Unity in Christ often means we should listen before leading.

“We went to serve but left transformed.” Minister in Training Ellie Watson and the team deeply challenged and inspired

Last October I had the opportunity to travel to Romania with a group of ten pastors from the Metropolitan Region for five days on mission. We travelled from Luton to Suceava where we visited Pastor Liviu and Denise of Bethany church in Botoşani. During the trip we visited a school, met families, ministered at churches and served the local community.

I quickly realised that whilst serving the local churches and ministries was great, one of the most meaningful parts of the trip was not what we gave, but what we received from being there. Liviu and Denise modelled so well what it is to faithfully serve their communities every day, their passion for the Gospel was so clear. Their community’s commitment to prayer, hospitality and perseverance challenged and inspired us all.

An impactful moment came when we visited centres for children and adults with Downs Syndrome. In much of Romania, those with disabilities still face significant stigma and are often excluded by society.

While these centres are places of family and joy, the need for community is great. We listened to stories from workers who have dedicated their lives to advocating for people who are too often overlooked. We had the privilege of spending time with the individuals themselves when we shared songs, food, laughter, and conversation.

During our time in Romania, our team had the opportunity to partner with the local church in practical ways. One of those ways was by the men helping to repaint one of their church buildings. The work was simple yet met a real need. It was also great for us to contribute to something the church would continue using long after we had left.

Something different that I had to learn, was that in many Romanian churches, cultural tradition means that women are not able to be pastors. As a woman Minister in Training, this was a challenge for me. I desired to serve wholeheartedly but also knew that part of my calling could not be expressed there. Yet even in these moments, God used conversations, relationships and reflection to teach me.

Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do, I found new ways to encourage and support, ways that honoured both their context and my ministry. It was a good reminder that unity in Christ often requires us to listen before leading.

By the end of the trip, our team left Romania grateful and refreshed. God revealed once again that His church is different in expression, yet united in purpose.

After reflecting and learning on this trip, I am excited for what’s ahead. This month I will be leading my own group of young people on a mission trip to Girona, Spain. My hope is that they too will experience what we did and that it will impact their lives and faith journeys.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.