SLAVIC GOSPEL ASSOCIATION

Training in Truth

Preparing the Lord’s servants to preach His Gospel — before the doors to evangelism close.

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

There are many compelling reasons to feel great urgency about bringing the Gospel to as many people as possible across the lands of Russia. Here are just two of the challenges Slavic Gospel Association faces:

1. More than 140 million people live in Russia today. And unlike in most industrialized countries, that number is actually shrinking. The country is losing population equivalent to a city the size of San Francisco every year. A full 90 percent of cities, towns and villages lack even one Bible-preaching church. Tragically, that means a large portion of this declining population may die without ever having heard the message of God’s grace and salvation.

2. The evidence in many countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is clear: the doors to evangelism may be closing. Religious freedom is coming under increasing attack. Stricter enforcement of ordinances that limit worship and evangelization is common in several nations. And laws further restricting religious practices are being considered in both local and national governments. No one knows when, or even if, this will happen. But the liberties believers now enjoy may not last.

For SGA, the key to fulfilling the Great Commission under these increasingly challenging circumstances is to continue focusing on planting churches. Right now, across the lands of Russia — an area spanning 11 time zones — only one community in 10 has a Bible-preaching church. Clearly, many more are needed.

The primary reason more congregations aren’t forming is the severe shortage of trained pastors, evangelists and church planters.

That’s why SGA long ago made a commitment to support the training of qualified men whom the Lord has called to dedicate their lives to our Lord’s service.

The Russian evangelical church has a long history of reliance on absolute biblical truth. They have made Bible training a top priority for their leaders. They know that even youth directors must be prepared to answer hard questions as they reach out to young people with God’s Word. Pastors, missionaries, church planters and evangelists must all be equipped to present a complete defense of the Gospel, respond to false teaching and touch the hearts and minds of Russia’s lost generations.

Bible-believing churches in Russia are praying for pastors and leaders who are fully trained in the interpretation of Scripture, prepared to defend a pure Christian doctrine and able to preach persuasively in Jesus’ name. But most congregations struggle with poverty and the skyrocketing cost of living. They cannot afford to train the leadership they need.

That’s why SGA sponsors seminaries and Bible institutes to equip the leaders God is calling all across the former Soviet Union. We want you to be aware of the need — and the encouraging testimonies of students and graduates who are grateful for the work our Lord is doing in their homeland through the help friends like you provide.