SLAVIC GOSPEL ASSOCIATION

Ministry Report 2007: The Urgency of Bible Training

We previously noted that doors were beginning to close for evangelical ministry across the CIS. In 2007, those trends continued with the local governments of several countries tightening restrictions on the churches even further.

In light of this, the notable advancement of SGA-sponsored training ministries during 2007 is a cause for rejoicing. It is humbling to be used by the Lord to help ensure the next generation of faithful pastors and church workers as they proclaim the Gospel across the lands of Russia.

During 2007, SGA continued its sponsorship of the key UECB seminaries and Bible institutes in the CIS, as well as the Strategic Bible Institute (SBI) programs and Antioch training programs.

An amazing total of 1,421 faithful men and women benefited from SGA-sponsored training, including 320 students who were enrolled in Antioch training programs. More than half of the male students are already serving as preachers in their churches, and more than a fourth of them are already pastors, who are being equipped to teach the same courses to other men in their churches.

In 2007, the SGA-sponsored Irpen Biblical Seminary in Ukraine held classes in their new building, and the expanded capacity enabled them to add 50 new students plus a new training program for ministry to the hearing impaired.

In addition, Novosibirsk Biblical-Theological Seminary in Russia has begun its first distance-learning program, which helped bring the enrollment of an additional 35 students. Programs such as this are extremely valuable to students who live a significant distance away from the school and are unable to study there in residence.

Another major development in 2007 was the beginning of a new Strategic Bible Institute in the Siberian oil field city of Surgut, with 25 students enrolled in the first session which was in October. Local churches are very excited about this program, and the challenges faced by the students are unique. Many of them work full time in the region’s strategic oil and gas industry, and they are being allowed time off to pursue their biblical studies. The classes for this opening session focused on Homiletics, and Hermeneutics/Bibliology.

Ministry Reports Table of Contents

• God’s Continued Blessing on the Antioch Initiative
• The Urgency of Bible Training
• Faithful Church Planters Continue Their Dedicated Ministry
• Church Construction
• Children’s Outreaches Enjoy Significant Growth
• A Banner Year for Youth Ministry
• Encouraging Faithful Women in the Lord
• Long-Awaited Literature Projects Completed