Yet, maintaining the long-term perspective has paid off. Not only does Ethne continue to have a presence in St. Petersburg, but it has expanded to the cities of Kursk and Novomichurinsk.

St. Petersburg

From the very beginning, CRM staff in Russia have valued incarnational ministry that empowers local leaders and a Russian vision for the church, focusing on personal contacts and trust with Russian leaders. This intimate, hands-on approach utilizes discipleship, mentoring, seminars, and Bible college teaching. The ministry emphasizes personal and group leadership mentoring in a variety of contexts—such as local churches, charitable organizations, and Christian higher education—so that Russians gain a vision for what God wants to do in their own lives and ministries.

In the late 1990s, CRM staff began The Harbor for orphans in St. Petersburg. Recognizing that state institutions kick out several thousand orphans a year once they reach age 17—often leading them to crime and even suicide, as they are ill-equipped to navigiate through life—The Harbor instead offers a transitional program. Living in residential family-style communities, orphans can receive an education, learning the skills necessary to maintain a home and thrive in Russian society.

Kursk

In 2010, the Kursk team decided to open The Harbor of Kursk, partnering with The Harbor of St. Petersburg. There, youth are mentored and encouraged, developing them in ways that would not otherwise happen due to the inadequate orphan care systems of state institutions. The ministry provides care ranging from practical training through internships, to personal cultivation through relationship. This holistic approach results in the youth gaining skill sets that prepare them for entering into society and into adulthood, as well as more healthy maturation and self-worth.

Novomichurinsk

The Novo Youth Center (NYC) will place itself on the boundary between the Church and the world, allowing non-believers to see and experience the Gospel lived out in Christian community, while allowing believers to take part in mission. Its purpose is to create an environment where spiritual formation occurs in the context of community while community is experienced in the context of mission. By cultivating missional community, leaders can be equipped and empowered—overcoming the authoritarianism and distrust that plagues Russian churches.

The goal of NYC is to develop servant leaders: men and women who have a deep sense of the presence of Jesus in their lives; who have been mentored and are mentoring others; and who regularly “impart not only the gospel of God but also their very lives” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Such leaders will be the catalyst for a movement locally, in the regional churches, and throughout the Russian Federation.

Use the links to the right to learn more about Ethne Russia and various opportunities for getting involved.

Stories from Ethne Russia

Orphans Reaching Orphans

I met Nastya right after we moved to Russia in 2007. She was already a few years out of the Harbor (a residential ministry for...

The Harbor in St. Petersburg

The Harbor St. Petersburg exists to find the lost and forgotten orphans who are aging out of the Russian state system and who have a desire to succeed. Once identified, The Harbor works to develop...