As our congregation grows, the need for faithful and Spirit-led leadership becomes clearer. Years of steady service, humility, and dedication have pointed to this moment of recognition and appointment.

We gathered in prayer as the Lord set apart a new elder within Beit Immanuel. Leadership in the body of Messiah is not about position, but about service, faithfulness, and a life that stays close to God in both public and quiet places. As Scripture says, an elder is called to be “above reproach… hospitable, able to teach, not a lover of money, but gentle, not quarrelsome” (1 Timothy 3:2–3), and to “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight… not under compulsion, but willingly” (1 Peter 5:2).

We were grateful to have our dear friend, Pastor Joseph Ammons from North Carolina with us, who traveled for to be with us on the special occasion. His presence brought encouragement, and he joined us in prayer and the laying on of hands, following the biblical pattern of commissioning leaders through prayer and recognition of the Holy Spirit’s work (Acts 13:2–3; 1 Timothy 4:14).

During the service, Dima Chernyshov was appointed as an elder within Beit Immanuel, recognizing years of faithful service, spiritual maturity, and dedication to the congregation. Following this local commissioning, pastors prayed over Dima and blessed him for the continued work of ministry, asking the Lord to grant him wisdom, strength, and guidance in this new season of leadership. In this moment, we were reminded that true leadership is not driven by position, but by dependence on the Holy Spirit and a heart willing to serve. As Yeshua taught, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43)

As a congregation, we are grateful for Dima's willingness to embrace this calling and for the example of faithful service he has already demonstrated over many years. We pray that the Lord would continue to draw him close, deepen his walk with Him, and give him discernment as he helps shepherd and care for the community entrusted to him. We also ask for God's peace, protection, and blessing over his family as they walk alongside him in this season.

We continue to stand with Dima in prayer, believing that the Lord who calls also strengthens, equips, and sustains. May this new season of leadership bring unity, growth, and fruitfulness, and may the Lord continue to guide His church in grace and truth. We also ask for your prayers that the Lord would continue to raise up faithful servants within our congregation, elders, deacons, and ministry leaders who are called, equipped, and willing to serve His people with humility and devotion.