Church in Albania Cultivates Community Through Support Groups

How a local congregation is expanding its reach across the country and the Balkans.

August 13, 2025 | Sarah Henke, Trans-European Division, and Adventist Review

In response to the growing emotional and spiritual needs of its community, Tirana East Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tirana, Albania, has expanded its outreach through a network of support groups. Focused on personal growth, faith development, and meaningful connection, these gatherings have become an extension of the church’s ministry. “Through both in-person and virtual formats the initiative engages parents, educators, men, and women, offering safe spaces for dialogue, shared experiences, and practical encouragement,” leaders behind the initiative said.

For the past three years the church has hosted online support groups for parents and teachers twice a month, creating a space in which families and educators journey together in raising children with character and faith. “These virtual gatherings have drawn participants not only from Albania but also from North Macedonia and Kosovo, including many non-Adventists who value the warm, enriching environment for dialogue and growth,” regional church leaders reported.

In April 2025 the groups were enriched by the presence of special guests. Jane Hetland, a Canadian nurse, and Ray Hetland, her husband and psychiatrist, led an impactful session on navigating adolescent mental health.

Marko Zeko, Family Ministries director for the Adriatic Union Conference, offered encouragement on emotional well-being for parents. In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Sanda and Gentian Thomollari facilitated a session featuring written testimonies from parents of autistic children as a way of fostering empathy, understanding, and solidarity within the group.

A new training series, Leadership—Leading Beyond the Classroom, launched in collaboration with the HIM Research Institute based in Birmensdorf, Switzerland, sought to equip teachers with practical leadership skills beyond academic settings.

Attendees emphasized how impactful these initiatives were. “I attend with joy and always invite my colleagues,” said Drita Kamberi from Kosovo.

Luljeta Roci, from North Macedonia, agreed. “I’ve gained more insight and motivation here than anywhere else. Your words help me keep going in this demanding profession.” To date, more than 250 teachers receive the group’s resources by email, and 40 to 50 join the live sessions regularly, organizers reported.

In early May the Tirana East church expanded its support network with the launch of two new in-person groups, one for men and one for women, designed to provide safe, meaningful spaces for spiritual and personal reflection.

The men’s group draws lessons from the lives of biblical figures, with a focus on leadership, integrity, and perseverance. “We all need support, wisdom, and accountability,” said participant Manolo Lanollari. “It’s good to come together and talk about things that matter.”

The women’s group follows The Best You Can Be, a Women’s Ministries resource that invites participants into a journey of self-discovery through reflective exercises and shared discussion. Vjolloca Zesllari, a longtime church member, reflected: “I’ve been in this church for 22 years, and these meetings still manage to surprise me with something fresh and meaningful. I can’t wait for the next one.”

“Through these ongoing efforts, Tirana East church continues to be a beacon of support,” Thomollari said. “It is strengthening families and educators in their mission to raise children with wisdom and love.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Trans-European Division news site.