Ministries Index  | Vision  |  Who We Train  | How We Train  | Current Plans and Projects

How Do We Train Them?

As of Fall, 2002, we are in the beginning phase of developing an ongoing training program in several towns and cities in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. This training program has several facets, as follows:

1. Evening Courses:
Classes are conducted once a week for 9 to 10 meetings at 2 – 21/2 hours each class. We have found that this is the optimum time length for most students who also work and have families. We are currently offering one course; “Preaching Biblical Messages” in two locations; Dnipropetrovsk and Novomoskovsk. In the future we hope to enlist several new teachers and be able to offer several courses at one time.

2. Theological and Ministry Libraries:
We are seeking ways to put more Bible study reference and ministry resource literature into the hands of church planters and other emerging leaders. This includes written materials and computer based resources. Currently we are developing a small theological library in Dnipropetrovsk with books for loan. We are also distributing a Theological Library on CD which is distributed through the MAF-DE Project. The disc contains a wealth of books, online courses and a tremendous study Bible program. We hope to also find ways of getting printed reference materials into the hands of our students at a low cost.

3. DTE Curriculum Research:
We are conducting research for finding good course materials in Russian for use in our classes. We hope to find one or more partner agencies to assist in providing the needed training resources for upcoming classes.

4. Computer Assisted / Distance Education:
In the future we hope to evaluate the possibilities of launching computer assisted training courses. In such courses students interact with course material that is contained on a CD and accessed on a computer. The lesson content is in the form of text, audio, video, and other multimedia as well as interactive quizzes and assignments. Discussions with the teacher and submission of assignments happen via e-mail. In most cases, an onsite mentor helps to guide students through the course though the teacher may be in another city. For more information about this approach to theological education, see the following websites:
MAF – Distance Education Project
Agape Biblia