Church Partnerships
Transformation near and far
A partnership, rooted in relationship, between your church and another in the Balkans or Eastern Europe is a fantastic way to actively play your part in God’s plan for the nations. Church partnerships bless and encourage Christian brothers and sisters overseas, and they also transform the discipleship of those in your own church, as they get involved through prayer, giving and going.
"We, as individuals and as a church, have been massively blessed by this relationship. It brought to life a vital mission interest in many people, not only those who have been out to Bulgaria.”
"It's a great opportunity to gain insight into another culture, and it is one the whole church community can share in…”
What is a Church Partnership?
A TEN Church Partnership connects a UK church (or Christian group or individual) with a church or Christian organisation in Eastern Europe or the Balkans. Together, they encourage one another in their shared vision to see God’s Kingdom grow.
Church Partnerships are both practical and prayerful. They involve a financial commitment from the UK church to support the ministry of their partner church, helping to strengthen and sustain gospel work on the ground. They also create opportunities for team visits, where members can serve shoulder to shoulder with their European partners—learning from one another, sharing fellowship and building lasting relationships.
At the heart of every partnership is prayer. As churches pray for one another, mutual love deepens and specific needs are brought before God, who works in power through His people. As we walk together in faith, we grow together in discipleship.
How does TEN help?
We ensure each partnership is the right match and we bring practical support, so you can focus on developing a lasting relationship that brings you and your partner blessings and grows God’s kingdom where you both are.
We are always open to new ideas and would be very happy to arrange a visit with your church leaders to discuss in more detail what a church partnership could look like for you.
Take a look at Church Partnerships: An Introduction to find out more about the benefits of a partnership and information about next steps. To have a conversation about the potential of a TEN church partnership, contact Lucy Reid, our Mission Engagement Officer at lucy.reid@ten-uk.org or on 0117 961 5161.
Get Connected
We currently have five partners who we would love to connect you with through a partnership. Find out about them here and to discover more, take a look at their profiles.
Artur Tushi, Albania
Artur serves as a pastor of two churches: one in Berat and another in Kucove. Together with his wife Noku, he recently launched Vila Art, a beautiful guest house within historic Berat Castle that helps to sustain the ministry of the churches. Artur dreams of building a network of Christian businesspeople in Berat who can encourage one another and support local ministry.
Ami Oprenova-Stavrou, Bulgaria
Ami is the worship director at First Baptist Church of Sofia. She leads the worship team, trains musicians, and directs handbell choirs that share the gospel throughout the community. Ami’s ministry has helped introduce new worship songs across evangelical churches in Bulgaria, drawing people closer to God. Married to Chris with two young boys, Ami is passionate about using music to build God’s kingdom in Bulgaria. She has also recently started a youth ministry at her church and runs ministries for families.
Robert Salamanov, North Macedonia
Robert’s story is one of transformation. Robert was formerly addicted to drugs but he came to faith and began serving at his local church in Stip, faithfully helping with outreach in nearby Sveti Nikole. Today, Robert pastors Radovis Evangelical Church, sharing the gospel throughout his community with a particular focus on bringing the hope of Christ to the local miners.
Anita Dimitrievska, North Macedonia
Anita has been actively involved in church ministry for twenty years including serving with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). Anita is Senior Pastor of Ohrid Evangelical Church, where she also leads a women’s ministry and a youth ministry, Royal Rangers. Anita’s heart is to build friendships and to seize opportunities to serve people in the local community.
Ivan Petrov, North Macedonia
Ivan is one of our youngest leaders, who pastors Stip Evangelical Church. He previously served with YWAM, completing Discipleship Training School in Budapest and later joining their staff. Ivan has a passion to evangelise young people. Last summer, he was a host at the largest international young festival to take place in the Balkans.