Finding family and friends in Wisła
What do a history podcast, a ski resort in Poland, and 800 Christian leaders have in common? A story of unexpected connection, sacrificial faith, and the friendships that sustain God's work across Europe.
Continental Connections
One night during my time at the European Leadership Forum (ELF), I walked back to my room late after a long evening (of pastoral work) in the bar. I opened the door quietly, only to find my roommate fast asleep—with The Rest is History podcast playing softly in the background.
It was a massive relief to me. You see, I have a somewhat embarrassing habit of needing that exact same history podcast to fall asleep. I had spent the whole week worrying my roommate would find me completely bizarre. As it turned out, we weren't just brothers ‘in Christ’ (Matthew 12:48-50) we were also brothers ‘in podcast preferences’ (Additions 4:6).
That sense of surprising connection accurately sums up my first time attending ELF in Wisła, Poland. Wisła is a beautiful ski resort town, and being there alongside 800 other leaders felt like a true spiritual retreat.
ELF exists to unite, equip, and resource evangelical leaders right across the continent. Relational Mission was invited to run a specific ‘network’ (training track) focused on Church Life, Leadership, and Planting. Essentially, it was our chance to share the things we value most with the wider body of Christ.
Stories from the frontlines
My job was to host our specific network (seminar stream) and lead a small table group, which meant that in eight sessions, over four days, I sat with the same five leaders. On our very first day, we paused to pray. I was deeply moved by how quickly they opened up and shared their burdens. We had only just met, but we instantly felt like family.
The sheer variety of people was incredible. Here are some of those I chatted with:
A woman whose sole job is caring for the women in her small church
A leader supporting communities deeply traumatised by war across multiple nations
A retired golf pro volunteering behind a video camera
Even my own cousin-in-law (it’s a real thing, look it up), a doctor helping leaders think through tough ethical questions!
The team facilitating Relational Mission’s network was gathered from our churches all over Europe.
A profound sense of gratitude
Getting a small glimpse into these lives was an absolute honour. Many of these men and women serve in difficult, lonely, and highly sacrificial settings. Seeing them pour their hearts and lives out gave me a fresh perspective on my own life.
Every organisation has its strengths and weaknesses. However, walking away from Poland, I was filled with a deep gratitude for the relational strength of Relational Mission. I wasn't just serving alongside colleagues; I was serving alongside true friends.
No matter how vast or complex the mission across Europe feels, God has a beautiful way of reminding us that we are never doing it alone. And sometimes, he even provides a roommate who shares your exact evening routine.
by Daniel Goodman
Daniel Goodman (author of ‘Simply Preaching: A visual guide’) recently stepped down as an elder of City Church Cambridge and moved to the Netherlands to plant a church and encourage leaders in Europe (by selling them his new book ‘Simply Preaching: A visual guide’).
While he has never seen the film ‘Grease’, he has read the book ‘Simply Preaching: A visual guide’ by Daniel Goodman. Which he also wrote.