Passing the Torch: Nurturing Local Leadership in the Church
“Our mission was always to make disciple-making churches that impact Croatia,” said Kent Pickslay, a current missionary serving in Croatia.
Kent and Cheri Pickslay have been doing ministry in Croatia since 1993. After moving to Trogir, a small town on the southern coast, they planted their third church “Nova Nada” (New Hope).
What began as small fellowship meetings and English discussion groups has grown into a flourishing congregation with an international flavor due to their live English translations for their non-Croatian attendees.
The church recently passed a new milestone with the transition of leadership from Kent to local pastor Darijo Miletić.
“We want them to be Croatian-led, and Darijo seemed like the obvious choice,” Kent says.
Darijo initially led worship before becoming the assistant pastor when the church officially registered in 2020. “He saw the spiritual potential in me and always encouraged me to use it,” Darijo said, when discussing Kent’s impact on his leadership.
When the time came for Kent and Cheri to think about going back to the U.S. for partnership development, Kent said, “I thought back to the transition of leadership at previous church plants, and I wondered if we could do that again.”
After completing enough coursework to obtain his ministerial license, Darijo was voted in as lead pastor on March 23, 2025. The church also held a special event celebrating his licensing and new role.
This church’s transition occurs in a country where, according to a 2021 census, 79% of the population identifies as Catholic, with most others being Orthodox, Muslim or non-religious. This religious landscape can sometimes create opposition to evangelical outreach. 
Kent conveyed his excitement for Darijo’s opportunity to model servant leadership within the church. Darijo said his hope for the church is “to strengthen the power of the Gospel in the life of believers. To make the ‘red letters’ alive again in our life,” (referring to Bibles that have printed the words of Jesus in red).
Darijo has successfully transitioned into the role of lead pastor and continues to lead worship and preach, while managing a family bed and breakfast, studying theology at university and being a devoted husband and father.
The Pickslays will continue helping with discipleship and preaching at Nova Nada while serving on the board and mentoring Darijo.