In this episode of 12-Minute Convos with Jesus Believers, Engel Jones connects with pioneer church planter Pastor Erion Çuni, joining the program from Tirana, Albania. Erion shares a remarkable testimony that unfolded during a historic turning point in his home country. Growing up as a Bektashi Muslim in a nation that had lived under a strict communist regime for more than 60 years, Erion knew God primarily as a strict judge who weighed human actions in good and bad. Everything changed in 1994 when Western missionaries arrived, and he encountered John 3:17 discovering the transformative truth that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but that the world through Him might be saved. That revelation sparked a 34-year walk with Christ and nearly 20 years as a pioneer pastor and church planter raising up first- and second-generation evangelical believers across Albania.
Erion opens up about his family life having been married at age 27 and now raising two children (ages 17 and 10) who actively participate in ministry and candidly discusses the current mission field in Albania, where many young people migrate westward, leaving a harvest with few workers. Resting on the promises of Psalm 1, Erion shares how trusting God’s guidance over human skills brings fruitfulness in every season. If you have ever carried the heavy burden of condemnation, wrestled with life transitions, or wondered how God builds His Church from scratch, Pastor Erion’s inspiring story of faith and perseverance in Albania will deeply refresh your soul!
Guest's Bio
Professional Profile
Christian pastor, church planter, ministry leader, conference speaker, and trainer with extensive experience in evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and church multiplication throughout Albania. Passionate about equipping leaders and strengthening local churches.
Ministry Experience
- Senior Pastor Life in Christ Church, Tirana (2006–Present)
- Church leadership, preaching, discipleship, church planting, oversight of ministries.
- Church Planting Coordinator
- Bible League Albania
- Training pastors, coaching church planters, coordinating national initiatives.
- Senior Pastor Living Water Adopt a Child Albania Spiritual leadership and community outreach.
- National Coordinator Christianity Explored Albania Translation, implementation, and leadership training.
- Board Member Digital Media Church Albania Digital ministry strategy and leadership.
Core Skills Biblical Preaching • Church Planting • Leadership Development • Discipleship • Evangelism • Conference Speaking • Ministry Strategy • Team Leadership • Community Outreach
Personal Married to Gentiana Çuni • Father of Abiel and Lois
Languages Albanian (Native), English