Six Months into Service: Reflections from the EBF President and Vice President

Six months ago, the European Baptist Federation appointed Charlie Costa (from Lebanon) as President and Einike Pilli (from Estonia) as Vice President. While many across the EBF family know their names, fewer may know what this role looks like in practice—or have the opportunity to ask how their journey has been so far.

In this reflection, we invited them to share about their first months in the role: what they have been hearing from Baptists across the region, where they see signs of hope, and what they hope to contribute in this season of leadership.

1. For those in our community who may not know, how would you describe the role of President and Vice President in the European Baptist Federation?

CC: In addition to chairing the meetings of the ExCo and council, I feel that my role is to be an encouragement to the Gen. Sec. Brainstorming with him on ideas or helping to seek answers to challenges the EBF might face. Second, I  serve as an advocate for the member unions in their context, when possible. I  envision travelling to visit member unions to encourage the leadership, offer counsel when asked, and encourage training partnerships when possible.

EP: The role of Vice President is a little bigger than that of an ordinary ExCo member and chair of the commission, but smaller than the president’s. The role means that I think and pray for EBF, attend events organised by EBF (including ExCo), share encouragement and care for people where and when possible and interact regularly with other members of the leadership team. In case some member unions invite me to visit them, I am willing to go.

2. During your first six months, you have been listening to Baptists across many different contexts. What voices, concerns, or hopes have stayed with you the most?

CC: The voices I  heard were of commitment to the mission and vision of EBF while at the same time voicing concern for the theological drift between East and West. The exciting thing is that all those voices are committed to working together to preserve unity and community. I  heard voices that celebrated the church-planting efforts of EBF. Some unions celebrated by supporting financially, and some others by making church planting on the ground a reality. I  also heard the voices of pain because of war. I  celebrate the EBF response to these painful times. I  heard voices of hope in the growth of our Baptist work in the EBF region.

EP: There has been both joy and worry. Joy about new believers and churches, and the phenomenon of „quiet revival“. Worry, or should I say challenge and prayer, because of the declining churches and different understandings of some ethical issues. I see a lot of potential in bringing people together and taking time to listen to each other. God is working everywhere and in thousands of ways!

Abound Senior Leadership Network gathering in Krakow at the beginning of February.

3. Our region faces many challenges—from conflict and displacement to growing secularism. Where are you seeing signs of hope in the Baptist family across our region?

CC: Our hope is in Christ. That fact alone allows us to see hope even in the darkness of war and encourages us to present the Gospel of hope to hopeless, hurting people. As president, I  see my role as the promoter of such action, giving the support our Gen. Sec. needs as he spearheads these gallant efforts.

EP: I see hope in every person who loves God and people. This is the light that shines, no matter how difficult the circumstances are. During the times of increasing hopelessness, anxiety and mental health problems, I consider it especially important that we do not forget the hope we have in Jesus and in the power of His resurrection.

4. The EBF brings together churches from very different cultures, histories, and realities. What do you see as the unique role of the EBF in helping us remain connected and learn from one another?

CC: Although cultural and historical diversity can be an Achilles heel for EBF, it also can be its source of strength. Probably the starkest example can be how a Union of one country can help another in establishing ethnic churches that become a reality due to migration. This can strengthen the fabric of our federation and fulfil its intended purpose.

EP: Our diversity is our blessing and our challenge. However, this is not something unique – in each local congregation we have people with different understanding, socio-economic background, personal preferences and with some fragile „spots“. We need to love each other well despite these differences. Perhaps this is the biggest lesson to learn.   

Meeting of Central and Eastern European leaders of Baptist associations in January.

5. Before stepping into this role, were there hopes or longings you carried for the EBF? How do you sense you can contribute to those now as President and Vice President?

CC: These hopes have been there ever since I  represented my region in the EBF in 1995. The expression of these hopes and dreams has changed with the changing times and circumstances. Yet no matter the changes and challenges, EBF has continued to serve as a catalyst for unity, outward reach to the world and a source of hope in the midst of troubled times. My role is to see that these dreams can become a reality.

EP: I hope I can. One of my dreams was and is to include more of the younger generation. I was very happy to see Philip from Croatia and Loulwa from Lebanon acting as MC-s of the last council’s preconference. I am glad that my young(er) Estonian and Latvian colleagues like to attend the events organised by EBF. I am glad about the two-generational approach in Abound, where senior leaders bring along promising younger leaders. I have helped to prepare the training program for the younger leaders with Kadi Tingas. I am glad about the activities of the Youth and Children Committee. I hope to see even more of young people in different roles in the future.  

6. As you look toward the coming years, what do you hope will grow or deepen within the EBF community?

CC: The future holds quite a few challenges for the EBF. Yet, none can stop EBF from moving forward if things are discussed, decided and done in the spirit of unity and community. 

EP: I hope that East and West, South and North, come closer to each other as one family. I dream of new believers – younger and older – in our member unions. I hope and work for sound and Biblical baptistic theology taught in our seminaries and churches. I would like to see our churches and unions bringing God’s Kingdom on earth in multiple ways and by contributing to the life of their communities. And last but not least – I hope that the knowledge of God’s love, truth and good news will grow and deepen in every one of us!

Listen to Charlie's interview for the Hungarian Baptist Union.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYXSApog2-E