Frontlines
New Name
New Vision
For most SGA supporters the initials ‘IBCS’ will have a familiar ring. For many years Bible knowledge and Christian training have been facilitated through this training across the vast and spiritually difficult regions of Central Asia. Many of today’s church leaders and Gospel ministers received their Bible education and training for ministry through distance learning by means of the Independent Bible Correspondence School. This invaluable resource enabled many students who would otherwise have little or no opportunity to train for ministry, to engage with God’s Word and receive sound Biblical education.
Until quite recently courses were delivered mainly to individual believers often completing their studies alone. However, with its new name ‘Resources for Ministry’ there comes an exciting expansion and development, which seeks to fulfil the need for Gospel training for churches and groups of believers as well as individuals in solitary study. SGA’s partners in Central Asia recognised the need to adapt to the changed situation which has emerged in the last three decades – the strengthening of established Gospel churches, the planting of new churches and the emergence and growth of Bible Study and fellowship groups. Our partners express it in this way:
It became clear that this project needed thoughtful restructuring. While methods and structures may change, our foundation remains firm. From the very beginning, two core principles have guided us and continue to shape everything we do:
- The purity of Biblical teaching at our unshakable foundation.
- Accessibility for anyone who desires to study God’s Word.
The change of approach can be described succinctly as moving from individual to church-based training for ministry. The name change reflects this broader vision, for what began as almost exclusively individual tuition and training was progressively adopted and adapted as structured training for groups and for local churches.
That development provides a comprehensive training package which combines solid instruction in Biblical principles and practical preparation for ministry service. It presents a number of challenges which, when addressed, will enhance the programme and help to accelerate its availability across all five Central Asian Republics and beyond. All, or part of the programme is available in the five CA languages. However, significant work lies ahead. Textbooks and materials must be revised, updated, and further translated – tasks calling for dedication, resources, and prayer.
Every effort will be made to preserve accessibility. All courses will continue to be available in printed format. The development and expansion of the online platform will continue to make the learning resources available to those unable to receive the material physically. SGA has been deeply involved in the support of this vital training programme for many years, recognising its immense worth in reaching beyond geographical and political boundaries, into countries and localities which are Gospel resistant. Thousands of committed students have completed the IBCS programme and are faithfully involved in a wide range of ministries in and beyond the church walls. The restructured format will undoubtedly enhance the training and make it available to an ever-widening body of students. The programme is bearing fruit!
A young former Muslim, Ibodullo, was contacted by believers at a Hope Centre in a Central Asian country. He attended a Christian camp, and came to faith in the Lord Jesus. He served the church there faithfully in many ways until he was drafted into the army. Having completed his military service he planned to work in Russia due to lack of local employment possibilities, but God had other plans for him. At his church the security guard retired, and Ibodullo was able to take up his post, an appointment which for him had so many benefits. He was able to join the Resources for Ministry programme, using the quiet hours of the night as he manned his post, to study and prepare himself for his ongoing ministry to children and teenagers.
Sergey Koslov also rejoices in the deepening of his Biblical knowledge and understanding through the Resources for Ministry training. Now a preacher in his local church he testifies to the benefit of this programme:
“These courses help me prepare teaching for home groups and sermons. Studying Scripture transforms my mind – it convicts, encourages, and comforts me… I clearly see that the Word of God changes people – and I am one of the clearest examples.”
Pray that ‘Resources for Ministry’ will continue to prepare students for the lifelong ministry of presenting Jesus Christ as the only Saviour.