Two Women and Four Men Ordained Into Ministry In Austria

Throughout the year, Transform Iran invests in the future of the Christian Church in Iran by discipling and mentoring converts and developing seasoned, wise leaders who can strengthen and nourish a growing Church and impact their communities and nation for Christ.

In September 2024, two women and four men, all full of the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit, were ordained into pastoral ministry. Many family, friends were invited to participate in the joyous ceremony and the gospel was shared clearly with those who do not yet know Jesus Christ.

Following that, we dove into several key training events in our centers in the Middle East, investing in children’s workers, underground church leaders, apologists, evangelists and church planters. Transform Iran continues to invest in the next generation of leaders for a fast growing, thriving Iranian Church.

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others

2 Timothy 2:2

Transform Iran takes the development of leaders very seriously. The health of the Church is at stake. At each stage, leaders are required to complete further studies in theology and church formation. Those ordained as ‘reverends’ need to have completed the equivalent of a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology. As well as distributing Holy Communion, baptizing converts and teaching and discipling others, ordained reverends carry influence beyond their own church across the body of 222 Churches and further afield too. Mentoring, accountability and discipleship continues throughout the life of a believer in a 222 Church. We are all called to a lifetime of learning and growing in our faith.

The whole program reminded me of Jesus saying, ‘if you love me, pick up your cross and follow me.’ Knowing the life of each one of these loved ones, how they have continually grown in their faith, and the fruit they have produced. I know they won’t hesitate.

They have already taken their cross and they are following Christ wherever he may lead them. I know each one of them has paid a price for keeping their faith and their integrity and their dedication, despite whatever has been hurled against them. They have run the course so far and they are determined to carry on.

They are ordained for a purpose and that is to serve their fellow countrymen and every single person who crosses their path. They all deserve to know the love of Christ and these anointed men and women will be ready to share it with them.

The whole experience was surreal. There was a palpable presence of the Holy Spirit with us. The whole church was overjoyed. The youth were motivated. The families were grateful and excited that this has set a course for continuity. The momentum is there; the presence of God is there; Holy Spirit wisdom and understanding is there; the unity of the saints is there. So who can stop them!?

Lazarus, Founder and President of Transform Iran and 222 Churches

Pray for our brothers and sisters as they step into a new level of calling and anointing as they serve the Lord God and His Bride.

I have always believed in the power of impartation through the laying on of hands, as outlined in Hebrews 6:1-2. It is one of the foundational principles of the early Church, a practice deeply rooted in Scripture. I have also understood this to be the method the Lord has chosen to transfer authority and anointing from one generation to the next from apostles, prophets, and pastors to their disciples throughout both the Old and New Testaments. This is why, with joyful anticipation, I looked forward to my ordination. On that day, in the church where the ordination took place, I felt a powerful presence and awe of God. Following the ceremony, I believe I received a fresh anointing, the activation of my spiritual gifts, and a double portion of courage and motivation to serve the Lord and advance His Kingdom. To this day, I continue to see and sense the impact of that moment in my life, my ministry, and my walk with the Lord.

Reverend Barmak Shayan, newly ordained overseer of 222 Churches across Europe

Praise God for the blessing of men and women of God who are prepared to lay down their lives to follow HIM.