Earlier this month, SGA staff members had the opportunity to meet with the director of the Western Siberian Bible College in Omsk, Russia. He enthusiastically shared how the SGA-funded bachelor’s programme is helping to better equip workers for ministry. The student body includes experienced pastors, younger ministers, and regional leaders responsible for youth work and evangelism.
The programme seeks to provide a strong Biblical foundation for ministry rather than relying solely on traditional practices. The director explained that many pastors have entered ministry by simply following the example of their predecessors without receiving robust theological training.
There are already encouraging results from the programme. One graduate shared of how his studies helped him better understand his church’s responsibility to fulfil the Great Commission, leading his congregation to become more actively involved in outreach. As a result, the church experienced growth of 20% in just over two years. Another student reported that, after applying lessons learned through the programme, his congregation carried out organised evangelistic outreach for the first time.
The director also highlighted a growing demand for this type of training. As a result, the Bible College is considering more frequent student intakes in order to accommodate increasing interest and provide opportunities for more ministry workers to benefit from the programme.
Pray that this programme will continue to inspire Gospel workers to carry out their ministries in a Biblical manner, with an increasing passion to fulfil Christ’s commission both within their own regions and across the world.
SGA is delighted to partner with the Western Siberian Bible College, helping to provide partial funding needed for this programme to continue equipping workers for the great harvest fields.