Euro-Asia: Shepherdess Director Encourages Pastoral Wives at Session
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Dr. Galina Stele, director of Shepherdess and Pastors wives in the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Euro-Asia region, spoke Wednesday morning on the resurrection of Christ and encouraged women, who compose about 80 percent of the church body, to be active not only in the church but also within their society. |
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Galina Stele, director of Shepherdess International and Mission Institute for the Euro-Asia region. [photo by Gerry Chudleigh]
Dr. Galina Stele, director of Shepherdess and Pastors wives in the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Euro-Asia region, spoke Wednesday morning on the resurrection of Christ and encouraged women, who compose about 80 percent of the church body, to be active not only in the church but also within their society.
"I notice those members who are active in their church are also active in their society. We have women in high positions such as: directors of schools, engineers, scientists and doctors. They all have one thing in common: they want to make a difference in their church," she said.
Commenting on the involvement of women, Stele said, "The question of ordination is not an issue in our [church region]. Since our culture is composed of Orthodox and Muslims, it is accustomed for men to lead. However, women are not limited in any way; they can preach, be in charge of meetings, and conduct evangelistic campaigns."
Ultimately, she said, Stele wants to help women understand their role in society: "When we understand who Christ is; we realize our own true identity as followers and children of the Heavenly King. And only after this, we can serve Gods' mission. Both men and women need to actively participate in the church for it to be complete. If either one is left out, the church will be impaired."
"Participating actively in the church ever since my childhood prepared me for the service that I'm doing now," said Stele, a graduate of Andrews University with a Ph.D. in theology. After returning to Zaoski, her husband, Artur Stele, was elected to be the president of the Euro-Asia church region, and Galina took a more prominent position in the church.
"I am glad to have the opportunity to share all my experiences and ideas with others in the division." Her current responsibilities include working in the Institute of Mission, publishing the "Shepherdess' Journal," as well as being in charge of the training program for women.
"We need to realize that life is a journey, the situations we come across will change us and shape our lives," Stele said. "When difficulties arise we must remember that God will give us peace and renewed strength for each day, just [as] he did for Ruth and Naomi."
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