From March 27 to April 1, 2026, the Family Ministries Leadership Training (FMLT) brought together more than 50 delegates from across the European continent. This collaborative initiative, jointly organized by the Trans-European Division (TED) and the Inter-European Division (EUD), served as a strategic hub for leaders dedicated to the enrichment of family life and ecclesiastical support systems.
A Collaborative Approach to Leadership
The program was spearheaded by Karen Holford (TED Family Ministries Director) and Pastor Roberto Iannò (EUD Family Ministries Director). The synergy between the two divisions underscored a unified commitment to addressing the evolving needs of contemporary families.
The gathering commenced with a formal welcome from Pastor Yaroslav Yankov, President of the North Field and official representative of the Bulgarian Union. Supporting the seamless execution of the intensive six-day schedule were administrative assistants Abigail (TED) and Sonja (EUD).
Comprehensive Curriculum and Intergenerational Focus
The FMLT curriculum is designed as a comprehensive three-year cycle, meeting annually for intensive training. The 2026 session featured a robust academic and practical syllabus, including:
Core Seminars: Specialist sessions on Family Ethics, Christian Parenting, and Human Sexuality.
Expert Faculty: Lectures were delivered by a distinguished panel including Karen Holford, Roberto Iannò, Gábor Mihalec, and Majio Roth.
Intergenerational Worship: A significant portion of the program, led by Karen Holford, was dedicated to immersive experiences in Sabbath observance and fostering worship environments that bridge generational gaps.
Daily spiritual nourishment was provided through morning devotionals led by a diverse cohort of regional representatives, including Marko and Marina Zek and Rio Espulgar (TED), alongside Stefan Stefanov and Marius Andrei (EUD).
Integration and Applied Learning
Beyond theoretical frameworks, the training emphasized group dynamics and practical application. This was further enriched by a cultural excursion to the city of Varna, facilitated by Ivalina Ilieva, assistant to the Bulgarian Union administrators.
The impact of the program was reflected in the feedback from attendees. Vilma Metodieva (North Macedonia, TED) described the training as a "profound experience of God’s love," noting that the insights into marriage and sexuality helped her internalize a "true picture" of divine relationships. This experience has inspired her to further her service in family ministry, helping others experience the joy of an "abundant life" within their own homes.
Cristina Bastos (Portugal, EUD) highlighted the value of the collaborative group work and the diverse approaches to parenting and sexuality. She particularly appreciated the program's emphasis on "wonder" and the spiritual importance of slowing down to "taste daily life, one step at a time."
Future Horizons
As a rolling three-year certification, the FMLT continues to cater to both new enrollees and those approaching graduation. The momentum generated in Bulgaria is set to carry forward into the coming year.
The next session of the Family Ministries Leadership Training is scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary, from February 26 to March 4, 2027.
For further information:
Detailed course descriptions are available on the TED Family Ministries webpage. Specific inquiries regarding the three-year program may be directed to:
Karen Holford: kholford@ted.adventist.org
Roberto Iannò: roberto.ianno@eud.adventist.org
