Representing the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists of RussiaFrom the Campus
Novosibirsk Biblical-Theological Seminary
A total of 67 students graduated this spring at Novosibirsk, Russia — the newest seminary sponsored by SGA in Russia. Of that number . . .
Currently, there are 23 students enrolled. Three are resident students in the Master of Divinity program, nineteen are studying for the same degree through distance learning. One student, Pasha Shvitsov, is completing his Master of Theology degree now and will join the Novosibirsk faculty next year.
Another exciting development at Novosibirsk is that the seminary has received state licensing for professional educational activities. According to NBTS president Rev. Eduard Genrikh, this means that the seminary is the only licensed higher educational institution for biblical training in the region (and for many of the surrounding countries).
Since the opening of Novosibirsk in 1999, 343 students have graduated. Of these, 34 have completed the Master of Divinity or Master of Theology programs. The graduates serve in a wide variety of ministries, with the most common being pastor in their local churches. One of the graduates, Eugene Bakhmutsky, is pastoring in Moscow plus serving as the national youth director for the entire Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists.
Irpen Biblical Seminary
With your help, Irpen Biblical Seminary has now been in its new facility for two years. We are thankful to report that a total of 91 students graduated from the seminary following the spring term. Of that number . . .
This June, new students enrolled in the Pastoral and Christian Education Departments, to be joined in September by new enrollees in the Music and Deaf Ministry Departments.
Odessa Theological Seminary
Since its founding in 1989, the SGA-sponsored Odessa Theological Seminary has undergone tremendous development and growth in influence. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vladimir Shemchishin, Odessa students have impacted churches across the CIS, and increasingly on an international level.
This spring, more than 40 students graduated from Odessa. Of that number . . .
Minsk Theological Seminary
Despite the challenge from strict governmental restrictions in Belarus, the SGA-sponsored Minsk Theological Seminary continues to prepare faithful men and women for Gospel ministry. According to seminary president Rev. Leonid Mikhovich, a total of 26 students graduated from the seminary’s Music Department this spring, while the remaining students continued study in the Music, Theological and Pedagogical Departments.
Minsk Seminary professors also took part in special training sessions for church members in different cities across Belarus. There were classes on Bible study and biblical application in Brest, Baranovichy, Stolin, Pinsk, Soligorsk and other locations. In addition, the seminary hosted a major conference on the theology of worship and music ministry.
According to Pastor Mikhovich, the school’s challenges include tighter governmental rules on inviting foreign teachers and ministers. Repairs and remodeling are also needed in the growing seminary library, and completion of the cafeteria. Please join us in lifting these needs before the Lord.
